Volunteer Opportunities
Opportunities abound for adults, teens, children and families!
- Prepare or deliver food packages to isolated seniors and families in need.
- Become a Chaplain Aide and lead Shabbat services for nursing home shut-ins.
- Join Knitzvah and warm your own heart as you 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.
- Participate in our annual and largest community-outreach effort, "Embrace-a-Family" every November.
…and more! Volunteers do make a wonderful difference. Days and hours are flexible.
More Info:
Cherie Ravel at cherier@jfssv.org or (408) 357-7467
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. More importantly, doing good deeds (mitzvot) strengthens all who participate, from the youngest children, to parents and grandparents. Everyone benefits!
More Info:
Cherie Ravel at cherier@jfssv.org or (408) 357-7467
Workplace Charitable Support
Attention JFS Volunteers: Your Workplace May Donate to JFS – When You do What You Love
Did you know… Many corporations have stepped up the ways they support local nonprofit organizations, and are proud to support their employees’ volunteering efforts. Examples of such companies include: Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, Bank of America, The Gap Corporation, State Farms, Starbucks, Verizon and Wells Fargo. Employees who volunteer with JFS can apply for a volunteer grant (typically $500-$1000) which would be awarded to Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley.
These companies are pleased to support the generosity of their employees. Community-minded corporations know that more they partner, the greater their impact will be.
Please contact your company "engagement" officer to see if there is such a program at the place you work. JFS staff are happy to explore with you customized team-building opportunities.
For more information, please contact
Mindy Berkowitz, Executive Director
(408) 357-7455.
Knitzvah: Knitting for Good!
Since Knitzvah began in 2006, the "fabulous and amazing" Knitzvah members have created over 10,000 cuddly creations for 18 agencies serving thousands of people.
To get a sense of their dedication and activity, here are two in-depth articles about who Knitzvah is and what they do: "Knitzvah Thriving," and "A Very Special Yarn."
If you love to knit, crochet or sew; or really want to learn how, this is the group to join! Knitzvah meets monthly and creates beautiful handmade items for preemie babies in the NICU, seniors who appreciate lap blankets to keep warm, cancer patients in need of colorful caps, and so much more. All ages welcome.
Meetings are held on Sundays from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
FREE! |
More Info:
Barbara Berlant at auntbarbara@comcast.net
Cherie Ravel at cherier@jfssv.org or (408) 357-7467
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.
More Info:
Cherie Ravel at cherier@jfssv.org or (408) 357-7467
Helping Isolated Seniors
JFS SV 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.
More Info:
Cherie Ravel at cherier@jfssv.org or (408) 357-7467
Refugee & Emigré Support
Support JFS SV 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.
More Info:
Cherie Ravel at cherier@jfssv.org or (408) 357-7467
ESL Tutoring
JFS SV needs experienced ESL teachers to volunteer in our classroom. We need people with ESL teaching experience who can commit a minimum of 1 to 2 hours per week for at least six months to work with ESL beginners.
More Info:
Cherie Ravel at cherier@jfssv.org or (408) 357-7467
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 SV 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
helens@jfssv.org
(408) 357-7459