SAN DIEGO (June 15, 2026) – According to the National Institute on Aging, loneliness can be as damaging to health as many chronic conditions for

Kindness Initiative (KI) and Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) are deepening a coordinated effort to better serve Jewish individuals and families in need across the community – while remaining fully independent organizations.
Effective June 1, 2026, Kindness Initiative will co-locate its Member Services case management division at the Jewish Family Service Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus in Kearny Mesa (8804 Balboa Avenue, 92123).

“Our Safe Parking Program interrupts the downward spiral of homelessness for individuals and families who are working hard to secure a place of their own,” said JFS CEO Dana Toppel. “Through the support of donors and Everytable, participants don’t have to worry about if they will have enough money for dinner every night, which provides invaluable peace of mind and dignity. When meals are covered, participants are spared one more painful tradeoff between food and other essentials like gas, hygiene items, medical needs or saving for the future. Money not spent on dinner can instead help them build a financial cushion, moving closer towards long-term stability.”

SAN DIEGO — Jewish Family Service of San Diego’s (JFS) 2026 Heart & Soul Gala brought together supporters, friends, community partners and advocates to celebrate JFS's

According to the National Institute on Aging, loneliness can be as damaging to health as many chronic conditions for older adults. However, staying connected with the community can be a powerful antidote.
For many older adults, lack of transportation compounds loneliness and isolation from their friends, family and communities in which they belong. Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) addresses this need through its On the Go program, providing free, volunteer-driven rides to San Diego residents ages 60 and older of all backgrounds. On the Go is seeking volunteer drivers to meet the growing demand for safe rides and friendly faces, especially as it has just expanded services to include three new zip codes: 92101 (Downtown San Diego, Little Italy, Bankers Hill and Balboa Park), 92078 (Southern San Marcos), 91978 (Spring Valley).

What does it take to meet urgent needs today while building a stronger future for tomorrow? Tune in to this week’s episode of Stop & Talk, where JFS CEO Dana Toppel explores that question and shares insights on leadership, partnership, and creating lasting change across San Diego County.

In this opinion article by Chris Jennewein, he details the story of Nicolas, a landscaper who has worked in his neighborhood for over 35 years and suddenly didn’t show up. It turns out he was detained by ICE on Monday and is being held at the notorious Otay Mesa Detention Center. His cellphone was taken away. His wife and three U.S.-citizen children, who live in Carlsbad and Escondido, are scared and unsure what to do. Both Rep. Mike Levin’s office and Jewish Family Service of San Diego were contacted for help, but for now he remains just another case number at Otay Mesa.

The Heart & Soul Gala was a heartfelt evening raising more than $2 million to support Jewish Family Service programs that serve people throughout the community.