JFCS welcomes and is grateful for volunteers, who are needed throughout the organization. From basic office support and fundraising help to hands on work with clients, we can find a fit for every skill level.

Some of these options are weekly, while others can adapt to an irregular schedule at the volunteer’s convenience. Some options might not be unavailable at any given time, due to volunteer capacity. Please Contact: Shelley Kahn, Volunteer Coordinator at 452-6314, ext 103 or skahn@jfcslouisville.org

Business Volunteers Needed!

Mentors are needed immediately to help new business owners take the appropriate steps to create a viable business plan. Training will be provided by JFCS staff. This is a 3-4 session commitment.

Committee members are needed to join the Microenterprise Lending Committee. Help new immigrants make their dreams come true. Meetings take place periodically for a one-year commitment.

Consultants are needed to offer pro bono consultation to new business owners. Those needed are lawyers, accountants, marketing specialists, real estate specialists, insurance specialists, etc. This is a 1-2 session commitment.

For more information, or to offer your time, please contact Shelley at ext. 103 or skahn@jfcslouisville.org.

ORGANIZATIONAL INVOLVEMENT:

• JFCS Committee Member – join existing committees such as Mosaic, Golf, and other operational committees.

“IN-HOUSE” VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITES:

• Basket of Blessings Assistant – assist staff with decoration of baskets for upcoming rental events; assist staff in delivery to necessary locations.
• Clerical Assistant – assist staff with office duties such as run copies; collate pamphlets, assists with mailings, make reminder calls, etc.
• Librarian – organize books in the JFCS Library.
• Food Pantry Aide – pick up food from the synagogues that have a food box; deliver food on an emergency basis; deliver donated food baskets during holiday times; help to maintain and organize the food pantry; make trips to Dare To Care to pick up food from their warehouse; possible grocery shopping for Food Pantry.     

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITES FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES:

• Pledge 13 Participant – volunteer opportunities for youth preparing for their Bar or Bat Mitzvahs; pledge to perform 13 hours of community service with our organized events or through other means.
• Family Mitzvah Events – help to orchestrate four events each year for parents with young children to participate in “Mitzvah” activities together.

VOLUNTEER WITH SENIORS:

• Senior P.A.L.S. Driver – transport older adults to doctor, hair appointments, etc. or to run errands; current driver’s license and insurance required.
• Telephone Reassurance Caller – commit to call a senior client 3 times a week to provide consistent contact, to reduce isolation and to provide companionship.
• Friendly Visitor – visit a senior client in his/her own home to provide social stimulation and companionship.
• Oral History Interviewers - join existing committee and continue to interview Jewish seniors in order to archive their personal stories.

VOLUNTEER WITH CAREER SERVICES:

• Employment Advisory Council Member – join existing committee comprised of Human Resource professionals whose mission it is to advise and assist clients who have employment related needs.
• Job Network Directory Mentor – become a resource in your personal field of expertise to Jewish individuals moving into Louisville; be willing to review resumes and become a short-term mentor.

VOLUNTEER WITH IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES:

• Farmer’s Market & Multicultural Bazaar Assistant – assist staff on any Sunday - June   through September, 2009, from 11:30am-4:30pm.; help to create a viable income opportunity for our Multicultural clients and local farmers.
• Mentor a Multicultural Client – meet with client as he/she transforms a business idea into a written business plan; help client research basic tasks to get a small business open.
• Coach a Multicultural Client – assess the business owner’s current management and operations situation; offer advice and suggestions to help further that micro business.
• Consultant for Multicultural Client – as a business professional provide a few hours to class graduates in fields such as: accounting, law, computers, record keeping, marketing, insurance, real estate, as well as other aspects related to operating a business.
• Tutor – tutor individual clients or a small group in English either for citizenship purposes or to enhance their language skills; could also include basic household issues related to job placement information such as: how to make sandwiches for an American client, Kosher Kitchen regulations, etc.

ALSO NEEDED :

• Volunteer Deaf Interpreter: for therapeutic client.

Food Pantry Items Needed:

The opportunities are endless. For more information or to sign up contact JFCS Volunteer Coordinator Shelley Kahn at (502) 452-6341 ext. 103.