In the wake of the Eaton Canyon Fire, the scale of loss was overwhelming—but so, too, has been the response. As the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys’ Program and Community Outreach Director, I’ve had the privilege of working on the front lines of our community’s rebuilding efforts. This work has been both humbling and deeply meaningful, rooted in collaboration, compassion, and a shared commitment to helping our neighbors recover and rebuild.

From the beginning, our approach has been grounded in partnership. We’ve worked closely with the Eaton Fire Collaborative (where I have been directly involved with the Long-term Community Recovery Group and the Communications committee), the Survivors’ Network, partnered with Jewish Federation LA, and many more to ensure that resources are coordinated and that survivors are supported in ways that are both practical and personal. Each organization brings a unique strength—whether it’s direct services, advocacy, funding, or long-term recovery planning—and together, we’ve created a more unified and responsive system of care.

One of the most powerful reminders of why this work matters came recently at an event sponsored by the SOLA Foundation. On that day, two families who had lost everything in the fire were handed the keys to their newly rebuilt homes. SOLA Foundation was one of the organizations in our community that we were able to direct funds from the joint fundraising effort with Jewish Federation LA. Other organizations that received money included Union Station Homeless Services, Friends in Deed, and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Pasadena. The SOLA Foundation event was more than a ceremony—it was a moment of restoration, dignity, and hope. Watching those families step across the threshold into a new chapter of their lives was something I won’t forget.

Moments like that stay with you. They serve as a reminder that while the road to recovery is long and often difficult, progress is happening. There is still so much work ahead of us—many families are still waiting; many needs remain unmet—but seeing tangible outcomes like these homes reinforces why we keep going.

I am inspired by what we’ve accomplished together so far, and even more so by the resilience of the community we serve. Rebuilding is not just about structures; it’s about restoring a sense of stability, belonging, and hope. Being part of that process is both a responsibility and an honor.