It’s more than a ride—it’s independence, community connection, mobility, and dignity. On the Go provides individual transportation to necessary medical and personal appointments and group transportation to Jewish Family Service's older adult centers, the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, synagogues, grocery stores, and Jewish community events. Volunteer drivers and riders are currently being recruited—call today for information on free rides to High Holy Day services! On the Go is a program of the Jewish Senior Services Council delivered by Jewish Family Service. Read More. Contact On the Go. Read about On the Go in the news by clicking here!

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.

Join Jewish Family Service Parenting and Youth Services department on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 for a fun evening of wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres from 6:00-8:00pm at Wine Styles, 191 N El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024.  All proceeds will go to support the Parenting & Youth Services Department, improving lives and bringing opportunities to children, parents and families through prevention, intervention and education. Registration is $20 per person ($35 for a couple) prior to October 28, 2008 and $25 thereafter. Register Online.

Join Jewish Family Service on Wednesday, November 5, 2008, for a free evening panel discussion featuring several esteemed professionals in mental health treatment from 7:00-9:00pm. The panel will consist of Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot, a well-known teacher and author who will speak about his own depression; Dr. Marc Sternberg, an expert in electroconvulsive therapy; Dr. David Feifel, with an expertise in attention deficit disorder; Dr. Daniel Sewell, a specialist in geriatric psychiatry. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Sid Zisook, a San Diego psychiatrist. This event is sponsored by the Mental Health Committee at Jewish Family Service in collaboration with Congregation Beth Israel. Read More. RSVP online.

Adoption Alliance of Southern California presents The Adoption Experience: A Conference in Honor of National Adoption Month. The conference will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2008 from 10:00am – 2:00pm at the Jewish Family Service Turk Family Center. This year’s conference features Dr. Gary Feldman, Medical Director of the Stramski International Adoption Program. New this year, Adoption Alliance is offering two tracks—one for adoption families and one for adoption professionals. Read More. Register Online.

Embrace-a-Family matches families in-need with individuals, families, or groups in the community, who help ensure the family has a joyous holiday celebration this December. Embracers provide toys, clothes, food, gift certificates, and more for the family they embrace. This holiday season, consider embracing a family and help make their December holiday a little brighter. We need embracers for more than 300 families. For more information, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (858) 637-3050. Read More. Donate Online.

Run by a dynamic committee of 35 teenagers, the Hand Up Youth Food Pantry delivers food at nine locations throughout San Diego County—including Camp Pendleton. In the last year, 3,290 clients received 11,036 bags of food. In today’s economic crisis we are struggling to keep up with the demand. JFS has been feeding San Diego’s hungry since 1918. Help us continue this legacy by naming part of the Hand Up Youth Food Pantry Giving Tree located in the Food Pantry at Turk Family Center. A great way to honor a special occasion—a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a new baby, birthday, or in memory of a special person. Show San Diego’s hungry you care. Read More. Dedicate the Tree Online.

Learn about Rides & Smiles® and volunteer opportunities at the 3rd Annual Community Festival and BBQ on Sunday, October 26, 2008 from 1:00-4:00pm at Belmont Village. The afternoon includes a silent auction and live music by the RB Swingtet—fun for the whole family! This year’s event features special guests Randy Jones, former Padres Pitcher, and Ken Kramer from NBC News. Read More. Register Online.

Starting November 5, JFS will host a 12-week Women in Transition Support Group on Wednesday nights from 6:35 - 8:00pm. All women in transition are welcome, including "empty nesters", newly retired, new community members, and any other woman who defines herself as "in transition". The group will take place at the Jewish Family Service - Turk Family Center. For more information call (877) 537-1818.

Join the College Avenue Older Adult Center for the Annual Health Fair on November 14, 2008. Flu shots will be provided to older adults age 60 and older by the Sharp/Grossmont Senior Resource Center for a suggested donation of $2.00. This year's Health Fair is a celebration of the College Avenue Older Adult Center's 10th anniversary. Come out for fun live entertainment, information tables, lunch, and more! Read More. Click here for more information about the older adult center.

Craig Lambert, Director of Older Adult Services, has been appointed to the City of San Diego’s Senior Affairs Advisory Board, which consists of 11 members selected from senior service delivery professionals and providers and city-at-large seniors over the age of 60. Members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council and serve two-year terms. Read More.