About JFS SV
Since 1978, Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley has been supporting and empowering those in the community who are facing life's challenges. Through comprehensive service offerings, JFS SV supports thousands of individuals each year, including older adults, adults, families, holocaust survivors and refugees. JFS SV is guided by Jewish values: repairing the world, welcoming the stranger, and ensuring respect and dignity for those we serve.
One of three leading refugee resettlement agencies in Northern California, JFS SV provides resettlement, vocational and career services to 400+ refugees annually, most recently serving refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine.
Learn more by exploring this website, signing up for our e-newsletter, watching our videos, attending events and volunteering.
Our Vision
Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley is committed to continual growth to ensure that children, adults and families in our community have access to affordable and meaningful professional services. Everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Our Mission
Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley empowers individuals and families facing life’s challenges by providing quality human services inspired by Jewish values.
Our Values
Our work is rooted in core Jewish values reminding us that we have an obligation to build a better world. These values inform how we work with each other, our clients and our community.
Repairing the World -Tikkun Olam - תִּיקּוּן עוֹלָם – Central to our work is the belief that we have a responsibility through action to make the world more just, peaceful, tolerant, and equal.
Welcoming the Stranger -Yadatem Et-Nefesh HaGer- ידעתם את-נפש הגר – Our history reminds us that we “were once strangers in the land of Egypt” and must welcome and support those in need.
Respect and Dignity For All – K’vod Habriyot - כבוד הבריות – Each human being is created in the divine image and deserves to be treated with respect, dignity and compassion regardless of age, creed, color, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.
Since 1978, JFS SV has been Restoring Hope and Transforming Lives.
Watch past videos to hear JFS SV clients, volunteers and staff share how our services and programs help those in need in the community?
2022
2018
2016
2019
2017
2015
Leadership Team
Chief Executive Officer: Susan Frazer, LCSW
VP of Finance & Operations: Lisa Tran
Dir. of Development & Community Engagement: Debbie Michels
Dir. of Refugee Resettlement & Career Services: Michelle Lee
Dir. of Clinical & Social Services: Jason Hall
JFS SV Board of Directors
JFS SV has a long history of devoted, energetic and talented volunteers who have guided and strengthened the agency every step of the way. We are grateful for their commitment and service.
Executive Board Members
Ricki Gafter, Chair
Bill Halper, Vice-Chair
Rich Zbriger, Treasurer
Howard Taub, Secretary
Ruth Bareket, Immediate Past Chair
Melinda Berlant
Cantor Devorah Felder-Levy
Jessica Intrator
Rhonda Farber
Members-at-Large
Robin Sabes
Alice Wald
Daniela Silverstein
Dr. Joseph Isaacson
Job Opportunities
Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley is hiring! Learn more about our job opportunities and how you can be involved.
Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and
harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.