Volunteer News from the Desk of Dana Shapiro |
|
Quarterly Newsletter: January 2024
Happy New Year! As we step into 2024, we want to express gratitude to our volunteer community for the many ways you show up for JFCS throughout the year. We hope you are managing to hang in there with everything, and if not, please reach out and know that we are here to help you. If you’re reading this column, you may already be aware of the many health benefits that volunteering can provide both our communities and your own well-being. Read on to learn more about the many ways our volunteers engage with JFCS, as well as how you can give of your time and talents in the coming months.
Many of our volunteers go away for the winter, so we could use some extra support in some of our volunteer areas (ie. Garber Transportation) during this time. Speaking of snowbirds, if you are one, feel free to check out the listing of partner agencies across the country if you want to get connected to an agency similar to JFCS Minneapolis while you're away. Click here to find an agency near you. We look forward to welcoming you back to volunteer with us when you return after the winter.
In this edition you will find:
- Volunteer Spotlights - Ann Rubin and Jeff Gershone
- Volunteers Needed - Upcoming events to help with
- Volunteers Needed - More ways to help
- Pictures of recent volunteering
- Recaps of Annual Conference on Mental Health and Annual Benefit
Thank you for your continued support of JFCS and our volunteer services! I'm an email or phone call away if you want to connect.
Warmly,
Dana Shapiro, Community & Volunteer Engagement Manager
|
|
Volunteer Spotlights - Meet Ann and Jeff
Check out these recent blog posts below to learn about our featured volunteers
|
|
Volunteers needed - upcoming events to help with |
|
Give blood to save lives - Feb. 12-17
Join JFCS Volunteers in Action and give hope to hospital patients in our community by donating blood during our upcoming donor days, as we partner with Memorial Blood Center at its Plymouth location. Blood donation appointments are available at various times throughout the week.
|
|
Get involved with PJ Library events
Calling any community members who want to make a difference in the lives of Jewish families by helping with upcoming PJ Library events. As a valued volunteer, you will set up the event space, interact with participants to help make it a warm and welcoming space, and assist with the clean-up at the end. Your presence will add a personal touch to our gatherings, fostering a sense of community and connection.
|
|
Help with Freedom from Addiction Seder - Apr. 25
Are you passionate about helping with events and want to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals overcoming addiction? We invite you to volunteer at our upcoming annual event. Volunteers will be needed to help set up, serve the meal, and clean up at the end of the program.
|
|
Volunteers needed - more ways to help |
|
Volunteer receptionist help needed
We're looking for friendly and professional volunteers to help at the front desk on a regular basis by greeting visitors, answering phone calls, and setting the tone to ensure a welcoming and positive experience for clients, guests and staff. Training and support will be provided by the Administrative Professionals Team. Seeking volunteers who are available on Monday, Tuesday and/or Wednesday from 1:30-5 p.m.
|
|
New year, new opportunities to get involved with the Jewish Youth Mentor Program
This program has connected hundreds of kids with caring teens and adults forming long lasting, meaningful relationships for over 40 years! We are actively seeking Jewish mentors and mentees for this program.
Program highlights include: Access to FREE ticketed events (sporting event, museums, zoos, theater, etc.) through a partner agency called Tickets for Kids., individualized orientation for all volunteers, continued support and ongoing training from professional program staff. No previous experience required. Click here for more information
|
|
Help needed delivering food to individuals around town
Looking for a consistent way to make a meaningful impact on your community? Join us to provide ongoing backup coverage during our PRISM food shelf and Kosher Meals on Wheels (KMOW) delivery shifts:
- Monday/Thursday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (PRISM)
- Tuesday/Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (KMOW)
Physical demands include lifting, loading and unloading food boxes. Includes brief contact with recipient.
|
|
Support our seniors through visits and by providing rides
We could always use more volunteers to serve as friendly Outreach Visitors and to drive our clients to appointments and errands as a Garber Transportation Volunteer Driver. Many volunteers go away for the winter so we could use more support during this time. Both of these have flexible time commitments where you get to set your schedule.
|
|
Participate in a JFCS-themed Mitzvah Project
Let JFCS help you prepare for your big day of becoming a B’Mitzvah and embracing the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repair of the world). These projects are open to anyone and are great options for both individuals (B’Mitzvah students, teens, and adults) and groups (families, schools, book clubs, mahjong groups, community organizations, businesses, etc.) looking to make a positive impact in the community. Click here to view flyer and learn more.
|
|
Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, energy and talents these past few months to support JFCS programs in a number of ways |
|
Volunteers helped behind the scenes in short-term opportunities like assembling snack packs for PRISM clients during the MLK Day of Service JFCS staff volunteer project; preparing PJ Library Chanukah classroom kits for parents; visiting with Sholom West campus residents during the Volunteers in Action puppy parade; and by Target's Jewish Network participating in Cards for the Community project. Volunteers also helped with long-term opportunities like serving on committees and being paired with a Senior Service client as an Outreach Visitor or Telephone Reassurance Volunteer. |
|
The Hag Sameach (Happy Holidays) Program volunteers of all ages filled 380 shifts leading up to the winter holidays to sort, prep, wrap, talk to Russian-speaking clients on the phone, and deliver gifts, which went to 777 people in need in the community. Hag Sameach is in its 31st year and we are appreciative of the Hag Sameach Leadership Team who work throughout the year to make it all come together. We want to extend our gratitude to the many groups who volunteered their time: BBYO, BOND, JFCS Board, JFCS NextGen, JFCS Caring Connections, JFCS Intake Team, PJ Our Way, Bet Shalom, ICC, Minneapolis Jewish Federation, Girl Scouts, and TIPTY. Save the date for Hag Sameach Passover delivery day on Sunday, April 14.
|
|
Recaps of Annual Conference on Mental Health and Annual Benefit |
|
The 23rd Annual Twin Cities Jewish Community Mental Health Education Conference took place at Temple Israel in October and Keynoter Sophie Riegel explored the perspectives of Gen Z in conjunction with mental health challenges. Thirteen breakout sessions leaned into topics around youth mental health, navigating the mental health system, addiction, recovery and more. The Planning Committee along with many volunteers were integral to a successful conference.
|
|
An exciting and inspiring evening was had by all at the JFCS 35th Annual Benefit on Dec. 2, 2023. After our successful in-person event in 2022 and at a new location, we continued with that energy at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest with new food options, game options, strolling magicians, a champagne dress, a fun raffle and live music from The Sons.
The program included remarks from Annual Benefit Co-Chairs Sheri Fine and Ronald Barry; Board President Natalie Zamansky; and JFCS CEO Judy Halper. JFCS honored the Jeff Barin and Wendy Fox Family with the Friends of the Family Award and presented our Fund-a-Need, supporting Mental Health and Wellness programs.
The JFCS 35th Annual Benefit raised $593,000 and had 437 folks attend!
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
