The Association of Jewish Family and Children's Agencies (AJFCA) held its thirty-first Annual Conference in San Diego, California in May 2003.  Most of JIAS' service provider partners as well as our own Executive Director, were able to participate in the conference, share their experiences and learn from their American peers. 

Maxyne Finkelstein, Executive Vice President of UIAFC addressed the conference, talking about Canada in part, and Canadian Jews in particular, to bring to the participants a better understanding of Canadian culture and values.  Mila Voihanski, Executive Director of JIAS Canada, together with Leonard S. Glickman, President and CEO of Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), New York, made a presentation on the refugee movement in Canada and the United States; the differences and similarities, as well as future trends.

During the conference the Canadian Agencies, joined by Bert Goldberg, President and CEO of AJFCA and Ms. Finkelstein, held their own Annual Meeting.  Both professionals and lay-people had an opportunity to discuss issues such as poverty in the Jewish community, Canadian relations with AJFCA and JIAS' relationship with its Service Provider Partners. 

The Conference provided everyone with an opportunity to network, meet face-to-face and strategize on the specific needs and service of the Canadian members of AJFCA.

Canadian delegates to the AJFCA conference outside the Salk Institute