Volunteer News from the Desk of Dana Shapiro |
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Quarterly Newsletter: October 2021
Dear JFCS volunteers,
Hope you and your families are doing well and enjoying fall so far. It's my favorite season as I love driving around town and seeing the beautiful colors of the leaves. While we witness the leaves change around us, we are also seeing many changes takes place within JFCS, as the office has re-opened its physical doors to the community.
Safety continues to be our number one concern; we have implemented appropriate safety protocols following CDC guidelines to protect the well-being of our staff, volunteer and clients. Read more about this in Judy's recent blog.
We have continued to provide high-quality and holistic care to the community in new and different ways throughout the pandemic, and we are excited to welcome you back in-person, as we are safely able to do so. As you enter our lobby, you may even see Howard, who has returned as one of our volunteer receptionists.
Read on for more information on our current volunteer needs and how you can get involved. I hope you will think about who in your network may be a good fit for these volunteer roles as well. Feel free to pass any opportunities along!
In this issue you will find info on:
- Dementia Friends Training
- Volunteer Spotlight - Louisa Hext
- Many Ways to Volunteer
- Volunteers in Action
- Community Outreach
- Annual Conference on Mental Health
- "Laugh on their Behalf" Virtual Annual Benefit
- Mitzvah Cards
Thank you all for your continued support of JFCS volunteer services! We couldn't do what we do without our wonderful volunteers. I'm always an email or phone call away so don't hesitate to reach out if you want to connect!
Warmly,
Dana Shapiro, Community & Volunteer Engagement Manager
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Special Training for our Volunteers |
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Dementia Friends Training
Monday, Nov. 15, 4:30-5:45 p.m.
Zoom link will be provided upon registration
Free to attend
Dementia Friends is an interactive training that helps participants understand what dementia is and what it is like to live with dementia. Participants will learn how symptoms of dementia differ from normal signs of aging, simple communication tips, and steps we can all take to support community members living with dementia.
This virtual training is free to attend and you will receive an electronic handout and certificate of completion. >Click here to see flyer with more information.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Louisa Hext |
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What’s your favorite part about volunteering with JFCS?
Community, connection, and paying it forward.
What would you say to someone who’s thinking of volunteering with JFCS?
Just do it! It will change your life!
We love to hear from our volunteers about their experiences and connections to JFCS! Please contact Dana at dshapiro@jfcsmpls.org if you have a story to share and she will follow up. Thanks for your consideration!
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Many Ways to Volunteer with JFCS |
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JFCS is always in need of volunteers in many different capacities! Whether you have an hour or two to spare or are looking for an ongoing opportunity, come volunteer us with.
>If you are able to volunteer for any of these volunteer opportunities below, email Dana at dshapiro@jfcsmpls.org.
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Want to deliver gifts to local hospitals for Jewish patients?
We are looking for volunteers to pick up gift bags at JFCS on Wednesday, Nov. 17, between 2 and 7 p.m. and deliver them to local hospitals. Hospital chaplains will provide these Chanukah-themed bags to Jewish patients who will be staying overnight in the hospital over the holiday.
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Looking to volunteer with family or friends? Do you like to shop for others?
If so, the Hag Sameach (Happy Holidays) program is right for you. Now in its 29th season, Hag Sameach ensures joyous holiday celebrations for families and individuals in need by providing them with gifts and ritual items. Last year, over 1040 individuals and families are served thanks to the generosity and dedication of our donors, volunteers, and referrals from professional and community leaders.
There are lots of ways to support this program. Click here to learn more about the program and here to sign up for a shift to volunteer.
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Want to ease isolation of someone living independently?
Outreach Visitors are paired with a JFCS Senior Service client and provide companionship and support with regular visits at the client's home and/or destinations in the community.
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Do you like talking on the phone to friends and family?
If so, sign up to be a Telephone Reassurance volunteer, where you will be paired with a JFCS Senior Service client and reach out by phone on a regular basis to offer a friendly check-in.
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Do you like fixing things and helping others?
If so, the QuickFix volunteer role may be right for you. QuickFix volunteers help JFCS Senior Service clients with easy, one-time household needs. It takes just a little time commitment to make a big difference in the life of a JFCS client.
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Can you help provide essential rides for JFCS clients?
Garber Transportation volunteer drivers sign up for rides that work for their schedule and use their own car to pick up clients who need rides to necessary appointments and errands. One of the changes made during COVID-19 is that clients sit in the backseat on the opposite side of the driver. We also limit the cars to one client, and both the client and volunteer are required to wear a face mask.
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Looking for a fun and easy way to brighten someone's day?
We are looking for volunteers to participate in this family-friendly volunteer opportunity by writing a note(s) to let JFCS clients and program participants know you are thinking about them, and reminding them that they are not alone.
These cards don't have to be fancy, so no pressure if you don't feel creative. Your words will go a long way and you can do this from the comfort of your own home!
>Want to help? Contact Dana to receive specific card-making instructions.
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Volunteers Opportunities at PRISM |
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Looking to volunteer with a regular shift each week? Our neighbors can use some extra help at PRISM's Shop for Change thrift store. Volunteers needed to sort through in-kind donations and provide customer service to their shoppers, while manning the register.
Anyone 16+ can volunteer independently, but younger volunteers must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. This is a great volunteer opportunity for students or individuals looking for a flexible, ongoing commitment.
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Volunteers in Action
Check out some pictures from the past few months. Thank you to all those who contribute their time, energy and talents to JFCS!
>Have a picture from volunteering with JFCS that you want to share? We'd love to see it.
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J-PRIDE table at Twin Cities
Pride Festival this summer
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Volunteers stopped by JFCS to pick up materials to deliver for PJ Library Sukkot virtual event |
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Car is packed and ready to head out for a delivery around town of healthy snacks from the Food for All program |
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We welcomed new babies into the community at the Shalom Baby Shower |
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NextGen shopped together at Target to purchase gifts for Hag Sameach |
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Jewish Federation's Harry Kay Leadership Institute volunteered together to bag and wrap gifts for Hag Sameach |
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Volunteering in the Hag Sameach warehouse |
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Prepping gifts for Hag Sameach
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Welcome back to one of our friendly Volunteer Receptionists |
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Promoting JFCS in the community |
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Last month JFCS joined with many local organizations to participate in St. Louis Park's Fire Department Community Resource Fair.
The event was attended by over 750 people and JFCS staff were able to connect about various programs and services we offer to the community.
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Did you miss the Conference on Mental Health? |
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No problem - we have you covered!
The Twin Cities Jewish Community Mental Health Conference reached 396 registrants in 18 states including Hawaii, Zimbabwe, and Hong Kong. We heard from 17 new presenters and eight returning presenters on topics in response to community needs.
The conference has been raising awareness of mental health issues, reducing stigma and providing support for individuals, families and professionals since 2001.
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Mark your calendars for Dec. 4 |
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The 33rd Annual "Laugh on their Behalf" Virtual Benefit will feature comedian Pete Lee and will honor Melanie Barry, Michael & Etta Barry, Ronald & Shari Barry, and Leslie & Jerad Hahn and their families with the Friends of the Family Award.
Join us to support the critical work JFCS does to serve thousands in our community. Get your tickets now!
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Send a JFCS Honor/Memorial "Mitzvah" Card |
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JFCS Honor/Memorial “Mitzvah” cards are an easy and meaningful way to honor special occasions; celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or graduations; congratulate someone for a special accomplishment; wish someone a speedy recovery; show gratitude for an act of kindness; or honor a loved one’s memory.
Donations can be made in any amount and you can choose to have the donation go towards a named fund or program, or be used where most needed.
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For more information about volunteer services at JFCS, contact Dana Shapiro, Community & Volunteer Engagement Manager, at dshapiro@jfcsmpls.org or 952-417-2112.
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Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis
5905 Golden Valley Rd | Golden Valley, MN 55422
952-546-0616 | 952-593-1778 fax | www.jfcsmpls.org
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