October 22, 2026: Nearly 100 Society of Life members and friends of Jewish Family Service of Dallas gathered on October 22 for a special evening reception, generously hosted by Julie and Michael Zimmermann in their home. The evening was a celebration of generosity, community, and the profound impact made possible through the support of JFS Dallas donors.
Board Chair Weezie Margolis welcomed guests and expressed gratitude to Society of Life members for their commitment to JFS Dallas and the thousands of individuals and families who rely on its services each year.
“Your generosity makes a real, measurable difference,” she shared. Through the support of donors, JFS Dallas served more than 18,000 people last year, providing comprehensive health and social services that promote stability, well-being, and hope.
President and CEO Cathy Barker reflected on the first eight months in the new Karla and Larry Steinberg Building and described how the facility is already helping transform the client experience.
She shared a story relayed by a longtime staff member who recently assisted a client as she navigated the building following a counseling appointment. The client spoke about how welcomed and respected she felt from the moment she arrived. She spent time enjoying the park outside before her appointment, then discovered additional resources available to her, including the Food Pantry and medical services.
What began as a visit for one need became an opportunity to access several forms of support.
“It was whole-person care in action,” Cathy explained. Just as importantly, it was a reminder that the dignity and compassion built into every aspect of the new facility help create an environment where clients feel comfortable seeking help and connecting with services they may not have realized were available.
Julie Zimmermann then shared why supporting JFS Dallas remains such a priority for her family. While many worthy causes compete for philanthropic support, she spoke about the importance of caring for those in our own community and reflected on the meaningful assistance members of her family received from JFS Dallas during vulnerable periods in their lives.
Guests also heard from Rebecca Hobson, Senior Director of Development, and Chris Walters, Major Gifts Officer, who announced the co-chairs for the 2027 Woman to Woman event: Sharon Goldberg, Sandy Marks, Cindy Munn, Stacy Olesky, and Bonnie Whitman. They also shared the exciting news that Emmy Award-winning comedian, actress, and author Sarah Silverman will headline the event on April 7, 2027.
The evening concluded with a powerful client story shared by Vice President of Programs Sally Gleason.
Sally introduced guests to “Barbara,” an 86-year-old woman who has been connected to JFS Dallas for nearly a decade. Over the years, Barbara faced challenge after challenge: caregiver stress, unemployment, financial hardship, the loss of her mother, the death of her only child, declining health, a stroke, and increasing isolation.
Yet throughout every chapter of her journey, JFS Dallas remained by her side.
As her needs evolved, so did the support she received. Counseling helped her navigate grief and depression. Financial assistance and food support helped her remain stable during times of uncertainty. Case management connected her to critical resources and guided her through a lengthy wait for affordable senior housing.
After nearly two years on a waiting list, Barbara finally received word that an apartment was available. But securing housing was only part of the challenge. Living alone and facing significant health issues, she was physically unable to pack and move herself.
JFS Dallas stepped in once again.
Working together, her therapist, case manager, and JFS leadership coordinated the support needed to pack her belongings, move her into her new home, and help her settle into a community where she could thrive.
Today, Barbara is safely housed, connected to a supportive community, and able to focus on her emotional well-being and the next chapter of her life.
In Sally’s words, “Barbara told us that JFS saved her life.”
Her story served as a powerful reminder that JFS Dallas is often much more than a service provider. For individuals facing life’s greatest challenges, JFS can become a lifeline, a support system, and a source of hope when it is needed most.
Thank you to Julie and Michael Zimmermann for their generous hospitality, and to every Society of Life member whose support makes stories like Barbara’s possible. Your generosity ensures that JFS Dallas can continue walking alongside people through life’s challenges, providing support at every turn.
