Jewish Family Service depends on your time in order to provide hope, sustenance and support to every person and family who needs our services. Volunteers have a vast background of knowledge and experience not to mention a kind word and warm smile. There are countless opportunities for a person to help, and to reap the benefits of their work. Whether you are five or 100, there is always a way to make a difference in your community.

Jewish Family Service is a premier human service agency. We provide services for those in need, within the context of Jewish values. Our services are for everyone in the Hampton Roads community regardless of race, religion or creed. Jewish Family Service believes that participation in the community in which we live connects us all. Volunteers are true partners in fulfilling this mission.

What kind of person becomes a JFS Volunteer? JFS volunteers come from all walks of life. They are housewives, businesspersons, educators, retired persons, clergy, etc., of all races, creeds and religions. They all have one thing in common … they are thankful for what life has brought them, and they want to give back to their community. They are people who realize that we are all part of the family of mankind and must be responsible for one another.

There are many ways to volunteer at JFS. Whether you would like to lend a hand to others or you are looking for an outlet for your creativity, opportunities to volunteer are numerous. Some of the possibilities are listed below however, there are many other ways you can help. Contact one of the Volunteer coordinators for more information.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Personal Affairs Management Program (PAM)
PAM is designed as a protective service for the elderly and disabled. PAM volunteers are trained to provide clients with money management assistance, advocacy, friendly visits, and assistance with personal shopping. Volunteers are also trained to recognize and inform the JFS Case Manager with an assessment of a client’s unmet needs.

• Nursing Home Monitoring Visitors visit guardianship clients who are in facilities to keep a watchful eye on their comfort and care.

Contact Judy Freedman for more information.

Friendly Visitor
Make a new friend. Begin a one-on-one relationship with JFS clients who are isolated and in need of companionship whether homebound or in a nursing home or other facility. Contact Judy Freedman for more information.

Food Bank Volunteer
Make a large impact in an indigent family's livelihood by assisting with a monthly food bank project. Volunteers assist with shopping on the floor of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, unloading food delivery trucks, organizing and sorting food, distributing food to clients, and delivering food. Contact Alyssa Jorgenson for more information.

Meals on Wheels
Many homebound or convalescing older adults are not in a position to cook a hot meal for themselves. They depend on our meals on wheels drivers to regularly deliver the nutritious meal that is so necessary for their health and well being. Contact Judy Freedman for more information.

Phone Friend
Homebound clients, or those in need of socialization, look forward to their regular telephone calls from a JFS volunteer. This service insures that an isolated person does not become a neglected person. Contact Judy Freedman for more information.

Transportation
Drivers are needed to drive and accompany clients to and from medical appointments, shopping excursions, cultural and social events and activities. All volunteer drivers must have a valid Virginia driver’s license, adequate automobile insurance and a current inspection sticker. Volunteers transporting clients will be required to produce a DMV driving history. Contact Judy Freedman for more information.

Special Projects
If you have great organizational skills, JFS will put you to work coordinating special projects such as the food closet, social and recreational events, holiday cards and baskets, et cetera. Contact Judy Freedman for more information.

Baskets of Hope
Volunteers custom-design and assemble centerpieces for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, baby namings, and luncheons. Proceeds from this endeavor benefit agency clients who, without the help of the JFS Baskets of Hope program, might have to choose between needed medications and food.

For more information, contact Sue Graves by email: sgraves@jfshamptonroads.org or by telephoning (757) 321-2222.

Peace by Piece
Adults are needed to help facilitate support groups for grieving children and their families. Commitment requires interest in children and two Thursday evenings per month. Support groups meet in Virginia Beach and are part of Peace By Piece (collaborative program of Edmarc Hospice and Jewish Family Service). Contact Debbie Mayer a(757) 459-4640 for more information.

Training requirements:
Training requirements for volunteer positions vary. The volunteer coordinator will explain specific training requirements when you apply for the program. All background checks and training will be provided at agency expense.

All JFS volunteers are expected to meet and adhere to the agency’s established requirements and procedures for the JFS Volunteer Program.

For further information about older adult services, please contact Jewish Family Service of Tidewater at (757)-321-2223 or via email: jfreedman@jfshamptonroads.org.

For further information about about volunteering with the food bank or adults with disabilities, please contact Alyssa at (757) 459-4640 or via email: ajorgenson@jfshamptonroads.org

Click here for current Volunteer Opportunities.

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