Volunteer Opportunities

Opportunities abound for adults, teens, children and families! Prepare, decorate or deliver Shabbat and holiday baskets to isolated seniors.  Become a Chaplain Aide and lead Shabbat services for nursing home shut-ins.  Join Knitzvah and warm your own heart as your provide warmth to others.  Be a Friendly Visitor and bring the world to isolated elders.  Assist refugee job seekers from around the world.  Put your writing and layout skills to good use with our newsletters and other publications. Tutor émigrés or assist with an ESL class…and more! 

Over 450 JFS volunteers made a difference last year!

Days and hours are flexible! If you wish to volunteer in one of these areas, please complete and return The JFS Volunteer Application Form.

For more information, please contact:

Vlada Gelfond, Volunteer Coordinator
(408) 357-7456
vladag@jfssv.org

Knitzvah

Do you knit, crochet, or sew — and want to do a mitzvah? Join us for fun, camaraderie and free Knitzvah project supplies. The next meeting is Sunday, May 18, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at Jewish Family services.

In the past year, our talented Knitzvah members have knitted and crocheted hundreds of items for isolated seniors, for hospital newly born babies, and for local family and children shelters.

The JFS Knitzvah needs many generous hearts and willing hands to provide warmth and comfort to those in need within our community. This is an opportunity to use your talents to do a mitzvah.

All ages and levels of knitters and crocheters are welcome! Yarn, patterns and needles will be provided or bring your own. Circular 24”-29” size 8, 9 or 10 needles and medium weight, washable yarn are best for our projects.

For more information, contact:

Barbara Berlant
auntbarbara@comcast.net
Elizabeth Karpf, JFS Volunteer Coordinator
(408) 357-7453

Volunteering for Kids, Teens and Families

Inspire your children in giving to others. Volunteer opportunities for kids, teens, or the entire family abound - preparing holiday packages of gifts and food for our local elderly and families in need, holiday decorating of senior residential facilities, participating in holiday toy drives for needy children, and much more.  Teens can earn community service credits for school.

Community Group Programs

Volunteer programs are available for your synagogue, chavurah, service organization, school or youth group.  Help us to give support and care to our isolated seniors, refugees, recent émigrés, families and others in need during the holiday seasons, as well as, all year round.

Helping Isolated Seniors

JFS volunteers make a big difference in the lives of our senior community, including Holocaust survivors. Holiday Package Preparers and Deliverers bring connection and nutrition to frail elderly.  Chaplain Aides lead Shabbat at local senior retirement facilities, and JFS’ Friendly Visitors bring friendship and a sense of community to isolated seniors.  Decorate a senior retirement facility or nursing home for Hanukkah.

Refugee & Emigré Support

JFS resettlement programs support a multitude of clients who struggle to make a new life in America.  Our volunteers include ESL (English As Second Language) tutors and teachers, and career mentors.

ESL Volunteers

JFS needs experienced ESL teachers to volunteer in our classroom.  If you have ESL teaching experience and can commit a minimum of 1 to 2 hours per week for at least six months to work with ESL beginners, please contact:

James Dinwiddie, Head Teacher
at (408) 357-7448
jamesd@jfssv.org

Career Mentors

Do you have knowledge of any of these fields: education, finance, medicine/healthcare, environment, beauty, IT, machining and manufacturing, construction …or other industries?

JFS seeks volunteers willing to provide tips and information to help our clients learn about working in the U.S.  Many of our clients have advanced degrees and work experience in other countries, but need guidance in finding opportunities here.

As a volunteer mentor, you will provide advice on job trends, entry-level opportunities or internships, professional associations and perhaps even referrals to good contacts about jobs or informational interviews. You may help by reviewing a resume and directing the job seeker in the right direction.

We need mentors from many industries, currently working or recently retired, willing to accept a phone call or take time to meet with our clients at our offices at the Levy Family Campus.

If you can help, please contact:

Helen Sappa, Job Developer,
(408) 357-7459
helens@jfssv.org

ESL Volunteers Needed

JFS needs experienced ESL teachers to volunteer in our classroom. If you have ESL teaching experience and can commit a minimum of 1 or 2 hours per week for at least six months, please contact our Head Teacher, James Dinwiddie, at (408) 357-7448 or email jamesd@jfssv.org.

What People Say about JFS

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Knitzvah volunteers for the lovely handmade blankets, baby hats, sweaters, hats, and scarves which you donated recently to the Children’s Shelter.  It is so overwhelming to see such generosity for the children which we serve.”
-- Marianne Pritchette, Children’s Shelter Association of Santa Clara County

 “JFS did a great job with Kids Mitzvah Day.  The kids were supervised and fed, instructed and supported.  Some parents stayed, others took the time to do other things.  It was a win-win all the way around!  We look forward to the next Kids’ Mitzvah Day.”
-- Dodi Friedenberg

 “I highly encourage parents to have their kids volunteer and/or volunteer with their kids (through JFS). I think every family should experience that feeling of giving and sharing. My kids were very happy to see the joy and happiness they brought to so many that day. It was a fun experience for them - one that they proudly talked about for a long time.”
-- Orit Ido-Sirkin