Press ReleasesSAN DIEGO – Governor Gavin Newsom and the California legislature have allocated $14.5 million to California’s Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program (HSAP), helping to sustain essential services for more than 2,000 Holocaust survivors throughout the state. Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFSSD) alongside six other Jewish Family Service agencies statewide, the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC) and the Jewish Caucus advocated for the funding that will be distributed this fiscal year.
Aging into their late 80s and 90s, Holocaust survivors are among the most vulnerable members of our community and are increasingly in need of support and care. According to JFSSD’s Supporting Our Survivors (SOS) program, the average age of participants is 89, with over 50 percent living below the poverty line. This is more than double the rate for older adults in California. As survivors face rising home care costs and increasing physical and emotional challenges associated with aging, more survivors are experiencing economic hardship and turning to organizations like JFSSD for help. HSAP funding primarily supports in-home care, which helps survivors remain in their homes and communities.
In San Diego and Orange counties, the number of recipients for these specific Serving Our Survivors (SOS) services has increased by 160% over the last three years. As of June 2025, JFSSD provided critical services to more than 450 Holocaust survivors in San Diego and Orange Counties. In 2022, California allocated $36 million over three years to the Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program run by the state’s seven Jewish family service agencies, including Jewish Family Service of San Diego. Administered by California Department of Social Services, HSAP provides specialized services for Holocaust survivors ensuring they remain independent and safe. The funding was set to expire at the end of this month.
“We thank the State of California for their continued partnership in supporting our work serving hundreds of Holocaust survivors in San Diego and Orange County,” said JFSSD CEO Dana Toppel. “With this funding, communities across the state are able to honor the resiliency of survivors, by providing them services to live their remaining years with the dignity they deserve.”
Through its SOS program, JFSSD provides compassionate, trauma-informed and culturally competent care to hundreds of Holocaust survivors. Specially trained staff at JFSSD’s Center for Jewish Care assist with care management, nutrition and food security, socialization with transportation, companion care, personal care, home health, health maintenance, dental care and housing-related supports. JFSSD also provides translation services to survivors whose primary language is not English. Together, the services act as critical safeguards from eviction, hunger, inadequate medical care, loneliness, social isolation and despair. As Survivors continue to age, and their needs become more increasingly complex, further investment and support beyond HSAP are essential to ensure their well-being, dignity, and continuity of service.
“As the last generation of Holocaust survivors enters their final years, we have a moral responsibility to ensure they can age with dignity and have the support they deserve,” said JPAC Executive Director David Bocarsly. “We are deeply grateful to Jewish Family Service for delivering this care every day, and to the Governor, the Legislature and the Jewish Caucus for stepping up to ensure this critical program continues. Even in a challenging budget year, California is showing that we will not turn our backs on the survivors who have already endured so much.”
About Jewish Family Service of San Diego – Moving Forward Together
Founded in 1918, Jewish Family Service (JFS) is one of San Diego’s most impactful nonprofit agencies – providing resources and support to tens of thousands of people every year. Through integrated services, the organization empowers people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds to overcome challenges, set goals, and build more stable, secure, and connected lives. JFS is committed to helping individuals and families move forward, while developing innovative strategies to break cycles of poverty and strengthen our San Diego community.
To get help, volunteer, or support JFS, visit www.jfssd.org or call 858-637-3000.
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