JFCS
Individuals cross a downtown street in Pittsburgh. (Photo by Teagan Hunt via Pexels)
January 31, 2026, 10:15 pm
JFCS CEO says immigration crackdown is shaking Pittsburgh’s immigrant community
'When immigrants are at risk, and are living in fear, it has reverberations throughout the community and impacts all of us'
By Adam Reinherz
Sandy Budd (Photo by Dan Singleton of Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh, via Sandy Budd)
December 12, 2025, 11:29 am
A career of compassion: Sandy Budd ends 33 years serving Holocaust survivors
“Many shared stories with me that they had never shared with their families and opened up about deeply personal stuff. It was incredibly moving."
By Deborah Weisberg
Volunteers stock shelves at the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry. (Photo courtesy of JFCS)
December 3, 2025, 3:18 pm
Every contribution matters this giving season
Tzedakah is our obligation to help create a fairer world where those who have more than they need share with those who have less.
By Jordan Golin
With costs rising, increased usage of Squirrel Hill Food Pantry and changes to SNAP program underway, JFCS staffers worry about Pittsburghers' access to food. (Photo by Klaus Nielsen via Pexels)
September 4, 2025, 9:50 am
Squirrel Hill Food Pantry celebrates 25 years while facing surging demands
For more than quarter-century, local institution has ensured Pittsburghers do not go hungry. Along with marking milestone, staff hope community recognizes present and looks ahead
By Adam Reinherz
(Jewish Healthcare Foundation logo)
April 10, 2025, 11:11 am
JHF awards grants to bolster health, immigrant services amid federal policy shifts
In response to policy and funding changes instituted by the Trump administration, JHF recently approved $690,000 in grants to support organizations affected by those changes.
By Toby Tabachnick
JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry (Photo courtesy of Allie Reefer)
April 4, 2025, 2:47 pm
Federal funding cuts could hurt JFCS food pantry
The pantry relies on a supply of shelf-stable milk, produce and other food from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, which estimates a 13% loss of its annual distribution,
By Abigail Hakas
Members of the Aponte Ortiz family gather after arriving in Pittsburgh. JFCS is continuing to work with refugees and immigrants like the Aponte Ortiz family, despite a federal stop work order. (Photo courtesy of JFCS)
February 10, 2025, 2:02 pm
JFCS pledges to keeping working for Pittsburgh’s refugee and immigrant community
Some of JFCS’ clients were in the country for less than two weeks when the agency received the government’s stop work order.
By David Rullo
JFCS signage (Photo provided by JFCS)
December 3, 2024, 11:14 am
Jewish agencies worried about Allegheny County Council’s proposed budget cuts
“If the county executive’s proposal doesn’t go through, we’ll see many of the agencies with whom we collaborate have to make some tough decisions,” Golin said.
By David Rullo
Dor Hadash members prepare for their fundraising bike ride (Photo courtesy of Richard Weinberg)
December 2, 2024, 3:51 pm
Dor Hadash recognized for its trailblazing work with immigrants
"Rather than say words and donate money, it’s wonderful to have a direct impact on the lives of families within our community."
By Deborah Weisberg
Members of the Aponte Ortiz family gather after arriving in Pittsburgh. JFCS is continuing to work with refugees and immigrants like the Aponte Ortiz family, despite a federal stop work order. (Photo courtesy of JFCS)
November 25, 2024, 4:22 pm
After arriving from Colombia, family’s integration eased by local Jewish community
Immigration process brought Aponte Ortizes to Pittsburgh. Together with community, they're creating a home
By Adam Reinherz
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, third from left, meets with teens and staff at The Beacon on Sept. 25. (Photo courtesy of Jewish Healthcare Foundation)
September 27, 2024, 6:35 pm
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis visits Squirrel Hill: Spotlight on teen mental health initiatives
'When I see this, it's a model of what we should be doing in communities all over the commonwealth'
By Adam Reinherz
Volunteers stock shelves at the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry. (Photo courtesy of JFCS)
May 15, 2024, 11:49 am
A field of hope in times of distress
We worry about our planet. We fear for the future of our country. And we fear for the future of Israel.
By Jordan Golin
Jesse Sharrard (Photo courtesy of JFCS)
April 1, 2024, 3:24 pm
Jesse Sharrard named new director of Squirrel Hill Food Pantry
“I think I’ve got a lot of compassion for people and their circumstances, their need to eat and their need to feed their families.”
By Justin Vellucci
Concluding IWP meeting (Screenshot courtesy of JFCS)
March 6, 2024, 11:49 am
JFCS program helps immigrants acclimate to Pittsburgh
IWP, a partnership between JFCS Career Services and Literacy Pittsburgh, has helped a growing number of immigrants strengthen their English skills and prepare for the workforce.
By Justin Vellucci
Starting with gentle inquiry avoids a rush to judgment. Photo by fizkes via iStock
November 6, 2023, 4:03 pm
Using the war in Israel as a teachable moment for children
Open-ended questions and judicious rhetoric are among ways of modeling 'that it’s OK to have feelings'
By Adam Reinherz
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