JFSSD, one of the region’s most impactful nonprofit organizations, announced today the appointment of Dana Toppel as Chief Executive Officer and Theresa Dupuis as chair of the board of directors.

From the desk of Dana Toppel, Chief Executive Officer:
Today, as I begin as CEO of Jewish Family Service, I find myself reflecting on my very first day at JFS—16 years ago. I came here wanting to make a difference in a place that aligned with my values. Just a few months after I started as the Director of Older Adult Services, both my parents passed away. In that difficult time, the work we do at JFS became even more personal and even more powerful for me. It reminded me that the work we do every day is more than a collection of services. It’s community. It’s care. And it matters more than we sometimes realize. I never imagined that day 16 years ago was the beginning of a journey that would lead me to the honor of serving as the sixth CEO of this incredible organization.

In light of San Diego Pride’s recent announcement regarding its 2025 headliner lineup, The Finest Community Coalition was compelled to speak out due to serious concerns raised about the inclusion of musical artist Kehlani and the impact this decision has on safety, belonging and solidarity across San Diego.

Last week, the San Diego City Council voted unanimously to continue operating the City’s Safe Parking Program under a contract with Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS), including the new 190-space H Barracks lot. “The Safe Parking Program has proven to be one of the City’s most successful homelessness programs, helping many participants find permanent housing and access the services and support they need to get back on their feet,” said City Councilmember Dr. Jennifer Campbell, who represents the area. “I am grateful to all the individuals and organizations who have worked together on this innovative approach to addressing homelessness. Specifically, I want to thank Jewish Family Service of San Diego for their dedication to helping us reduce homelessness.”

San Diego’s latest and largest Safe Parking lot—the H Barracks operated by Jewish Family Service of San Diego as part of their Safe Parking Program—is welcoming people who are living out of a vehicle and are looking to rest without worry for the night. On Thursday, ABC 10News was the first to go inside the lot since it opened on May 31 and had been welcoming people who don’t have a place to go. Sometimes being homeless doesn’t mean being on the streets.

A 190-space Safe Parking Program site was recently opened by the city of San Diego at H Barracks, offering vehicle dwellers services to help them avert homelessness. The Safe Parking Program provides individuals, seniors, and families a secure place to stay while accessing services and pursuing housing. Sites include restrooms, mental health services, and job training, and participants work with case managers to create individual housing goals. A judge ruled recently in the city’s favor — and against a developer’s request — for a temporary restraining order that would have prevented the swift opening of the H Barracks Safe Parking Program, which is operated by Jewish Family Service of San Diego.

Jewish Family Service of San Diego hosted its annual 2025 Heart and Soul Gala April 26 at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. With guests, community leaders and JFS partners in attendance, the event celebrated the philanthropic contributions of the 2025 honorees Karen and Jeff Silberman, Solana Beach residents, and Susanna and Michael Flaster, and commemorated JFS CEO Michael Hopkins’ 13 years of leadership, ahead of his retirement this summer.

Nonprofits and city leaders urge state intervention to support San Diegans facing high living costs. Jewish Family Service is actively involved in addressing these challenges through initiatives and offering programs. “Food security is not just about hunger. When families are given access to housing, healthcare, job support and cash assistance, they can put food on the table and build a foundation to not just survive but thrive,” said Kaley Levitt, Jewish Family Services President of Government Affairs.