Jewish Family Service Of San Diego

IMPACT-DRIVEN ORGANIZATION WORKING TO BUILD A STRONGER, HEALTHIER, MORE RESILIENT SAN DIEGO.

BASIC NEEDS AND STABILITY: BASIC NEEDS AND STABILITY SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE COUNSELING, CASE MANAGEMENT, HUNGER AND FOOD SECURITY, HOUSING AND HOMELESS SERVICES, REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT & IMMIGRATION, AND PARENTING PROGRAMS. PEOPLE = 38,172 (ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTIONS IN SCHEDULE O)BREAST CANCER CASE MANAGEMENT - BREAST CANCER CASE MANAGEMENT (BCCM) WORKS WITH CLIENTS TO INCREASE ACCESS TO RESOURCES TO SUPPORT THE PHYSICAL, MENTAL, FINANCIAL, AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING DURING ALL STAGES OF DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND RECOVERY. THE ONLY PROGRAM OF ITS KIND IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY, BCCM UTILIZES AN INTENSIVE MEDICAL CASE MANAGEMENT MODEL. THE CASE MANAGER MEETS WITH WOMEN IN THE COMFORT OF THEIR OWN HOMES TO PROVIDE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT, RESOURCE COORDINATION, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AND HELP NAVIGATING THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF TREATMENT. WOMEN WITH ADEQUATE SUPPORT SERVICES ALREADY IN PLACE ARE ABLE TO ACCESS FINANCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO HELP ADDRESS THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF A BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS AND TO ENSURE THAT THEY AND THEIR FAMILIES CAN WEATHER THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF TREATMENT AND RECOVERY.COMMUNITY CASE MANAGEMENT - COMMUNITY CASE MANAGEMENT (CCM) PROVIDES CRITICAL ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN CRISIS TO HELP THEM IMPROVE THEIR STANDARD OF LIVING, PREVENT REOCCURRING CRISES, AND INCREASE STABILITY. CCM CASE MANAGERS WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CLIENTS TO STRENGTHEN THEIR SKILLS FOR FINANCIAL STABILITY AS WELL AS THEIR EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, AND SOCIAL BY DEVELOPING PERSONALIZED ACTION PLANS TO ADDRESS FINANCIAL CHALLENGES, MENTAL HEALTH AND OTHER CHALLENGES. CCM PROVIDES EMERGENCY FOOD, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AND REFERRALS FOR HOUSING, LEGAL, AND HEALTH RESOURCES, IF NEEDED, AND WORKS CLOSELY WITH OTHER JFS SERVICES ACROSS THE ORGANIZATION.CLINICAL COUNSELING - JFS PROVIDES INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP COUNSELING FOR TEENS, ADULTS, COUPLES, AND FAMILIES. OUR THERAPISTS SPECIALIZE IN WORKING WITH PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM MOOD AND ANXIETY DISORDERS, SURVIVORS OF VIOLENCE, AND OLDER ADULTS WITH CHALLENGES RELATED TO THE AGING PROCESS. THERAPISTS WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CLIENTS TO STRENGTHEN COPING SKILLS, BUILD STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME DISORDERS SUCH AS DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, AND INCREASE STABILITY. CLINICAL COUNSELING AT JFS INCREASES PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AND SUPPORTS INDIVIDUAL RESILIENCE THROUGHOUT THE LIFESPAN. CLINICAL COUNSELING WORKS CLOSELY WITH OTHER JFS PROGRAMS, SUCH AS COMMUNITY CASE MANAGEMENT, AND AGING & WELLNESS SERVICES, TO REMOVE PRACTICAL BARRIERS TO TREATMENT AND TO INCREASE INDEPENDENCE. DURING THE PANDEMIC, STAFF ALSO PROVIDED SEVERAL VIRTUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION, TOOLS AND RESOURCES TO THE COMMUNITY RELATED TO MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS.DESERT VISTA/DESERT ROSE PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING - DESERT VISTA/DESERT ROSE PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING IS THE ONLY PROGRAM OF ITS KIND IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY, SPECIFICALLY TARGETING THE CHRONICALLY HOMELESS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES, AND PROVIDES BOTH HOUSING AND INTENSIVE SUPPORT TO PERMANENTLY DISABLED, HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY. CLIENTS GO DIRECTLY FROM THE STREETS AND EMERGENCY SHELTERS INTO JFS DESERT VISTA AND DESERT ROSE APARTMENTS LOCATED IN THE WESTERN COACHELLA VALLEY. THE DESERT VISTA AND DESERT ROSE SITES HAVE A COMBINED CAPACITY TO SERVE UP TO NEARLY 60 CHRONICALLY HOMELESS MEN AND WOMEN. THE PROGRAM'S PURPOSE IS TO PROVIDE PERMANENT HOUSING AND COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES TO MEN AND WOMEN WHOSE HOMELESSNESS IS EXACERBATED BY A RANGE OF BARRIERS TO REMAINING IN INDEPENDENT HOUSING.FAMILY CONNECTIONS - FAMILY CONNECTIONS COMBINES THE SERVICES OF SUPPORTING JEWISH SINGLE PARENTS (SJSP) AND JEWISH BIG PALS. SJSP PARENTS CONNECT TO OTHER JEWISH SINGLE PARENTS AND LEARN HOW TO ACCESS VITAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES THROUGH NETWORKING, EMOTIONAL AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT, AND ADVOCACY. SJSP STRENGTHENS PARTICIPANTS' SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY. BIG PALS ARE CARING ADULTS WHO MENTOR CHILDREN AGES 6-16 FROM SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES. BIG PALS HELP THEIR LITTLE PALS DEVELOP SELF-ESTEEM, JEWISH IDENTITY, AND BUILD LASTING RELATIONSHIPS THAT CAN CHANGE THEIR PERSPECTIVE ON THE WORLD. HAND UP FOOD PANTRY HOLIDAY PROGRAM - SAN DIEGANS FACING HUNGER COME TO THE HAND UP FOOD PANTRY FOR NUTRITIOUS FOOD AND OTHER RESOURCES THAT ALLEVIATE THEIR HUNGER, LOWER THEIR STRESS LEVELS, AND HELP THEM TO PREPARE HEALTHY MEALS FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES. TO HELP OUR CLIENTS CELEBRATE IMPORTANT HOLIDAYS IN A DIGNIFIED MANNER, THE HAND UP FOOD PANTRY HOLIDAY PROGRAM PROVIDES HOLIDAY-SPECIFIC FOOD ITEMS, LIKE TURKEY AND CRANBERRIES, AROUND THANKSGIVING. HOLIDAY PACKAGES ARE PROVIDED TO PEOPLE WHO RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM ALL JFS PROGRAMS, INCLUDING GERIATRIC CARE MANAGEMENT, COMMUNITY CASE MANAGEMENT, FOODMOBILE, REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES, THE POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAM, AND FAMILY CONNECTIONS.HAND UP FOOD PANTRY - SAN DIEGANS FACING HUNGER COME TO THE HAND UP FOOD PANTRY FOR NUTRITIOUS FOOD AND OTHER RESOURCES THAT ALLEVIATE THEIR HUNGER, LOWER THEIR STRESS LEVELS, AND HELP THEM TO PREPARE HEALTHY MEALS FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES. ALONG WITH FOOD, STAFF PROVIDE VALUABLE REFERRALS TO COMMUNITY RESOURCES AS WELL AS TO JFS SERVICES, SO CLIENTS CAN GET THE HELP THEY NEED TO BECOME MORE SELF-SUFFICIENT AND FOOD SECURE. WITH AN EMPHASIS ON FRESH PRODUCE AND HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS, HAND UP DISTRIBUTES FOOD AT THE CLIENT CHOICE PANTRY AT ITS KEARNY MESA CAMPUS, AT THE COLLEGE AVENUE SOCIAL & WELLNESS CENTER, OHR SHALOM SYNAGOGUE, MURPHY CANYON MILITARY HOUSING, CAMP PENDLETON, AND CHABAD OF DOWNTOWN, AS WELL AS VIA THE JFS FOODMOBILE.THE HAND UP PROGRAM PROVIDES SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD TO ANYONE IN NEED IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY. THOSE SERVED COME FROM A WIDE ARRAY OF BACKGROUNDS AND LIFE EXPERIENCES. AMONG CLIENTS ARE OLDER ADULTS LIVING ON FIXED INCOMES, CHRONICALLY AND TEMPORARILY HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES FACING FINANCIAL CRISES DUE TO JOB LOSS OR UNEXPECTED EXPENSES, MILITARY FAMILIES WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY MAKING ENDS MEET IN THE SAN DIEGO ECONOMY, NEWLY-ARRIVED REFUGEES, SINGLE PARENTS WITH LOW INCOMES, PEOPLE REBUILDING THEIR LIVES AFTER LEAVING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SITUATIONS, AND INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES AND CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS. HAND UP IS ONE OF THE LARGEST LOCAL PANTRIES DELIVERING FOOD AND HYGIENE ITEMS TO ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY FAMILIES WITH LOW INCOMES.HAND UP LOANS - CLIENTS CAN RECEIVE INTEREST-FREE LOANS OF UP TO $7,500, TO FUND ACTIVITIES SUCH AS HIGHER EDUCATION, ENHANCED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, TRANSPORTATION, AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT TO SUPPORT LONG-TERM STABILITY THROUGH JFS'S PARTNERSHIP WITH JEWISH FREE LOAN ASSOCIATION, LOS ANGELES.IMMIGRATION SERVICES - WIDELY RECOGNIZED AS A TRUSTED PROVIDER IN THE COMMUNITY, JFS IMMIGRATION SERVICES PROVIDE LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WITH HIGH-QUALITY LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR A NOMINAL FEE. IMMIGRATION SERVICES STAFF HELP CLIENTS IDENTIFY AND APPLY FOR AVAILABLE IMMIGRATION BENEFITS, SUCH AS CITIZENSHIP, PERMANENT RESIDENCY OR WORK ELIGIBILITY. THIS HELPS THEM GAIN GREATER PROTECTION FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES, BUILD STABILITY, AND INCREASE THEIR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT. THE PROGRAM CONNECTS CLIENTS TO ADDITIONAL SERVICES ACCORDING TO THEIR NEEDS; LAST FISCAL YEAR, THESE INCLUDED REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT, THE HAND UP FOOD PANTRY, BREAST CANCER CASE MANAGEMENT, , AND ACCESS JFS. IMMIGRATION SERVICES STAFF ALSO WORK TO COMBAT THE UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF IMMIGRATION LAW (UPIL) BY DELIVERING EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS.SHELTER FOR ASYLUM SEEKING FAMILIES - BEGINNING IN OCTOBER 2018, JFS OPENED AN EMERGENCY SHELTER TO SERVE FAMILIES SEEKING ASYLUM. AS OF JUNE 30, 2021, THE SHELTER HAS SERVED 35,118 INDIVIDUALS. THE SHELTER PROVIDES BASIC SERVICES INCLUDING FOOD, CLOTHING, AND SHELTER, IN ADDITION TO CASE MANAGEMENT AND LEGAL SERVICES.SAN DIEGO RAPID RESPONSE NETWORK - FORMED IN LATE 2016, THE RAPID RESPONSE NETWORK IS A COALITION OF ORGANIZATIONS FROM A VARIETY OF SECTORS THAT SHARE THE GOAL OF COORDINATING RESOURCES FOR INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY IMMIGRATION POLICIES. JFS IS THE FISCAL AGENT FOR THE COALITION.

AGING WITH DIGNITY: JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE IS THE PREMIER PROVIDER OF SERVICES TO OLDER ADULTS IN SAN DIEGO. JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE SENIOR PROGRAMS INCLUDE GERIATRIC CARE MANAGEMENT, TRANSPORTATION-ON THE GO, SERVING OLDER HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS (SOS), SOCIAL AND WELLNESS CENTERS, FIX IT SERVICE AND FOODMOBILE. PEOPLE = 7,988 (ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTIONS IN SCHEDULE O)GERIATRIC CARE MANAGEMENT - THE GERIATRIC CARE MANAGEMENT (GCM) PROGRAM PROVIDES OLDER ADULTS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS WITH A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH IMPROVED MANAGEMENT OF THEIR HEALTH NEEDS, AND ENHANCED SUPPORT SYSTEMS. TO MAXIMIZE INDEPENDENCE AND ENHANCE CLIENTS' ABILITY TO AGE WITH DIGNITY, GCM'S TRAINED GERIATRIC SPECIALISTS COORDINATE MEDICAL CARE, PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION, ASSIST WITH PAPERWORK, ADVOCATE, AND LINK CLIENTS TO COMMUNITY AND AGENCY RESOURCES.JFS FIX-IT SERVICE - THE JFS FIX-IT SERVICE HELPS OLDER ADULTS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY AGE WITH DIGNITY BY ENABLING THEM TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY AND SAFELY IN THEIR HOMES. THE PROGRAM SIGNIFICANTLY EASES THE BURDEN FOR UNPAID CAREGIVERS - SPOUSES, FAMILY MEMBERS, AND FRIENDS - WHO ALL WANT TO HELP THEIR LOVED ONES CONTINUE TO LIVE IN FAMILIAR ENVIRONMENTS AS THEY AGE. SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY DEDICATED, SCREENED, AND TRAINED VOLUNTEERS WHO CONDUCT FREE FOUR-POINT SAFETY CHECKS, MINOR HOME-SAFETY REPAIR, AND MODIFICATIONS. JFS FIX-IT SERVICE PROVIDES ALL LABOR AND REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE THROUGH THE WORK OF VOLUNTEERS, AND A GRANT FROM THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO AGING & INDEPENDENCE SERVICES.NUTRITION SERVICES - JFS NUTRITION SERVICES PRODUCE AND DELIVER MEALS THROUGHOUT SAN DIEGO COUNTY. THE MEALS HELP OLDER ADULTS, AND YOUNGER ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES (AGED 18 AND OVER), TO AGE WITH DIGNITY, MAINTAIN THEIR INDEPENDENCE, AND CONTINUE LIVING IN THEIR OWN HOMES. MEALS ARE SERVED AT JFS SOCIAL & WELLNESS CENTERS AND ARE ALSO DELIVERED TO CLIENTS' HOMES THROUGH JFS FOODMOBILE. TRAINED DRIVERS AND VOLUNTEERS CONDUCT A WELLNESS CHECK AND REPORT ANY CONCERNS TO THE FOODMOBILE COORDINATOR. COMPLIMENTARY GROCERIES AND PET FOOD SUPPLIED BY THE JFS HAND UP FOOD PANTRY ARE AVAILABLE MONTHLY. WITH NUTRITION SERVICES SUPPORT, OLDER ADULTS AND YOUNGER ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES NOT ONLY INCREASE THEIR ACCESS TO NUTRITIOUS FOODS, THEY ALSO IMPROVE THEIR INDEPENDENCE AND EXPERIENCE REDUCED ISOLATION. AT THE START OF THE PANDEMIC IN MARCH 2020, IN ORDER TO MEET THE INCREASED DEMAND FOR HOME-DELIVERED MEALS, CARS NONPROFIT BEGAN TO OVERSEE SOME OF THE DELIVERIES USING SPECIALIZED SOFTWARE. JFS NUTRITION SERVICES EXPANDED DURING THE PANDEMIC TO MEET THE INCREASED NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY. PROVIDING OVER A MILLION MEALS FOR VULNERABLE SAN DIEGAN'S IN NEED.ON THE GO - TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS FOR OLDER ADULTS OFFERS SHUTTLE SERVICE, EXCURSIONS, RIDES & SMILES, NAVIGATOR, ON THE GO SILVER, AND TAXI SCRIP. SHUTTLES PROVIDE GROUP TRANSPORTATION TO JFS'S SOCIAL & WELLNESS CENTERS, SHOPPING, ERRANDS, CULTURAL EVENTS AND RELIGIOUS SERVICES. EXCURSIONS PROVIDE GROUP TRANSPORTATION TO DESTINATIONS SUCH AS THE THEATER, MUSEUMS, AND TOURS OF SAN DIEGO. RIDES & SMILES, AN AWARD-WINNING AND INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED SERVICE, OFFERS INDIVIDUAL RIDES PROVIDED PRIMARILY BY VOLUNTEERS USING THEIR OWN CARS. NAVIGATOR OFFERS ON-DEMAND TRANSPORTATION ANYWHERE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY USING CAR-SHARING SERVICES. ON THE GO SILVER IS A PREMIUM FEE-BASED SERVICE THAT ACCOMMODATES INDIVIDUAL RIDERS' DOOR-TO-DOOR NEEDS AND GROUP TRANSPORTATION. THE TAXI SCRIP PROGRAM FILLS GAPS IN SERVICE NOT MET BY OTHER ON THE GO OFFERINGS. ON THE GO MEETS SENIORS' BASIC TRANSPORTATION NEEDS, DECREASES ISOLATION, AND INCREASES COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS. A TOTAL OF 2,875 INDIVIDUALS OVER THE AGE OF 60 ARE ENROLLED IN ON THE GO. ON THE GO IS A PROGRAM OF CARS NONPROFIT AND IS OPERATED BY JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OF SAN DIEGO. DURING THE PANDEMIC, THIS TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM BECAME CRITICAL FOR INDIVIDUALS WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO DRIVE TO GET TO MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS, VACCINE APPOINTMENTS AND TO OTHER PLACES LIKE GROCERY STORES.SOCIAL WELLNESS CENTERS - THE COLLEGE AVENUE CENTER IS A SOCIAL AND WELLNESS CENTER THAT PROVIDES DROP-IN PROGRAMMING FOR ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS IN CENTRAL SAN DIEGO. THE CENTER OFFERS LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES, EXERCISE, JUDAIC PROGRAMMING, NUTRITIOUS MEALS, AND SOCIALIZATION. THE CENTER OFFERS INFORMATION AND SUPPORT ABOUT THE AGING PROCESS, ASSISTANCE ACCESSING SOCIAL SERVICES, AND COMPANIONSHIP, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY CONNECTION - ALL OF WHICH ARE PROVEN TO PREVENT ISOLATION, MAINTAIN HEALTH, AND SUPPORT INDEPENDENT LIVING AT HOME. DUE TO THE PANDEMIC, THIS PROGRAM MOVED TO VIRTUAL FOR MOST OF THE FISCAL YEAR. SERVING OLDER SURVIVORS - SERVING OLDER SURVIVORS (SOS) HAS BEEN ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF SAN DIEGANS WHO SUFFERED SO MUCH DURING THE HOLOCAUST. THE GOALS OF SOS ARE TO DECREASE SURVIVORS' EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, MAXIMIZE THEIR INDEPENDENCE, AND INCREASE THEIR COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS. SOS PROVIDES GERIATRIC CARE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INCLUDING ASSESSMENTS, CARE PLANS, CONSULTATIONS, ADVOCACY, COORDINATION, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT, HELP WITH CARE IN THE HOME, AS WELL AS DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. IN JANUARY 2021, THIS PROGRAM EXPANDED TO ORANGE COUNTY.BALBOA AVENUE OLDER ADULT CENTER - THE BALBOA AVE OLDER ADULT CENTER (BAOAC) OPERATES FOUR DAYS PER WEEK. THE CENTER OFFERS A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO FRAIL OLDER ADULTS, THEIR CAREGIVERS, AND THEIR FAMILIES. BAOAC IS A HAVEN FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE OR DEMENTIA, ARE RECENTLY WIDOWED, OR HAVE BECOME SOCIALLY ISOLATED. DUE TO THE PANDEMIC, THIS PROGRAM WAS MOVED TO VIRTUAL FOR MOST OF THE FISCAL YEAR.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS AND ENGAGEMENT: JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE BELIEVES THAT AS A COMMUNITY WE ARE STRONGER., WHEN INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES FACE THE GREATEST CHALLENGES, ECONOMIC SECURITY ALONE DOES NOT PROVIDE THE SUPPORT REQUIRED TO OVERCOME THE OBSTACLE AT HAND. COMMUNITY CONNECTION AND ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS INCLUDE VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT, LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS AND OTHER PROGRAMS TO CONNECT INDIVIDUALS TO THE COMMUNITY. PEOPLE = 295 (ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTIONS IN SCHEDULE O)EMBRACE-A-FAMILY - EACH YEAR INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, SERVICE AND FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY GROUPS, AND BUSINESSES DONATE NEW HOLIDAY GIFTS TO THE EMBRACE-A-FAMILY PROGRAM TO HELP ENSURE THAT FAMILIES UNABLE TO PURCHASE THEM HAVE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS. THIS PROGRAM OFFERS THE COMMUNITY A MEANINGFUL WAY TO MAKE THE HOLIDAY SEASON A LITTLE BRIGHTER FOR FAMILIES STRUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET.HAND UP TEEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM - THE TEEN PARTICIPANTS IN THE HAND UP TEEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM IMPROVE THEIR LEADERSHIP SKILLS, INCREASE THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE AND RESILIENCE, IDENTIFY AS POSITIVE AGENTS FOR CHANGE, BUILD THEIR AWARENESS ABOUT THE ISSUES OF HUNGER AND FOOD INSECURITY IN SAN DIEGO, AND INCREASE THEIR ABILITY TO ASSUME LEADERSHIP ROLES IN THE COMMUNITY. THEY LEARN ABOUT COMMUNITY ISSUES, MEET WITH LOCAL LEADERS, AND ENGAGE IN ADVOCACY, COMMUNITY OUTREACH, EVENT PLANNING, AND MENTORSHIP OF YOUNGER TEENS TO CREATE POSITIVE SOCIAL CHANGE FOR TEENS ACROSS SAN DIEGO. THE TEENS ADVANCE THE WORK OF THE HAND UP FOOD PANTRY, WHICH DISTRIBUTES SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD AND HYGIENE ITEMS TO THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN NEED ACROSS SAN DIEGO COUNTY. HAND UP TEEN LEADERS SUPERVISE VOLUNTEERS IN THE FOOD PANTRY AND AT MILITARY FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS, DELIVER COMMUNITY EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS ON FOOD INSECURITY, RAISE FUNDS, AND PARTICIPATE IN ADVOCACY WORK TO ALLEVIATE HUNGER. SAN DIEGO FOR EVERY CHILD - A COALITION OF PASSIONATE PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS WORKING TO END THE EXPERIENCE OF CHILD POVERTY IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY. VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT - CERTIFIED AS A SERVICE ENTERPRISE FOR ITS EFFECTIVE AND STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT OF VOLUNTEERS, JFS IS COMMITTED TO LEVERAGING VOLUNTEER TALENTS AT ALL LEVELS OF THE AGENCY. THE VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT DEPARTMENT SUPPORTS THE AGENCY BY RECRUITING AND RETAINING VOLUNTEER SKILLS AND TALENT. WITH MORE THAN 1,000 VOLUNTEERS, JFS IS DEDICATED TO CREATING MEANINGFUL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE IN SEARCH OF BETTER LIVES AND FOR THOSE SEEKING TO MAKE BETTER LIVES POSSIBLE.