Volunteering with JFCS is a meaningful way to give back and make a real difference close to home. Our volunteers strengthen community connections, support neighbors in need, and experience the deep sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from helping others.

Our ongoing volunteer opportunities are a wonderful way to get involved and give back to your community. Drive a local Veteran to an important doctor’s appointment, become a friendly visitor to an isolated senior, or deliver groceries and meals to clients. These opportunities are ideal for individuals who are interested in volunteering on a regular basis. To ensure the safety and well-being of our clients, volunteers who work directly with clients must complete a thorough vetting process, including a volunteer profile, references, background check, and required paperwork. Some roles may also require fingerprinting or drug testing. Ongoing opportunities include:

• Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantry (pantry helpers and grocery delivery)
• Transportation (provide transportation to medical appointments for older adults and veterans)
• Friendly Visitors (one-on-one match with a client to provide friendship and companionship through regular visits and phone calls)
• Personal Shoppers (one-on-one match with a client to provide regular grocery shopping and errands assistance)
• Handypersons and Technical Support (one-on-one match with a client to assist with minor home repairs and technology support)
• Weekly Kosher Meal Delivery (pack and deliver frozen, kosher meals to clients on a weekly basis)
• Disability Services Programs (help support individuals with disabilities in a variety of programs such as Soups & Sweets Culinary Training or Catering Programs, TOPS Enrichment Day Program, and SAIL and SOAR social-recreational programs)
• JFCS Committees (join by department area of interest / expertise; committees meet several times a year to provide guidance on services and programs and help JFCS better serve the community)

For those who can’t commit to volunteering on a regular basis, JFCS offers flexible, one-time “bite-size” volunteer opportunities that make a real impact—even if you participate just once a year. Deliver holiday meals to clients (along with a parent), volunteer as a family at the annual Flagging of the Graves of our Veterans, create a community service project with your class, or share your professional expertise through pro bono consultations. You can also host a food drive for the Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantry, organize a holiday gift drive for domestic violence clients, or design your own meaningful way to give back. With opportunities for all ages and interests, there’s a bite-size way for everyone to make a difference.

Students, teens, and B’nai Mitzvah students can participate in hands-on mitzvah projects while learning about our community’s needs. They can deliver food for the holidays, coordinate and participate in food drives, create birthday and holiday cards for clients, facilitate Shabbat services at residential facilities, and attend recreational events with young adults who have disabilities.  Helping in small ways can make a big difference!