Supporting Our Survivors (SOS) - JFSSD
Moving Forward Together

Supporting Our Survivors (SOS) offers comprehensive support services to help Holocaust Survivors maintain their health, independence, and connection to the community throughout San Diego and Orange County. We understand the complex challenges of aging, which often are magnified for survivors dealing with trauma and loss.

We help Holocaust survivors with low incomes to age with dignity—often making the difference in whether they can remain in their own homes at this vulnerable time of their lives. We offer a full system of support, beginning with care management provided by a trauma-informed specialist.

Our services include advocacy, translation services, assistance with reparations and claims forms, care management, including accompanying individuals to medical appointments, and emergency funding often for medical treatment. Survivors also may be able to receive assistance with paying for homecare and emergency needs through funding from the Claims Conference and private donations.

We also provide opportunities for Survivors to connect with the Jewish community through events and holiday programs.

“After many years, it was like peace in my heart again. I’ve blossomed since I met you all.”

Reparations & Financial Aid

SOS serves Jewish San Diegans and residents of Orange County who were directly impacted by Nazi occupation of their homes. The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, Inc. has set the guidelines JFS uses to determine if a person is categorized as a Holocaust Survivor. There are different financial criteria for inclusion in the program for receiving care management, home care and house cleaning services, and for financial assistance.

Supporting Our Survivors in Orange County

In 2021, Jewish Family Service of San Diego began managing the Supporting Our Survivors program in Orange County. Critical funding for this program will be continued to be raised by the Jewish Federation of Orange County. To make a donation or learn more, please visit Jewish Federation of Orange County.

Take the Next Step

We’re here to answer your questions and help you get started.

Call us directly
In San Diego, call (858) 637-3018
In Orange County, call (949) 435-3460

For assistance in Russian
Please call (858) 637-3228 in San Diego or (949) 435-3460 in Orange County

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Life Lessons from Holocaust Survivors

Life Lessons is a compilation of interviews of 44 Holocaust Survivors, conducted between 2019 and 2020 by Jewish Family Service Geriatric Care Management staff. Through a Person-Centered and Trauma-Informed approach (PCTI), the goal of the project is not to delve into their Holocaust trauma, but rather to ask, “what have you learned so far from life that you would like to share with others?” The publication of their responses is an affirmation that their stories and experiences will live on to inform and inspire others.

In March 2021, copies of the book were distributed to Survivors on Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day. Life Lessons honors the legacies of our community’s Survivors and is part of our work to ensure that as a community, We Never Forget.

Download in English | Russian

Life Lessons was partially funded by a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of North America. To learn more about the important work that supports our community of Holocaust Survivors in San Diego, visit Jewish Federation of San Diego.

Support was provided by the URO Charitable Lead Trust Limited and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Holocaust Survivor Emergency Assistance Fund, Administered by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, for the benefit of needy Jewish Nazi Victims.

Social services for Jewish Nazi victims have been supported by a grant from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.

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Join Us for the Center for Jewish Care Luncheon with Dr. Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz on November 12 | 11am-2pm. Reserve your ticket today!