Community Needs

We’ve compiled a listing of local resources to help you find assistance during times of crisis, connect with local organizations, and access useful information. 
 

Children and Teens
It can be difficult to find the right words to support children and teens during these challenging times. Below are some valuable resources to navigate tough conversations. 

Ohel: Resources for parents and educators
PJ Library: Resources for families with young children
The Jewish Education Project: Resources for parents
The Jewish Education Project: Webinar: “Talking to Teens About Operation Iron Swords”

College Students
Hillel has a library of resources to help Jewish students and professionals navigate challenging topics, including the conflict in the Middle East. 
All eight of our area Hillels (San Francisco Hillel, Hillel at Stanford, Hillel of Silicon Valley, Hillel of Sonoma County, Berkeley Hillel, Santa Cruz Hillel, Hillel at Davis and Sacramento, and Chico Hillel) also provide access to mental health services for Jewish students. 

Mental Health and Well-Being for Individuals and Families
For those struggling emotionally during these painful times, our community partners offer expert counseling and support. 

Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS) has tended to the social service needs of individuals and families in crisis for over a century. Staff work to strengthen individuals, families, and community across five counties in the Bay Area, and services are a lifeline for people facing personal crises or challenges. 
Jewish Family & Community Services—East Bay was founded in 1877 to care for the now one-third of the Jewish community that lives in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Staff work to support families going through challenging times.
Wellness Resources for the Situation in Israel (Blue Dove Foundation) was created to address mental illness and addiction in the Jewish community and beyond, working with organizations and communities -- both Jewish and interfaith -- across the country and around the world.
Taking Care of Yourself in Tough Times (Hillel) offers students suggestions for ways to take care of themselves.

Arriving Families
Hebrew Free Loan: Israeli Assistance loans are available to help family and friends with humanitarian needs caused by the war in Israel.  
Jewish Family and Children's Services
Jewish Family and Community Services
Oshman Family JCC: Counseling Services & Contact Information for Arriving Families
Levy Family Campus (Los Gatos): Information for Newcomers
Temporary Housing for Israeli Families (Unxeptable)

Professionals
How to Support Your Jewish Employees (JCRC)
Offerings to Support and Strengthen Our Network (Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies)

Funerals
Sinai Memorial Chapel (Services include transport of deceased to/from Israel)

Volunteer Opportunities 
Oshman Family JCC: Volunteer Information
Host an Israeli Family (Unxeptable)

Local Partners
Jewish Community Relations Council is the largest collective voice of the Jewish community across San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. They mobilize Bay Area Jews and allies to counter antisemitism and rising hate, advance social justice, strengthen civic engagement, and ensure a combined response to critical issues we all face.

Jewish Family and Children’s Services East Bay the problem-solving center for residents of San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, Santa Clara, and San Mateo counties, JFCS is a lifeline for children, families, and older adults facing personal crises or challenges. They have over 40 programs, including home care for seniors, therapy for children, youth volunteer programs, and services for people with disabilities.

Jewish Family and Community Services East Bay is a community-based, direct social and human services organization that serves and supports Alameda and Contra Costa County residents of all ages, races, and religions.

Jewish Community Centers play an important role in building and sustaining Jewish life in the Bay Area. They also feature renown speakers, including political analysts that provide insight on the current status of Israel at war.