12 Days of Hope
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Introducing the 12 Days of Hope: A Season of Stories, Strength, and Community
At Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), we believe hope is something you can hold onto. Every day, nearly 50,000 people across Maricopa County turn to JFCS for safety, healing, support, and connection. And every day, because of community members like you, we’re able to say yes when someone needs us most.
This year, we are proud to introduce the 12 Days of Hope, a special year-end storytelling campaign beginning December 14th on Facebook and Instagram that highlight the powerful, personal journeys of individuals whose lives have been transformed through JFCS programs. From youth who have earned their GEDs to seniors rediscovering purpose, from survivors rebuilding their lives to teens finding relief from anxiety, these 12 days shine a light on what hope truly looks like in our community.
These stories are real.
These moments matter.
And each one was made possible by people like you.
Why We’re Sharing These Stories Now
The need for behavioral health and social support services continues to grow across Arizona. For 15 years, Medicaid behavioral health reimbursement rates have not increased, despite demands rising year after year. And last October, Arizona implemented the 8-minute rule, further reducing what providers like JFCS are reimbursed for essential mental health care.
These challenges do not define us — but they do impact us.
What remains is our commitment to showing up every day for the individuals and families who rely on us. And with your help, we can continue to ensure that cost never becomes a barrier to care.
That is why this moment is so important.
That is why we are sharing these stories with you.
And that is why your gift equals access.
A Spotlight on Resilience: The Real World Job Development Graduation
One of the featured stories in the 12 Days of Hope comes from our Real World Job Development Program, which helps youth and young adults gain credentials, build confidence, and step into meaningful career pathways.
Just this past October, at the Pulliam Auditorium inside Burton Barr Library, graduates walked across the stage as family and friends wiped tears of pride. Some earned their GEDs, an achievement that takes immense dedication. Others completed certificate programs in high-demand fields such as Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy, Dental Assistant with Ortho, and more.
Students delivered short speeches, supporters offered words of encouragement, and each graduate received beautiful cupcakes donated by For Goodness Cakes volunteers. The atmosphere was filled with accomplishment, possibility, and joy.
These young adults worked hard for their futures, and your support helped make their success possible.
Hope Doesn’t End After 12 Days
Each story we share this season represents just a fraction of the people we serve through:
- Behavioral and Integrative Health/Crisis Care
- Senior Enrichment Programs
- Jewish Community & Chaplaincy Services
- Child and Family Support Services (includes Real World Job Development and Shelter Without Walls Domestic Violence Support)
But our work doesn’t end on Day 12.
There are 353 more days ahead where someone in our community will need help, connection, healing, or hope.
How You Can Be Part of the 12 Days of Hope
During the month of December, we invite you to:
✔ Follow along on Facebook and Instagram
Each day we’ll share a new story that reflects the impact of your support – stories will begin on December 14th.
✔ Share the campaign with friends and family
Hope grows when we share it.
✔ Make a year-end gift
Your contribution ensures that JFCS can continue to provide accessible, life-changing care for thousands of individuals and families.
Your Gift = Access to Care.
And access can change everything.
Imagine Maricopa County Without JFCS… Then Imagine What’s Possible With You.
As you read these stories, we encourage you to imagine what our community would look like without JFCS. No safe place for survivors. No mental health support for struggling youth. No companionship for isolated seniors. No career pathways for young adults (many aging out of foster care). No spiritual presence in hospitals. No connection, no healing, no hope.
Now imagine the opposite - imagine what becomes possible because people like you continue to show up.
Hope is not passive.
Hope is active.
Hope is community.
Hope is you.
Thank you for being part of the 12 Days of Hope.
Thank you for believing in the power of care, compassion, and connection.
And thank you for being a part of the JFCS family.