front cover - pg 1

SOVA COMMUNITY FOOD AND RESOURCE CENTER

SOVA's client visits have more than doubled

over the past three years.

Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles SOVA Community Food & Resource Program www.jfsla.org/sova (818) 988-7682 SOVA@jfsla.org 16439 Vanowen Street Van Nuys, CA 91406

Rick Powell & Barbara Weiser Margolis, Committee Co-Chairs, JFS { SOVA

SOVA Advisory Committee: Zucky Altman Ann Cutrow Monique Gibbons Dorothy Goren Les Hawkins Joyce Leanse Kimberly LeaVesseur Connie Lembark Mark Levey David Levine

SOVA Resource & Development Committee: Bear Barnes Laurie Bernhard Eileen Brown Ira Cohen Nancy Eisenstadt Rusty Feldman Leslie Friedman

Fred Summers, JFS { SOVA Director of Operations

Carol Bar-Or, JFS { SOVA Senior Campaign Manager

David O. Levine, President, JFS

Paul S. Castro, Executive Director/CEO, JFS

Susie Forer-Dehrey, COO, JFS

Vivian Sauer, Associate Executive Director, JFS

Suzy Jones Bookbinder, Director of Resource Development, JFS

JFS Communications: Jennifer Levitt, Director of Communications Jordan Silverman, Communications Associate Melody Vargas, Communications Coordinator

Wendy Ordower Shana Passman Larry Powell Elyse Salend David Soloway Trinka Soloway Mitch Stein Steve Ullman Ella Zarky

Ken Gross Priscilla Halper Susan Lebow Shana Passman Larry Powell Sheila Spiwak Mitch Stein

SOVA WEST: 8846 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035

SOVA METRO: 1140 N.La Brea Ave., W. Hollywood, CA 90038

SOVA VALLEY: 16439 Vanowen St., Van Nuys, CA 91406

Centerpieces That Make A Difference!

Non-profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 298Sta Clarita, CA

140,000

120,000

100,000

80,000

60,000

40,000

20,000

119,000

99,710

69,045

49,86142,455

39,80440,842

31,848

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 projected

55,760

SOVA is a program of Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles, a nonsectarian agency. JFS receives funding from The Jewish Federation and United Way.

Baskets of Hope

2010 UPDATE

Have an event coming up? Hosting a special luncheon or dinner party? Want to add something unique AND meaningful to your celebration?

Baskets of Hope are beautiful centerpieces designed and constructed by SOVA volunteers to enhance tables at family and community events, while helping to alleviate hunger and poverty in our community.

Baskets are customized to match your party decor, feature a card explaining the significance of the centerpiece, and best of all, your donation for the use of the baskets is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Contact Maxine Meyer at MMeyer@jfsla.org or (818) 988-7682, extension #116.

“I had a job. I had a house! What happened?” At SOVA, we hear that question a lot these days. Every morning, two hours before our food pantries open, men and women of all ages, races, and ethnicities begin lining up: on beautiful, cloudless days, in the pouring rain, in last September’s record-breaking heat wave. The numbers keep rising and as the economic downturn drags on, we’re stunned by how widely the need has spread.

Who comes to see us? A grandmother of 55 trying desperately to support her grandson on a small disability check. A recently-divorced mother of three on the verge of losing her home. A white-collar worker of not-quite-retirement age who has been jobless for so many months that his savings have long disappeared.

Every month, SOVA helps these people and more than 10,000 others in similar situations. Not only do we provide food and groceries, but we also provide access to community resources, on-site food stamp enrollment, and legal, vocational and nutritional counseling. And we do it with courtesy and compassion – in a way that preserves our clients’ dignity, gives them hope, and enriches their lives.

The numbers speak volumes. Today, the poverty rate in Los Angeles County exceeds the national average. So does the rate of unemployment–which doesn’t count the numbers of workers who are underemployed or have given up on the job search. With a workforce of about 4.9 million in Los Angeles County, by July 2010, 655,100 were unemployed (in late 2007 the number was 263,200). The Los Angeles Regional Foodbank reported (Sept. 2010) that 1 in 6 Los Angeles residents struggle with hunger.

Families report having to choose between feeding their families and paying bills for utilities, rent, transportation, medicine and medical care. Hundreds of thousands are suffering, and we have no illusions that conditions will improve any time soon. What we do have is hope–because we know we can help. Every day, as we provide groceries, counseling, referrals, and support, we see the light return to the eyes of people like Sarah. “I am so glad I asked for your help,” she told us. “SOVA is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“I never thought I’d end up here,” says Sarah, a 42-year-old mother of two, confusion and anguish in her eyes.

back cover - pg 8

pg 3inside front cover - pg 2

7:00amThe warehouse staff arrives and begins loading the SOVA trucks. They will handle more than 8 tons of food by the end of the day.

7:30amThough the pantry will not be open for more than two hours, the line of clients already begins to form.

8:00amThe Pantry Manager and the Assistant Manager begin to ready the pantry in anticipation of a very busy day.

8:30amA group of high school seniors arrives for a day of community service and after a quick tour, they start sorting donated food.

9:00amMore than 20 regularly-scheduled volunteers arrive to staff the pantry for the day. Their dedication makes it all possible!

Imagine being responsible for feeding more than 10,000 people.

This past August, that challenge became a reality. Every month, the number of people in need continues to climb. And with the holidays coming up, we are once again expecting record numbers of people desperately seeking assistance.

It is hard not to become passionate about what SOVA does when you see what an incred-ible difference we are making in the lives of individuals who are down on their luck and in need of a helping hand.

No donation is too small. We would love it if you got involved–come spend a few hours volunteering, host a neighborhood food drive, or start collecting cans of food at your place of business. To learn more about how you can help SOVA, please call (818) 988-7682.

10,000 people are hungry –that’s a lot of mouths to feed. But if we all pitch in, our community will benefit in ways we can’t even imagine.

Barbara Weiser Margolis Co-Chair, JFS { SOVA Advisory & Resource Development Committees

Rick Powell Co-Chair, JFS { SOVA Advisory & Resource Development Committees

JFS { SOVA ♥s Our Volunteers!Volunteers are the heart of SOVA. To meet the needs of our over 10,000 clients each month, we rely on a great team of 250 dedicated core volunteers and hundreds of others, all committed to helping to alleviate hunger in the community. We could not possibly meet our mission without them – without you!

Last month, a new chapter in SOVA’s long history began with the relocation of our “Beverly-Metro”site. For more than 20 years, SOVA served the midtown Los Angeles community from a storefront at 7563 Beverly Boulevard. Over the years, however, the number of clients needing assistance became far too great to be met by this small facility, resulting in long lines of people and long waits for service.

SOVA is proud to announce our relocation to a new facility, large enough to truly serve the needs of the local community. The new site, located at 1140 North La Brea Avenue, provides increased food storage and distribution capacity, as well as additional meeting space for our clients and volunteers, social workers, and Community Connection partners. It is also located closer to the center of the client population we serve, which will allow SOVA to strengthen ties to the City of West Hollywood, an important supporter of SOVA for many years.

Locations: SOVA WEST: 8846 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035

SOVA METRO: 1140 N.La Brea Ave., W. Hollywood, CA 90038

SOVA VALLEY: 16439 Vanowen St., Van Nuys, CA 91406

Our New Metro SOVA Community Food and Resource Center

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

A SPECIAL THANK YOU JFS { SOVA thanks Barbara Weiser Margolis and Rick Powell for their tireless commitment and devotion to combat hunger.

Fred Summers

Barbara Weiser Margolis & Rick Powell

More people visited emergency food programs (including SOVA) in 2010 than at any time in our history.

Meeting this unprecedented level of hunger and poverty requires the talents, skills, and support of every segment of our community. Staff, volunteers, donors, businesses, congre-gations, schools, foundations, The Jewish Federation, government agencies, and more all contribute to meeting the need. SOVA is truly a community program–together we provide essential nutrition, counseling, and supportive services to an enormous and growing population of vulnerable individuals and families.

Last year alone, SOVA provided the equivalent of 1.7 million meals. This is a staggering number, but what stands out is how we provide this relief in a manner that honors the dignity of each and every client. People select their own groceries, we respect special dietary requirements, and care is taken to insure that the available selections are as healthy, fresh, and nutritious as possible.

But food is only part of the story. In addition to groceries, each client is provided with information, referrals and resources to help them regain self-sufficiency. Our pantries’ services include counseling, legal advice, employment assistance, and other community resources. Through the efforts of all elements of the “SOVA team,” struggling people reclaim the dignity they deserve.

Our commitment to our community honors the true meaning of tikkun olam–repairing the world. We are the fortunate ones–the ones who have the chance to serve! Won’t you join us?

Fred Summers JFS { SOVA Director of Operations

How does volunteering at SOVA make you feel?

When I leave SOVA after a morning of volunteering, I feel grateful–both for having the chance to volunteer for such a dedicated, inspiring organization, and for my own bless-ings in my life. There are many places where I could volunteer, but I keep coming back here–the atmosphere is so welcoming and positive.

pg 3inside front cover - pg 2

7:00amThe warehouse staff arrives and begins loading the SOVA trucks. They will handle more than 8 tons of food by the end of the day.

7:30amThough the pantry will not be open for more than two hours, the line of clients already begins to form.

8:00amThe Pantry Manager and the Assistant Manager begin to ready the pantry in anticipation of a very busy day.

8:30amA group of high school seniors arrives for a day of community service and after a quick tour, they start sorting donated food.

9:00amMore than 20 regularly-scheduled volunteers arrive to staff the pantry for the day. Their dedication makes it all possible!

Imagine being responsible for feeding more than 10,000 people.

This past August, that challenge became a reality. Every month, the number of people in need continues to climb. And with the holidays coming up, we are once again expecting record numbers of people desperately seeking assistance.

It is hard not to become passionate about what SOVA does when you see what an incred-ible difference we are making in the lives of individuals who are down on their luck and in need of a helping hand.

No donation is too small. We would love it if you got involved–come spend a few hours volunteering, host a neighborhood food drive, or start collecting cans of food at your place of business. To learn more about how you can help SOVA, please call (818) 988-7682.

10,000 people are hungry –that’s a lot of mouths to feed. But if we all pitch in, our community will benefit in ways we can’t even imagine.

Barbara Weiser Margolis Co-Chair, JFS { SOVA Advisory & Resource Development Committees

Rick Powell Co-Chair, JFS { SOVA Advisory & Resource Development Committees

JFS { SOVA ♥s Our Volunteers!Volunteers are the heart of SOVA. To meet the needs of our over 10,000 clients each month, we rely on a great team of 250 dedicated core volunteers and hundreds of others, all committed to helping to alleviate hunger in the community. We could not possibly meet our mission without them – without you!

Last month, a new chapter in SOVA’s long history began with the relocation of our “Beverly-Metro”site. For more than 20 years, SOVA served the midtown Los Angeles community from a storefront at 7563 Beverly Boulevard. Over the years, however, the number of clients needing assistance became far too great to be met by this small facility, resulting in long lines of people and long waits for service.

SOVA is proud to announce our relocation to a new facility, large enough to truly serve the needs of the local community. The new site, located at 1140 North La Brea Avenue, provides increased food storage and distribution capacity, as well as additional meeting space for our clients and volunteers, social workers, and Community Connection partners. It is also located closer to the center of the client population we serve, which will allow SOVA to strengthen ties to the City of West Hollywood, an important supporter of SOVA for many years.

Locations: SOVA WEST: 8846 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035

SOVA METRO: 1140 N.La Brea Ave., W. Hollywood, CA 90038

SOVA VALLEY: 16439 Vanowen St., Van Nuys, CA 91406

Our New Metro SOVA Community Food and Resource Center

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

A SPECIAL THANK YOU JFS { SOVA thanks Barbara Weiser Margolis and Rick Powell for their tireless commitment and devotion to combat hunger.

Fred Summers

Barbara Weiser Margolis & Rick Powell

More people visited emergency food programs (including SOVA) in 2010 than at any time in our history.

Meeting this unprecedented level of hunger and poverty requires the talents, skills, and support of every segment of our community. Staff, volunteers, donors, businesses, congre-gations, schools, foundations, The Jewish Federation, government agencies, and more all contribute to meeting the need. SOVA is truly a community program–together we provide essential nutrition, counseling, and supportive services to an enormous and growing population of vulnerable individuals and families.

Last year alone, SOVA provided the equivalent of 1.7 million meals. This is a staggering number, but what stands out is how we provide this relief in a manner that honors the dignity of each and every client. People select their own groceries, we respect special dietary requirements, and care is taken to insure that the available selections are as healthy, fresh, and nutritious as possible.

But food is only part of the story. In addition to groceries, each client is provided with information, referrals and resources to help them regain self-sufficiency. Our pantries’ services include counseling, legal advice, employment assistance, and other community resources. Through the efforts of all elements of the “SOVA team,” struggling people reclaim the dignity they deserve.

Our commitment to our community honors the true meaning of tikkun olam–repairing the world. We are the fortunate ones–the ones who have the chance to serve! Won’t you join us?

Fred Summers JFS { SOVA Director of Operations

How does volunteering at SOVA make you feel?

When I leave SOVA after a morning of volunteering, I feel grateful–both for having the chance to volunteer for such a dedicated, inspiring organization, and for my own bless-ings in my life. There are many places where I could volunteer, but I keep coming back here–the atmosphere is so welcoming and positive.

pg 5pg 4

11:30amAn unemployed worker meets with the on-site vocational counselor for information on job leads. He also signs up for food stamp benefits.

12:00pmThe SOVA trucks return from the food bank with a bounty of fresh and packaged foods to fill the shelves at all three sites.

12:30pmAfter serving more than 75 families, there is a brief pause in the action, allowing the volunteers their first 10-minute break of the day!

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

9:30amSOVA officially opens at 10:00, but hungry clients are already being welcomed, seated, and given registration materials.

10:00amA family of four – first-time SOVA visitors – begins their enrollment interview and program orientation in the Resource Center.

10:30amThe day’s earliest arrivals are already departing with their five-day supply of nutritious food, including fresh fruits and vegetables.

11:00amA client explains his restriction to low sodium foods to a SOVA volunteer. His order will be specially selected to meet his needs.

Barbara Margolis Wall of HonorBarbara and Bobby Margolis have been passionate and committed supporters of SOVA for several years.

Barbara has devoted countless hours to SOVA’s hunger relief efforts in a myriad of different ways–as a packing room volunteer, a Baskets of Hope supporter, and as co-chair of SOVA’s Advisory and Resource Development committees. In her honor, her husband Bobby recently set out to create the Margolis Wall of Honor.

After 18 months of hard work and dedicated fundraising efforts, Bobby raised more than $500,000 in pledges and donations. With a $500,000 matching gift from Bobby and Barbara, the Wall of Honor Fund has raised more than a million dollars to support SOVA’s hunger relief work.

Although the matching gift phase of the Margolis Wall of Honor campaign is now over, the number of people in need of SOVA’s help continues to increase. Donations to the Margolis Wall of Honor campaign will always be gratefully accepted.

With Appreciation to Our Major Donors*

Without our many supporters, SOVA would not be able to continue our lifesaving work. On behalf of the thousands of people in our community, we want to thank all our donors for their continued support and commitment.

Every year during the High Holidays, JFS { SOVA collects thousands of pounds of food generously given by you– our devoted community of volunteers and donors. This year we collected more than 85,000 pounds of groceries from local synagogues, schools, and organizations throughout the community.

Abraham Joshua Heschel Day SchoolAdat Ari ElAdat Chaverim Adat ShalomAhavat TorahBayit ShelanuBernard Milken Campus B'nai HorinBurbank Temple Emanu ElCedars-Sinai Medical CenterCongregation Beth Chayim ChadashimCongregation Beth MeierCongregation Beth ShalomCongregation Beth Torah-South BayCongregation B'nai EmetCongregation Kol AmiCongregation Ner TamidCongregation N’vay ShalomCongregation Or AmiCongregation Shir AmiCreative Arts TempleEden Memorial ParkHeschel WestHillside Memorial Park & Mortuary

IKARJewish Federation Council of Greater LA BuildingKadima Day SchoolKehillat Ma’arav Leo Baeck TempleMakom Ohr ShalomMalibu Jewish Center & SynagogueMilken Community High SchoolMt. Sinai Memorial Parks & MortuaryOhr Hatorah SynagogueSanta Monica Synagogue - Shaarei AmShalom ChapelShomrei Torah SynagogueSinai TempleStephen S. Wise TempleTemple Ahavat ShalomTemple AkibaTemple AliyahTemple Beth AmTemple Beth El & CenterTemple Beth Emet Temple Beth Israel of Highland Park and Eagle RockTemple Beth Torah of Granada Hills

Temple B’nai HayimTemple EmanuelTemple Etz ChaimTemple Isaiah Temple Israel of HollywoodTemple JudeaTemple Judea WestTemple Knesset Israel of HollywoodTemple MenorahTemple Mishkon TephiloTemple Ore ChadashTemple Ramat ZionTemple Sinai of GlendaleUCLA HillelUniversity SynagogueUSC HillelValley Beth IsraelValley Beth ShalomValley Outreach SynagogueYavneh Hebrew AcademyYoung Israel of Century City

Special thanks to our valued partners who donated fresh food, products, and other transportation services for these valued goods. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Bagel BrigadeBagel BrokerBea's BakeryBelwood BakeryBosley Cambridge FarmsCanter's Restaurant / BakeryCharles Berney FarmsCostco

Crown Poly Inc.Delivery Solutions Inc.Encino Farmer's MarketFood ForwardGelson'sGlobal KindnessHoffman Brown CompanyL.A. Specialty ProduceLe Pain QuotidienNorthern Produce

Panera BreadPavilionsShugar Soapworks, Inc.Snak KingSouthwestern Bag Co.Starving StudentsTrader Joe'sVonsWhole Foods MarketWorldwide Logistics

Gifts of $100,000 +Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los AngelesBarbara & Bobby Margolis♦

Anonymous (1)

Gifts of $50,000 to $99,999Angell FoundationThe Harold Edelstein FoundationThe Emergency Food and Shelter ProgramThe Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert FoundationThe Michael & Irene Ross Endowment FundWells FargoThe City of West HollywoodAnonymous (2)

Gifts of $25,000 to $49,999The Ahmanson FoundationBuchalter Family TrustDermalogica Foundation, Inc.Joyce and Larry PowellRosenthal Family FoundationThe Stern Family: Judi, Bruce, & Jeffrey♦

Gifts of $10,000 to $24,999The Joyce and Saul Brandman Foundation♦

Corie & Michael Koss♦

Charlene & William GlikbargMorris A. Hazan Family FoundationAnita HirshJulie & Scott Isdaner♦

Barbara & Tom LeanseDana and Chuck MaltzThe Maurice Marciano Family Foundation♦

MAZON: A Jewish Response to HungerDebbie, Rick, Ashley, & Jeremy PowellDonna & Harvey RosenSaban Family FoundationJoseph Sherwood Jack Sraberg**Suzanne TrachtRuth/Allen Ziegler FoundationAnonymous (2)

Gifts of $5,000 to $9,999J.B. Berland FoundationRod, Fabienne, Daniel and Samuel Berman♦

The Sheri & Les Biller Family Foundation♦

Eileen & Harold BrownCannon Family FoundationPatricia & Ira CohenCounty of Los AngelesEric EisnerElla Fitzgerald Charitable FoundationGeraldine Gladstone FoundationKen & Gerri GrossIndivest, Inc.Karen & Lonnie Kane♦

John Karubian♦

Kurtzman Family FoundationLaemmle Theatres Charitable FoundationMark & Pearle Rae LeveyJeff & Joni Marine♦

Jonathan Novak Contemporary ArtCarol &Thomas F. ONeill♦

Hedy & Ted OrdenShana & Don Passman♦

Jeanne & Anthony PritzkerJulie & Brad Shames♦

Linda & Perry S. Silver♦

Trinka & Howard SolowayNancy Stark & Stanley IezmanSherry & Mitch SteinWeingart Foundation♦

Frederick R. Weisman Philanthropic FoundationAnonymous (2)

Gifts of $2,500 to $4,999John & Hilda Arnold FoundationJ.B. Berland FoundationLinda & Larry BlumenfeldAdele & Lawrence BraunCenter WestThe Clareman Family♦

Emily & Rick Corleto♦

Michelle & Ken DayanDr. S. Ian Drew Maureen & Larry EisenbergE.G.K. FoundationElisabeth & Robert FisherFood Industry Crusade Against HungerConnie Frank FoundationElaine & David GillTova & David GlocknerDenise & Andrew GoldfarbLou & Shirley Gram♦

Janet & Hayim HasonHillside Memorial Park and MortuaryJewish Federation Sylvia Weisz Women’s CampaignJennifer Glazer MalkinHarry & Myra MorewitzJackie & Stuart OleskerSandy & Perry OretzkyThe Pergo Foundation♦

Ralphs Community Contributions ProgramShomrei Torah SynagogueMike & Jennifer Singer♦

Valley Beth ShalomYeardley SmithFran & Richard Solomon♦

Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Dr. Eric Strom & Eileen GoodisVenable Foundation, Inc.Wilshire Westwood PlazaMartin F. Witkin Charitable TrustMichael WolfAdrianne & Robert ZarneginAnonymous (7)

*Gifts received July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010 ♦Barbara Margolis Wall of Honor (gifts received July 1, 2009-September 30, 2010) **Of blessed memory

What does SOVA mean to you?

SOVA means coming together– whether you’re the one in need of some help or you’re the one who can give it. SOVA means community.

pg 5pg 4

11:30amAn unemployed worker meets with the on-site vocational counselor for information on job leads. He also signs up for food stamp benefits.

12:00pmThe SOVA trucks return from the food bank with a bounty of fresh and packaged foods to fill the shelves at all three sites.

12:30pmAfter serving more than 75 families, there is a brief pause in the action, allowing the volunteers their first 10-minute break of the day!

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

9:30amSOVA officially opens at 10:00, but hungry clients are already being welcomed, seated, and given registration materials.

10:00amA family of four – first-time SOVA visitors – begins their enrollment interview and program orientation in the Resource Center.

10:30amThe day’s earliest arrivals are already departing with their five-day supply of nutritious food, including fresh fruits and vegetables.

11:00amA client explains his restriction to low sodium foods to a SOVA volunteer. His order will be specially selected to meet his needs.

Barbara Margolis Wall of HonorBarbara and Bobby Margolis have been passionate and committed supporters of SOVA for several years.

Barbara has devoted countless hours to SOVA’s hunger relief efforts in a myriad of different ways–as a packing room volunteer, a Baskets of Hope supporter, and as co-chair of SOVA’s Advisory and Resource Development committees. In her honor, her husband Bobby recently set out to create the Margolis Wall of Honor.

After 18 months of hard work and dedicated fundraising efforts, Bobby raised more than $500,000 in pledges and donations. With a $500,000 matching gift from Bobby and Barbara, the Wall of Honor Fund has raised more than a million dollars to support SOVA’s hunger relief work.

Although the matching gift phase of the Margolis Wall of Honor campaign is now over, the number of people in need of SOVA’s help continues to increase. Donations to the Margolis Wall of Honor campaign will always be gratefully accepted.

With Appreciation to Our Major Donors*

Without our many supporters, SOVA would not be able to continue our lifesaving work. On behalf of the thousands of people in our community, we want to thank all our donors for their continued support and commitment.

Every year during the High Holidays, JFS { SOVA collects thousands of pounds of food generously given by you– our devoted community of volunteers and donors. This year we collected more than 85,000 pounds of groceries from local synagogues, schools, and organizations throughout the community.

Abraham Joshua Heschel Day SchoolAdat Ari ElAdat Chaverim Adat ShalomAhavat TorahBayit ShelanuBernard Milken Campus B'nai HorinBurbank Temple Emanu ElCedars-Sinai Medical CenterCongregation Beth Chayim ChadashimCongregation Beth MeierCongregation Beth ShalomCongregation Beth Torah-South BayCongregation B'nai EmetCongregation Kol AmiCongregation Ner TamidCongregation N’vay ShalomCongregation Or AmiCongregation Shir AmiCreative Arts TempleEden Memorial ParkHeschel WestHillside Memorial Park & Mortuary

IKARJewish Federation Council of Greater LA BuildingKadima Day SchoolKehillat Ma’arav Leo Baeck TempleMakom Ohr ShalomMalibu Jewish Center & SynagogueMilken Community High SchoolMt. Sinai Memorial Parks & MortuaryOhr Hatorah SynagogueSanta Monica Synagogue - Shaarei AmShalom ChapelShomrei Torah SynagogueSinai TempleStephen S. Wise TempleTemple Ahavat ShalomTemple AkibaTemple AliyahTemple Beth AmTemple Beth El & CenterTemple Beth Emet Temple Beth Israel of Highland Park and Eagle RockTemple Beth Torah of Granada Hills

Temple B’nai HayimTemple EmanuelTemple Etz ChaimTemple Isaiah Temple Israel of HollywoodTemple JudeaTemple Judea WestTemple Knesset Israel of HollywoodTemple MenorahTemple Mishkon TephiloTemple Ore ChadashTemple Ramat ZionTemple Sinai of GlendaleUCLA HillelUniversity SynagogueUSC HillelValley Beth IsraelValley Beth ShalomValley Outreach SynagogueYavneh Hebrew AcademyYoung Israel of Century City

Special thanks to our valued partners who donated fresh food, products, and other transportation services for these valued goods. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Bagel BrigadeBagel BrokerBea's BakeryBelwood BakeryBosley Cambridge FarmsCanter's Restaurant / BakeryCharles Berney FarmsCostco

Crown Poly Inc.Delivery Solutions Inc.Encino Farmer's MarketFood ForwardGelson'sGlobal KindnessHoffman Brown CompanyL.A. Specialty ProduceLe Pain QuotidienNorthern Produce

Panera BreadPavilionsShugar Soapworks, Inc.Snak KingSouthwestern Bag Co.Starving StudentsTrader Joe'sVonsWhole Foods MarketWorldwide Logistics

Gifts of $100,000 +Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los AngelesBarbara & Bobby Margolis♦

Anonymous (1)

Gifts of $50,000 to $99,999Angell FoundationThe Harold Edelstein FoundationThe Emergency Food and Shelter ProgramThe Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert FoundationThe Michael & Irene Ross Endowment FundWells FargoThe City of West HollywoodAnonymous (2)

Gifts of $25,000 to $49,999The Ahmanson FoundationBuchalter Family TrustDermalogica Foundation, Inc.Joyce and Larry PowellRosenthal Family FoundationThe Stern Family: Judi, Bruce, & Jeffrey♦

Gifts of $10,000 to $24,999The Joyce and Saul Brandman Foundation♦

Corie & Michael Koss♦

Charlene & William GlikbargMorris A. Hazan Family FoundationAnita HirshJulie & Scott Isdaner♦

Barbara & Tom LeanseDana and Chuck MaltzThe Maurice Marciano Family Foundation♦

MAZON: A Jewish Response to HungerDebbie, Rick, Ashley, & Jeremy PowellDonna & Harvey RosenSaban Family FoundationJoseph Sherwood Jack Sraberg**Suzanne TrachtRuth/Allen Ziegler FoundationAnonymous (2)

Gifts of $5,000 to $9,999J.B. Berland FoundationRod, Fabienne, Daniel and Samuel Berman♦

The Sheri & Les Biller Family Foundation♦

Eileen & Harold BrownCannon Family FoundationPatricia & Ira CohenCounty of Los AngelesEric EisnerElla Fitzgerald Charitable FoundationGeraldine Gladstone FoundationKen & Gerri GrossIndivest, Inc.Karen & Lonnie Kane♦

John Karubian♦

Kurtzman Family FoundationLaemmle Theatres Charitable FoundationMark & Pearle Rae LeveyJeff & Joni Marine♦

Jonathan Novak Contemporary ArtCarol &Thomas F. ONeill♦

Hedy & Ted OrdenShana & Don Passman♦

Jeanne & Anthony PritzkerJulie & Brad Shames♦

Linda & Perry S. Silver♦

Trinka & Howard SolowayNancy Stark & Stanley IezmanSherry & Mitch SteinWeingart Foundation♦

Frederick R. Weisman Philanthropic FoundationAnonymous (2)

Gifts of $2,500 to $4,999John & Hilda Arnold FoundationJ.B. Berland FoundationLinda & Larry BlumenfeldAdele & Lawrence BraunCenter WestThe Clareman Family♦

Emily & Rick Corleto♦

Michelle & Ken DayanDr. S. Ian Drew Maureen & Larry EisenbergE.G.K. FoundationElisabeth & Robert FisherFood Industry Crusade Against HungerConnie Frank FoundationElaine & David GillTova & David GlocknerDenise & Andrew GoldfarbLou & Shirley Gram♦

Janet & Hayim HasonHillside Memorial Park and MortuaryJewish Federation Sylvia Weisz Women’s CampaignJennifer Glazer MalkinHarry & Myra MorewitzJackie & Stuart OleskerSandy & Perry OretzkyThe Pergo Foundation♦

Ralphs Community Contributions ProgramShomrei Torah SynagogueMike & Jennifer Singer♦

Valley Beth ShalomYeardley SmithFran & Richard Solomon♦

Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Dr. Eric Strom & Eileen GoodisVenable Foundation, Inc.Wilshire Westwood PlazaMartin F. Witkin Charitable TrustMichael WolfAdrianne & Robert ZarneginAnonymous (7)

*Gifts received July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010 ♦Barbara Margolis Wall of Honor (gifts received July 1, 2009-September 30, 2010) **Of blessed memory

What does SOVA mean to you?

SOVA means coming together– whether you’re the one in need of some help or you’re the one who can give it. SOVA means community.

inside back cover - pg 7pg 6

3:30pmVolunteers finish assembling and decorating a dozen Baskets of Hope and help ready them for delivery tomorrow.

4:00pmThe pantry is clean. The shelves are restocked. The building is quiet. Everything is ready to begin the whole process again tomorrow!

1:30pmThe last client of the day is greeted. While she awaits her groceries, her children select books from the SOVA Book Corner to take home too.

2:00pmA father & son arrive to donate items to SOVA, bringing with them four crates of fresh oranges and a $500 check from the son’s Bar Mitzvah.

2:30pmWhat a day! More than 300 people received groceries today. And that’s just at this one site!

3:00pmThe trucks return from their second routes of the day, filled with hundreds of pounds of assorted foods donated from local markets.

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

Thousands of people need our help. But we can’t do it without you.

JFS { SOVA strives to address the growing problem of hunger in Los Angeles by providing a wide array of programs and services for the community. Our groceries and supportive services for families and individuals in need are always free of charge, easily accessible, and are offered in a way that respects and preserves our clients’ dignity.

The greatest challenge facing SOVA is responding to the ever-growing need for our services. We need your help to meet the challenge.

Gifts come in many forms. You can make a difference.All donations, large or modest, are greatly appreciated. Due to our special relationships with food suppliers, for every $1 you donate, SOVA can purchase $5 worth of groceries.

Three Easy Ways to Donate:1. Online: Log on to www.jfsla.org/SOVA/Donate.

2. By phone: Please contact Diane Linder at (818) 988-7682 (extension #110)

3. By mail: Donations can be mailed to: JFS { SOVA Community Food & Resource Program 16439 Vanowen Street, Van Nuys CA 91406

Food Donations SOVA depends on food donations for the largest share of our overall food supply. We gratefully accept donations at any of our three pantry locations, and are most frequently in need of canned meat, tuna, and peanut butter. For more information, please contact Maxine Meyer at (818) 988-7682 (extension #116) or MMeyer@jfsla.org.

Personalized Tribute Cards Sending a tribute card with your personalized message is a wonderful way to let someone know you’re thinking about them while supporting hunger relief in the community. To order a tribute card, please contact Diane Linder at (818) 988-7682 (extension #110) or DLinder@jfsla.org.

Baskets of Hope Baskets of Hope are beautiful centerpieces filled with food designed to enhance tables at family celebrations and community events. All proceeds benefit the JFS { SOVA Community Food & Resource Program. For more information about Baskets of Hope, please contact Maxine Meyer at (818) 988-7682 (extension #116) or MMeyer@jfsla.org.

Volunteer Opportunities SOVA relies on a team of dedicated volunteers to help us meet our mission of alleviating hunger in our community. To learn more about hands-on volunteer opportunities for people of all ages, please contact Felice Resnick at (818) 988-7682 (extension #118) or FResnick@jfsla.org.

We welcome gifts of stock, bonds, or other major gifts For more information, please contact Carol Bar-Or at (213) 260-7922 or CBaror@jfsla.org.

My Bat Mitzvah ProjectBy Rachil Henderson BarlowA few months ago, I became a Bat Mitzvah. Part of my preparation for the big day included carrying out a Mitzvah Project–a commitment that recognized my responsibility as a Jew to do mitzvot (good deeds) in the spirit of tikkun olam (repairing the world). For my Mitzvah Project, I chose to support SOVA Community Food & Resource Program.

Named for the Hebrew word that means “eat and be satisfied,”SOVA provides free groceries and social services to individuals of all ages, ethnicities, and religions in the Los Angeles area. In the past, I have donated food to SOVA, and when it came time to pick a Mitzvah Project, I immediately thought of SOVA and helping the hungry in my community.

I worked on four different days at the SOVA food pantry in Van Nuys–I sorted donated food, stocked shelves, and packed grocery bags. In total, I donated 18 hours of commu-nity service–in Judaism, 18 is a meaningful number, representing the Hebrew word chai, which means life. I also organized a canned food drive and set a goal of collecting 500 cans–I even asked my Bat Mitzvah guests to bring a canned food item with them to my Bat Mitzvah celebration.

Lastly, as a meaningful substitute for flower arrangement centerpieces, I chose to use Baskets of Hope–beautifully decorated food baskets–to decorate the synagogue sanctuary for my Bat Mitzvah.

I am very proud of the work I did for my Mitzvah Project, and will continue to support SOVA in any way I can.

THE PROBLEM OF HUNGER IS REAL. THE SOLUTION IS VIRTUAL. Shop JFS { SOVA’s Virtual Food Drive Online!Select from among the items shown online and enter the quantities you wish to add to your cart! Your contribution will allow SOVA to leverage our buying power.

A few clicks go a long way.

www.jfsla.org/SOVA/vfd

How has SOVA changed your life?

Growing up, my mom used

to bring me and my sisters

here while she waited on

line for groceries in order

for us to be able to eat.

Now that I’m older and

things are better for my

family, I come back–to give

back. I volunteer here every

month and hope that I am

helping to make another

person’s life a little easier,

just like SOVA did for me

when I was little.

1:00pmThe Resource Center finishes enrolling its 23rd new family of the day.

You’re looking at the safety net for the middle class disappearing. –a SOVA volunteer, interviewed recently by Steve Lopez for the L.A. Times. Log on to www.jfsla.org for the full article.

inside back cover - pg 7pg 6

3:30pmVolunteers finish assembling and decorating a dozen Baskets of Hope and help ready them for delivery tomorrow.

4:00pmThe pantry is clean. The shelves are restocked. The building is quiet. Everything is ready to begin the whole process again tomorrow!

1:30pmThe last client of the day is greeted. While she awaits her groceries, her children select books from the SOVA Book Corner to take home too.

2:00pmA father & son arrive to donate items to SOVA, bringing with them four crates of fresh oranges and a $500 check from the son’s Bar Mitzvah.

2:30pmWhat a day! More than 300 people received groceries today. And that’s just at this one site!

3:00pmThe trucks return from their second routes of the day, filled with hundreds of pounds of assorted foods donated from local markets.

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

Thousands of people need our help. But we can’t do it without you.

JFS { SOVA strives to address the growing problem of hunger in Los Angeles by providing a wide array of programs and services for the community. Our groceries and supportive services for families and individuals in need are always free of charge, easily accessible, and are offered in a way that respects and preserves our clients’ dignity.

The greatest challenge facing SOVA is responding to the ever-growing need for our services. We need your help to meet the challenge.

Gifts come in many forms. You can make a difference.All donations, large or modest, are greatly appreciated. Due to our special relationships with food suppliers, for every $1 you donate, SOVA can purchase $5 worth of groceries.

Three Easy Ways to Donate:1. Online: Log on to www.jfsla.org/SOVA/Donate.

2. By phone: Please contact Diane Linder at (818) 988-7682 (extension #110)

3. By mail: Donations can be mailed to: JFS { SOVA Community Food & Resource Program 16439 Vanowen Street, Van Nuys CA 91406

Food Donations SOVA depends on food donations for the largest share of our overall food supply. We gratefully accept donations at any of our three pantry locations, and are most frequently in need of canned meat, tuna, and peanut butter. For more information, please contact Maxine Meyer at (818) 988-7682 (extension #116) or MMeyer@jfsla.org.

Personalized Tribute Cards Sending a tribute card with your personalized message is a wonderful way to let someone know you’re thinking about them while supporting hunger relief in the community. To order a tribute card, please contact Diane Linder at (818) 988-7682 (extension #110) or DLinder@jfsla.org.

Baskets of Hope Baskets of Hope are beautiful centerpieces filled with food designed to enhance tables at family celebrations and community events. All proceeds benefit the JFS { SOVA Community Food & Resource Program. For more information about Baskets of Hope, please contact Maxine Meyer at (818) 988-7682 (extension #116) or MMeyer@jfsla.org.

Volunteer Opportunities SOVA relies on a team of dedicated volunteers to help us meet our mission of alleviating hunger in our community. To learn more about hands-on volunteer opportunities for people of all ages, please contact Felice Resnick at (818) 988-7682 (extension #118) or FResnick@jfsla.org.

We welcome gifts of stock, bonds, or other major gifts For more information, please contact Carol Bar-Or at (213) 260-7922 or CBaror@jfsla.org.

My Bat Mitzvah ProjectBy Rachil Henderson BarlowA few months ago, I became a Bat Mitzvah. Part of my preparation for the big day included carrying out a Mitzvah Project–a commitment that recognized my responsibility as a Jew to do mitzvot (good deeds) in the spirit of tikkun olam (repairing the world). For my Mitzvah Project, I chose to support SOVA Community Food & Resource Program.

Named for the Hebrew word that means “eat and be satisfied,”SOVA provides free groceries and social services to individuals of all ages, ethnicities, and religions in the Los Angeles area. In the past, I have donated food to SOVA, and when it came time to pick a Mitzvah Project, I immediately thought of SOVA and helping the hungry in my community.

I worked on four different days at the SOVA food pantry in Van Nuys–I sorted donated food, stocked shelves, and packed grocery bags. In total, I donated 18 hours of commu-nity service–in Judaism, 18 is a meaningful number, representing the Hebrew word chai, which means life. I also organized a canned food drive and set a goal of collecting 500 cans–I even asked my Bat Mitzvah guests to bring a canned food item with them to my Bat Mitzvah celebration.

Lastly, as a meaningful substitute for flower arrangement centerpieces, I chose to use Baskets of Hope–beautifully decorated food baskets–to decorate the synagogue sanctuary for my Bat Mitzvah.

I am very proud of the work I did for my Mitzvah Project, and will continue to support SOVA in any way I can.

THE PROBLEM OF HUNGER IS REAL. THE SOLUTION IS VIRTUAL. Shop JFS { SOVA’s Virtual Food Drive Online!Select from among the items shown online and enter the quantities you wish to add to your cart! Your contribution will allow SOVA to leverage our buying power.

A few clicks go a long way.

www.jfsla.org/SOVA/vfd

How has SOVA changed your life?

Growing up, my mom used

to bring me and my sisters

here while she waited on

line for groceries in order

for us to be able to eat.

Now that I’m older and

things are better for my

family, I come back–to give

back. I volunteer here every

month and hope that I am

helping to make another

person’s life a little easier,

just like SOVA did for me

when I was little.

1:00pmThe Resource Center finishes enrolling its 23rd new family of the day.

You’re looking at the safety net for the middle class disappearing. –a SOVA volunteer, interviewed recently by Steve Lopez for the L.A. Times. Log on to www.jfsla.org for the full article.

front cover - pg 1

SOVA COMMUNITY FOOD AND RESOURCE CENTER

SOVA's client visits have more than doubled

over the past three years.

Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles SOVA Community Food & Resource Program www.jfsla.org/sova (818) 988-7682 SOVA@jfsla.org 16439 Vanowen Street Van Nuys, CA 91406

Rick Powell & Barbara Weiser Margolis, Committee Co-Chairs, JFS { SOVA

SOVA Advisory Committee: Zucky Altman Ann Cutrow Monique Gibbons Dorothy Goren Les Hawkins Joyce Leanse Kimberly LeaVesseur Connie Lembark Mark Levey David Levine

SOVA Resource & Development Committee: Bear Barnes Laurie Bernhard Eileen Brown Ira Cohen Nancy Eisenstadt Rusty Feldman Leslie Friedman

Fred Summers, JFS { SOVA Director of Operations

Carol Bar-Or, JFS { SOVA Senior Campaign Manager

David O. Levine, President, JFS

Paul S. Castro, Executive Director/CEO, JFS

Susie Forer-Dehrey, COO, JFS

Vivian Sauer, Associate Executive Director, JFS

Suzy Jones Bookbinder, Director of Resource Development, JFS

JFS Communications: Jennifer Levitt, Director of Communications Jordan Silverman, Communications Associate Melody Vargas, Communications Coordinator

Wendy Ordower Shana Passman Larry Powell Elyse Salend David Soloway Trinka Soloway Mitch Stein Steve Ullman Ella Zarky

Ken Gross Priscilla Halper Susan Lebow Shana Passman Larry Powell Sheila Spiwak Mitch Stein

SOVA WEST: 8846 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035

SOVA METRO: 1140 N.La Brea Ave., W. Hollywood, CA 90038

SOVA VALLEY: 16439 Vanowen St., Van Nuys, CA 91406

Centerpieces That Make A Difference!

Non-profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 298Sta Clarita, CA

140,000

120,000

100,000

80,000

60,000

40,000

20,000

119,000

99,710

69,045

49,86142,455

39,80440,842

31,848

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 projected

55,760

SOVA is a program of Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles, a nonsectarian agency. JFS receives funding from The Jewish Federation and United Way.

Baskets of Hope

2010 UPDATE

Have an event coming up? Hosting a special luncheon or dinner party? Want to add something unique AND meaningful to your celebration?

Baskets of Hope are beautiful centerpieces designed and constructed by SOVA volunteers to enhance tables at family and community events, while helping to alleviate hunger and poverty in our community.

Baskets are customized to match your party decor, feature a card explaining the significance of the centerpiece, and best of all, your donation for the use of the baskets is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Contact Maxine Meyer at MMeyer@jfsla.org or (818) 988-7682, extension #116.

“I had a job. I had a house! What happened?” At SOVA, we hear that question a lot these days. Every morning, two hours before our food pantries open, men and women of all ages, races, and ethnicities begin lining up: on beautiful, cloudless days, in the pouring rain, in last September’s record-breaking heat wave. The numbers keep rising and as the economic downturn drags on, we’re stunned by how widely the need has spread.

Who comes to see us? A grandmother of 55 trying desperately to support her grandson on a small disability check. A recently-divorced mother of three on the verge of losing her home. A white-collar worker of not-quite-retirement age who has been jobless for so many months that his savings have long disappeared.

Every month, SOVA helps these people and more than 10,000 others in similar situations. Not only do we provide food and groceries, but we also provide access to community resources, on-site food stamp enrollment, and legal, vocational and nutritional counseling. And we do it with courtesy and compassion – in a way that preserves our clients’ dignity, gives them hope, and enriches their lives.

The numbers speak volumes. Today, the poverty rate in Los Angeles County exceeds the national average. So does the rate of unemployment–which doesn’t count the numbers of workers who are underemployed or have given up on the job search. With a workforce of about 4.9 million in Los Angeles County, by July 2010, 655,100 were unemployed (in late 2007 the number was 263,200). The Los Angeles Regional Foodbank reported (Sept. 2010) that 1 in 6 Los Angeles residents struggle with hunger.

Families report having to choose between feeding their families and paying bills for utilities, rent, transportation, medicine and medical care. Hundreds of thousands are suffering, and we have no illusions that conditions will improve any time soon. What we do have is hope–because we know we can help. Every day, as we provide groceries, counseling, referrals, and support, we see the light return to the eyes of people like Sarah. “I am so glad I asked for your help,” she told us. “SOVA is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“I never thought I’d end up here,” says Sarah, a 42-year-old mother of two, confusion and anguish in her eyes.

back cover - pg 8