February 15, 2025 Your Source for Brentwood News

Newsom Approves Major Funding for California Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program, Providing Millions of Dollars for Los Angeles Survivors

Last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom approved the 2022-23 State Budget which includes an unprecedented $36 million dollars in funding for the California Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program.

The California Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program (CHSAP) provides resources for five Jewish Family Service agencies – in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, East Bay, and Silicon Valley. Jewish Family Service LA (JFSLA) offers trauma-informed services including home care, culturally appropriate case management, home-delivered meals and groceries, transportation, and more to the aging Survivors of the Holocaust population in Los Angeles.

“We are deeply grateful to Governor Newsom and the State Legislature for providing this critical funding. As the last Survivors of the Holocaust reach extreme advanced age, their needs are increasing. Survivors of the Holocaust deserve to live with dignity and this much-needed funding will ensure that Survivors never face hunger, eviction, isolation, and despair again,” stated Eli Veitzer, President & CEO of Jewish Family Service LA. 

It is estimated that as many as 50 percent of Survivors living in Los Angeles live at or below the poverty line. Jewish Family Service LA currently provides comprehensive services to nearly 1,000 Survivors of the Holocaust. In addition to filling gaps in care for current clients, this new funding will allow JFSLA to provide services to over three hundred Survivors currently on a wait list for care.

The budget request was spearheaded by Jewish Family Service LA’s Senior Director of Public Policy and Community Engagement, Nancy Volpert, upon learning of the large number of Survivors at JFSLA with significant unmet needs due to rising costs and a critical funding crisis. She connected with other Jewish Family Service agencies and the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California and together they educated legislators and the Administration about the gaps in care.

“This year’s budget surplus provided an unexpected opportunity to request funds for life-affirming care for Survivors with support from legislators who recognize the timeliness and need for these funds,” said Nancy Volpert. “Having begun their lives in trauma, we all have a responsibility to ensure Survivors’ lives are lived out respectfully and with the honor to which they are entitled. Many thanks to the Jewish Caucus and our many partners for resolving to meet the moment.”

State Senator Henry Stern and the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, chaired by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, championed the request, working closely with Jewish Family Service advocates from across the state. Fortunately, Legislative and Budget leadership understood the challenging situation and included this request in their funding priorities.

“The Jewish Caucus is proud to champion these initiatives and grateful that legislative leadership has recognized the importance of Holocaust education and the need to take care of our most vulnerable Survivors,” stated Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel. “We’re also grateful to our many advocacy partners—including Jewish Family Service agencies—for supporting these efforts. Our partnership will ensure that our beloved Survivors can age with dignity and receive the services they need and deserve.”

“I’m very thankful to Governor Newson for approving these funds and expediting the process to help provide much needed care for thousands of vulnerable Survivors. I’m also grateful to our Jewish Family Services, and legislative leadership for standing up for Survivors of the Holocaust who are facing indignities in California they never should have had to face again — from homelessness and hunger to isolation and despair,” said State Senator Henry Stern.

Other resources for Survivors of the Holocaust across the state are funded by the Conference on Jewish Materials Claims Against Germany.

Related Posts

UCLA Suspends Pro-Palestinian Student Groups Following Protest at UC Regent’s Home

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

Chancellor Cites Potential Student Code Violations; Student Groups Reject Allegations UCLA has suspended two pro-Palestinian student organizations following a protest...

Flash Flood Warning Issued for Burn Areas, LAFD Officer Swept off Road by Debris

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

Storm Damage Closes Pacific Coast Highway, Officials Urge Caution Not even members of the LAFD are being spared from the...

Brentwood Crime Report: February 1, 2025 – February 8, 2025

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

By Senior Lead Officer Matthew Kirk For the first week of February 2025, Senior Lead Officer Matthew Kirk has written...

Culver City Police Investigate Disturbing Incident in Culver City Park

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

Police Secure Area as Investigation Unfolds on Thursday Morning The Culver City Police Department received a call around 7:23 a.m....

Here are Your Last Minute Ideas if You Still Haven’t Planned Your Valentine’s Day Date

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

Luscious Cookies, Delightful Drinks, Full Dinners at Home or In House, We’ve Got Them Okay, maybe you have been a...

Beloved Baldwin Hills Family-Owned Restaurant Post & Beam to Close After 13 Years

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Community Icon Shuts Doors as Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza Redevelopment  In yet another loss for the Los Angeles culinary community,...

Santa Monica Hotel Event Space Offers Affordability, Accessibility

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Elevate Your Events with Versatile Venues and Exceptional Service Coastal stays and eclectic event spaces don’t have to be expensive....

Flour Pizzeria & Cafe to Bring Brooklyn-Style Pizza to Brentwood This Week

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Family-Owned Favorite from the Palisades to Open on San Vicente  Flour Pizzeria & Cafe, a restaurant from Pacific Palisades run...

(Video) The Willows Students Bring a 50-Foot Dragon to Life Through Art and Teamwork

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Kristy Acero, The Willows DK-4th Grade Art teacher, led her students in a large-scale, collaborative project, with each grade creating...

ART& 2025: NeueHouse Unveils Inspiring Lineup Celebrating Feminine Leadership

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Four-Day Event in Venice Beach Explores Creativity, Activism, and Cultural Impact NeueHouse has unveiled the schedule for ART& 2025, a...

Brentwood Community Council Meeting For February, First Meeting After Palisades Fire

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Local Leaders, Crime Updates, and Community Discussions on the Agenda The Brentwood Community Council will host its next meeting on...

Canned Tuna Pulled from Shelves Over Botulism Contamination Risk

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

El Segundo Seafood Company Issues Voluntary Recall Through FDA Tri-Union Seafoods has issued a voluntary recall of certain canned tuna...

Powerful Storm to Bring Heavy Rains, Possible Debris Flow to Los Angeles

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Officials Warn of Risks, Urge Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather A Pacific storm system is expected to bring widespread...

Retailers Impose Egg Purchase Restrictions as Supply Chain Disruptions Cause Concern

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Egg Limits Are Back – What’s Causing the Shortage? Retailers across the United States, including Costco and Trader Joe’s, have...

Esteemed Brentwood Entertainment Reporter Sam Rubin Honored at Major Awards Ceremonies

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Industry Pays Tribute to a Broadcasting Legend With Special Recognition The late Sam Rubin, a longtime and beloved entertainment reporter...