Photos courtesy of Jewish Family Service of San Diego
SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) – a nonprofit focused on developing innovative strategies to break cycles of poverty and strengthen San Diego – recognized key staff, community and board members for their outstanding community contributions at its 2024 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon.
“JFS would not be able to carry out our important, purpose-driven work if it were not for these hardworking and visionary team members,” said JFS CEO Michael Hopkins at the June 25 event at the Catamaran Resort Hotell.
“These individuals go above and beyond their day-to-day job duties because they care deeply about JFS and its core values. It is an honor to work side-by-side with them as we provide valuable resources and support to the San Diego community.”
Those awarded for their work included:
Henrietta Rubenstein Staff Award: Jesus Mares, Junior Systems and Applications Administrator –Charged with overseeing and troubleshooting all things related to technology – from customized forms to all TV screens to agencywide phone migration – Mares has been instrumental in also bringing significant technological advances and improvements to how JFS addresses challenges with innovation.
Henrietta Rubenstein Staff Award: Sol Kempinski, Director of Philanthropy, Individual Giving –For over 16 years, Kempinski has been an integral leader in philanthropy at JFS fostering important and enduring relationships with our supporters. He is a master at listening, then conveying JFS’s story – crafting a unique message for each supporter.
Charles Zibbell Board Leadership Award: Gary Frost — An active member of the board, Frost sits on the Governance Committee, Housing Advisory Committee, Strategic Foresight Committee and Strategic Planning Task Force. Frost and his wife Linda Fredin have been JFS supporters for 15 years.
Board Chair’s Award: Zita Liebermensch, Philanthropist — As a long-time JFS supporter, Liebermensch was one of many who supported the Holocaust installation at JFS called “Remembrance & Hope.” The Liebermensch Family Comfort Facility for families in the Safe Parking Program set to open next month at the JFS Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus.
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 over 95,000 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.
For more information, to donate or volunteer, visit www.jfssd.org.