July Volunteer of the Month, Ruth L.

We are excited to introduce Ruth L., our July Volunteer of the Month. Ruth volunteers as a Community Table Lunch Companion, helping serve nutritious lunches to older adults and providing them with an opportunity to share a community meal with their peers.

Staff member Melissa shared:

"I have been working with Ruth for three years at Community Table Lunch. She is an absolute delight to work with. Ruth always arrives with a smile and a hug. The clients enjoy interactions with her. She is positive and uplifting. She truly cares about the clients. She makes Community Table enjoyable for all who attend, and when she is not there, she is missed.  Ruth is a great support and volunteer. She is amazing."

Read more about Ruth's volunteer impact below:

Q: Tell us about yourself and your background.

RL: I was born in Israel, and my parents and I came to America in 1952.  We came to Colorado in 1960. I enjoyed my career as a mortgage banker, assisting people to fulfill their dream of home ownership.  My husband, Bob, and I just downsized and moved from our home in Genesee to a townhouse in Littleton. We enjoy traveling and are diligently working on our bucket list.

Q: What volunteer role do you have with JFS, and what roles have you had with JFS?

RL: I currently volunteer at the Community Table.  We serve lunch at the JCC five days a week.  I work 2 days a week.  I am fortunate to work with Melissa and great volunteers. The first role I had with JFS was in the early 1990s.  I tutored a Russian family in English. After I retired in 2014, I worked at the Pantry until COVID.  In 2022, I started working at the Community Table.

Q: What motivated you to begin volunteering with JFS?

RL: After we arrived in America, we lived in Philadelphia.  The JFS in Philadelphia provided assistance for us as new arrivals. My Mother enrolled me in the preschool so I could learn English, which I did in 6 weeks.  I wanted to give back to an organization that had helped my family during a time of great adjustment and stress.

Q: What's your favorite part about volunteering with JFS, and how has being a JFS volunteer impacted your life?

RL: My favorite part about volunteering is to participate in an activity that provides seniors an opportunity to enjoy a meal with others.  The social interaction is as important for our clients as the food.

Q: What would you say to someone considering volunteering with JFS?

RL: I would say, "just do it." Volunteering is such an enriching and gratifying experience.

Are you interested in volunteering? Learn more and sign up today.