Why should kids have all the fun? The University City Senior Center introduces Encore, a new program for active older adults. It's time to make your grandkids jealous for a change. At Encore, the adventures are just beginning. Have you always wanted to act? Learn with a professional coach and be a part of a theatrical production. Looking for people with similar interests to discover San Diego with? Join the group and visit exciting resaurants, attractions, and sights. Looking to travel the world? Learn about top world destinations with experts and plan a trip together with new friends. At Encore, your ideas and interests shape the programs that are offered. Bring your ideas - they're waiting for you! Read More.

On Friday, June 20, 2008 the Escondido Firefighters Association presented $32,000 to representatives of five social service agencies: Lutheran Social Services, The Salvation Army, Red Cross, Interfaith Community Services, and Jewish Family Service of San Diego. The Escondido Firefighters Association raised funds through t-shirt sales and monetary donations to assist Escondido families who had lost their homes in the San Diego Wildfires of 2007. Funds were divided among 8 different qualifying families, with $4,000 going to each family to assist with the rebuilding process. Read More. Donate Now. 

On June 6, 2008, Dr. Robert Shillman, Chairman and CEO of Cognex, presented $26,000 to the Serving Older Holocaust Survivors program through the United Jewish Federation of San Diego County Supplemental Directed Giving Program. “I get a lot of solicitations, but this one was important,” said Dr. Shillman. “It's a mitzvah to take care of your own family." The donation enables the Serving Older Holocaust Survivors program to meet their fundraising goal of $66,000 before May 30, 2008. The campaign amount will be matched by the German government, allowing the program to continue providing vital homecare and emergency services to more than 80 clients who depend on the program. Read More.

When an older adult can no longer drive, they can't get to doctors appointments, grocery stores, or to see their friends. You can help! As part of the new On the Go program, Rides & Smiles® is expanding into University City, La Jolla and Clairemont. Volunteer drivers are needed! Volunteering is easy - you choose who, when and where you drive, making no minimum time commitment. JFS provides mileage reimbursement and secondary auto insurance.  Help drive older adults to their necessary medical and personal appointments. Learn more about volunteering at one of our many upcoming volunteer training workshops. Read More.

The University City Older Adult Center invites you to experience the fun and excitement of the older adult center at Family Day on Thursday, August 14, 2008 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Bring your older loved one and meet friends, join in a sing-a-long, dance, exercise, connect with other family members, and create a support network of other caregivers. There will be a special break-away session for guest family members to discuss the common challenges of caregiving and discover ways to receive support. Guests are invited to stay for a free hot kosher lunch served at 12:00. Read More.

Our Adoption Alliance program arranges international adoptions from countries all over the world. Celebrate the many flavors of adoption by learning to make traditional recipes from Ethiopia, Vietnam, China, Russia and Columbia. Hosted by GreatNews! Cooking School and taught by Katherine Emmenegger C.C.C, this class will donate all proceeds to our Adoption Alliance program. The class is on Sunday, October 5, 2008 at 2:00pm and costs $49.00. Recipes include: Ethiopian Spicy Lentil Stew (Yemiser We’t); Mu Shu Chicken; Vietnamese Beef and Noodle Soup (Pho); Mango Flan and more. Read More.

Have you ever wondered if your child was in the right school and class? If your gifted child is being appropriately challenged?
Given every opportunity to learn? Why your child is under-achieving? Come learn the answers to these common questions and many others with Kathleen Edwards, Ed.D, an Educational Advocate with more than 30 years experience in the field of education. This Supporting Jewish Single Parents program is free of charge on Wednesday, August 27 from 6:00-8:00pm at the Turk Family Center. Read More.

One in four Jewish women experience domestic abuse. And they tend to stay in their abusive relationships 5-7 years longer than their non-Jewish counterparts. On Monday, October 27, 2008, Rabbi Mark Dratch, Founder and CEO of JSafe, will discuss the hurdles survivors and their families face and new steps our community can take to put an end to domestic abuse. Join Project SARAH for this Glatt Kosher Luncheon from 11:30am-1:30pm at Congregation Beth Israel, located at 9001 Towne Center Drive, San Diego, 92122. Tickets are $40 prior to October 8, 2008, and $45 thereafter. Read More. Register Online.

Jewish BIGPals urgently needs volunteers to mentor children from single-parent families. More than 12 children are waiting to be matched with a Big Pal. Male volunteers are especially in demand. Interested volunteers are invited to attend a Jewish BIGPals Information Night on Thursday, August 28, 2008 from 6:00-8:00pm at the Turk Family Center. Make a difference in a child’s life and experience the rewards of helping a child develop increased self-esteem, confidence, and Jewish identity. Make a Difference...Make a Friend. Read More | Volunteer

When Devora Safran was just a little girl, Jewish Family Service placed her in a loving home. Now, to celebrate her 50th birthday, Devora is giving back to Adoption Alliance to honor the wonderful life she is blessed with. She has embarked on a mid-century journey, determined to walk 5 miles in each of the 50 States before August of 2009 and excited to experience the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges she will encounter along the way. Devora is committed to finding individuals who will help her pledge $1 to Adoption Alliance for each mile she walks. Read More. Support Devora's Walk for Adoption.