January Volunteer Voice featured programs
Friendly Visitors
The JFS Friendly Visitor Program aims to combat loneliness and foster meaningful connections among older adults. Through regular visits from compassionate volunteers, the program enhances emotional well-being, reduces feelings of isolation, and strengthens community bonds. Volunteers dedicate 1.5-2 hours weekly or biweekly, bringing joy, companionship, and meaningful engagement to isolated older adults.
Volunteers are carefully matched with older adults based on shared interests and values, ensuring a personalized and fulfilling experience for both parties. One Aging Care and Connections client shared, “I see my volunteer every other week, and he is a bright part of my week. I feel comfortable going through Jewish Family Service to be matched, knowing they are intentional about who I am going to meet with.”
Program Highlights:
In December, volunteers attended a workshop on setting healthy boundaries and managing challenging situations.
The program served 38 clients last fiscal year.
Volunteers made 425 visits, dedicating nearly 850 hours to creating meaningful connections.
These numbers reflect the significant dedication and positive impact our volunteers are making in the lives of older adults, fostering lasting bonds and reducing loneliness.
Weinberg Food Pantry
The Weinberg Food Pantry serves as a lifeline for individuals and families facing food insecurity, distributing nutritious groceries and hygiene essentials in over 2,500 shopper visits monthly. By fostering dignity and choice, the pantry offers clients a welcoming space where they can select foods that best meet their needs, reducing stigma and building trust. Volunteers are the heart of this vital service, dedicating countless hours to stocking shelves, packing groceries, and assisting clients. Your compassion and commitment create a warm and supportive environment, transforming the pantry into more than a source of food—it becomes a source of hope.
One client shared, “I never thought I’d need help like this, but the pantry has been a blessing. The volunteers treat me with respect and kindness, and the food I receive helps me focus on taking care of my family.” Together, we’re building a healthier, more resilient community—one meal at a time.
Arts and Community Exploration (ACE)
The ACE Program is dedicated to offering engaging and meaningful activities for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities that promote healthy lifestyles. Each day, our program, consisting of 30 adults, participates in community outings and onsite activities such as cooking, gardening, volunteering in the community, Special Olympics, pet therapy, and visiting museums to name a few! Our incredible volunteers both lead and support new and existing programs, based on their preferences, that promote new opportunities and chances to learn and socialize! Team ACE had its inaugural season of Special Olympics Bowling this year, earning two gold and three silver medals. We had a team of dedicated players and fabulous coaches made up of ACE staff and volunteers!
We hope you find these updates helpful and stay connected with the impact we’re making together!