Marina Berkman, a cornerstone of West Hollywood’s social services, received a heartfelt proclamation at the June 9 City Council meeting, marking her retirement after 33 years as director of the West Hollywood Comprehensive Services Center. Vice Mayor John Heilman praised her unwavering commitment to the community’s most vulnerable.
“Marina and her team at JFS help individuals navigate systems of care that are oftentimes complex,” Heilman said, highlighting her work with older adults, immigrants, and Holocaust survivors through Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles. Berkman, who immigrated from Estonia in 1991, transformed the center into a lifeline for those facing isolation, health challenges, or disabilities. Her leadership fostered a compassionate team that guided residents through intricate care systems.
Accepting the honor, Berkman reflected on her journey. “The collaboration between the city of West Hollywood and Jewish Family Service made the success possible,” she said, crediting the partnership that began a year after the city’s incorporation. She thanked her husband, team, and city staff, sharing plans to return as a resident to benefit from the center’s services. “I was extremely fortunate to land my first and only job in America at the West Hollywood Comprehensive Service Center,” she added.
The proclamation was a testament to the city’s gratitude for Berkman’s legacy of care and connection.
