Community Impact Report: 2024
Annual Letter
"Because of you, lives are being changed and more people are finding support.”
As we reflect on the past year, one word comes to mind: resilience. 2024 marked another year of tremendous need and remarkable response. At Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), we met this year’s challenges with compassion and a continued dedication to supporting the community. Our team rose to the occasion with strength and unwavering focus on our mission to strengthen the community through behavioral health, healthcare and social services to all ages, faiths and backgrounds.
We are proud to share that more than 55,000 people across Maricopa County received life-changing support through JFCS programs this year. Whether someone turned to us for mental health counseling, primary medical care, child and family programs or senior services, our dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters made sure no one had to navigate life’s challenges alone.
Here are just a few highlights from 2024:

President & Chief Executive Officer
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Governance Board Chair
- More than 8,000 individuals and families found comfort and spiritual support through our Hospital Chaplaincy program.
- Over 6,000 older adults aged 60 and over engaged in self-discovery, connection and learning through our Senior Enrichment classes.
- More than 5,500 individuals and families facing food insecurity received meal kits through our Food Security & Basic Essentials program.
Our integrated health clinics continued to meet a growing demand, ensuring accessible care in safe and supportive environments. Our Child & Family Solutions programs remained a lifeline for young people, foster youth and parents navigating complex emotional and behavioral needs. Survivors of domestic violence found safety and renewed hope through our Shelter Without Walls program. And our senior services brought joy, connection and purpose to thousands of older adults.
We are equally proud of our connection to the Jewish community. Through counseling, financial aid, career services and holiday programming, JFCS continues to honor its roots while embracing the diversity of today’s community.
This work is not done alone. It’s made possible by you: our donors, volunteers, partners and advocates. Your support ensures we can provide compassionate care, whenever and however it’s needed. We are especially grateful as we celebrate JFCS’ 90th anniversary in 2025, a milestone that highlights our history and promising future.
On behalf of our Board of Directors and the entire JFCS team, thank you for believing in the power of community. Because of you, lives are being changed and more people are finding support when they need it most. Together, we’re creating brighter futures for today and for generations to come.
What We Did
“If I could say something to women who are in the same situation, it’s that they can count on JFCS.”
When Stephanie Arreola finally found the courage to report the abuse she had endured for more than a decade, she didn’t know what would come next. After a violent incident with her ex-partner sent her to the hospital, the City of Phoenix referred her to JFCS.
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Stephanie Arreola and her son
“To be honest, I didn’t know how it worked or the impact it would have on my life to receive support from JFCS,” she recalled. “But from the beginning, I felt seen, supported and safe.”
Stephanie had never heard of JFCS before, but the support she received made all the difference. The JFCS Shelter Without Walls team provided assistance as she navigated the loss of financial stability, the legal challenges of divorce and the complicated process of seeking immigration security for herself. At the same time, they helped her find a safe and stable place for herself and her young son, ensuring that they could both begin to rebuild their lives free from the trauma of abuse.
“Even though I am an immigrant woman, JFCS never hesitated to offer me their unconditional support,” she reflected.
The guidance and resources provided by JFCS not only empowered her to regain control over her own future, but also ensured that her son would grow up in a safer, more secure environment.
Finding a safe place to live and gaining the tools to rebuild her confidence marked a turning point.
“My case manager saw me not just as a client, but as a woman who had been deeply hurt,” Stephanie said. “She helped me recognize my worth and face the challenges ahead.”
The impact, Stephanie explained, goes beyond her own story. “These services don’t just help individuals. They help entire families and shape a better future for our children.”
“If I could say something to women who are in the same situation,” she said, “it’s that they can count on JFCS. I’m beyond grateful.”
“JFCS was a great support when I wasn’t sure what to do with
my future. They provided everything I could have possibly needed to be
successful. I was able to get my GED, a career in the medical field and
move thanks to everything JFCS helped me with.”
- Sage Moses, JFCS Foster Youth Client
“JFCS has truly changed my life. They were there when I needed help.”
Susan Obst-Dworkis may have left her hometown of Long Island, but she brought her New York spirit with her to Fountain Hills.
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Susan Obst-Dworkis
“I’ve lived here longer than I did back in New York, but the accent’s still with me,” she said with a laugh. “It took me and my late husband three days to decide we wanted to live here forever.”
Her parents moved with them, and for many years they all lived nearby. Susan quickly became part of the community. She currently volunteers two days a week mentoring students, serves on the local Crisis Response Team and has worked behind the scenes at the Fountain Hills Theater for over 30 years. “No, I don’t go on stage,” she joked. “But I help with costumes, scenery and in the box office.”
Despite her active life, Susan faced heavy personal losses. After her husband and parents passed, her battle with clinical depression and anxiety worsened. “I was trying to handle it myself. People didn’t know what I was going through because I always seemed upbeat,” Susan said. “But when the door closed, I cried a lot.”
She didn’t believe she could afford counseling until the Area Agency on Aging referred her to JFCS. She was paired with Jessica Levin Bozek, who is now our Vice President of Older Adults and Jewish Community Services. “That was over a decade ago, and she has helped so, so much. She listens and gives me tools to cope.”
Jessica helped Susan through more than grief. She supported her through letting go of physical items and taught her grounding techniques for anxiety.
Susan also appreciates the small gestures JFCS makes throughout the year, like the food bags and handmade cards for Jewish holidays. “They gave me matzah and gefilte fish this Passover, and I’ve received grocery gift cards before. It’s such a special touch!”
When asked why she shares her story, Susan is clear. “A lot of people are hesitant to get counseling. They don’t think it will help. But it can. I am living proof of that. I know I may sound overly enthusiastic, but it is because JFCS has truly changed my life.”
She added, “They were there when I needed help, and I know they’ll be there again if I need it.”
2024 JFCS
With the support of JFCS, countless individuals improved their lives in the Greater Phoenix area.
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21,825 people received physical and mental health services through our healthcare centers
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11,426 people received services through our Child & Family Solutions programs
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12,507 people received help from our Jewish Community Services programs
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6,935 people received services through our older adults programs