Volunteer

TZEDAKAH OPPORTUNITIES

Tzedakah is a Hebrew word commonly translated as charity, though it is based on the Hebrew word tzedek, meaning righteousness, fairness or justice. In Judaism, tzedakah refers to the religious obligation to perform charity, and philanthropic acts, which Judaism emphasizes are important parts of living a spiritual life; Maimonides says that while the second highest form of tzedakah is to anonymously give donations to unknown recipients, the highest form is to give a gift, loan, or partnership that will result in the recipient supporting himself instead of living upon others. Unlike philanthropy, which is completely voluntary, tzedakah is seen as a religious obligation, which must be performed regardless of financial standing, and must even be performed by poor people; tzedakah is considered to be one of the three main acts that can annul a less than favorable heavenly decree.

The Marjorie and Robert Kohn Pledge 13 Program is a voluntary program for Jewish student preparing for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Students commit to giving a minimum of 13 houses of community service to JFCS organized events or through other organizations.
Family Mitzvah events are inter-generational events scheduled four times a year that instill the idea of performing mitzvahs in young children. Fun family activites occur around Jewish holidays Rosh Hashanah, Passover, and Hanukah.
Doris L. and Theodore B. Meyers Shabbos Friends Program are volunteers who make a once monthly visit to an assigned assisted living or nursing facility to share a bit of Sabbath delight with the Jewish residents living there. The volunteer brings grape juice and a freshly baked challah for each individual and says the Sabbath blessings as well.

Please contact Shelley Kahn, Volunteer Coordinator at 452-6341, ext 103.

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 452-6341, ext 103 or skahn@jfcslouisville.org

PALS Drivers Needed

Make a huge difference in the life of a Senior. Drive “one ride” a month with the PALS program. We will work with your schedule.

Basket of Blessings Coordinators

One Champion needed at each synagogue to promote the use of these centerpieces for events. Rental fees benefit the Sonny & Janet Meyer Family Food Pantry.

College Researcher

Investigate Internet sites that deal with college search and financial aid/scholarship information. This is a perfect volunteer opportunity to do from home. Training will be provided by JFCS staff.

Volunteer Gardener

If you like being outside and you love to weed and freshen up landscaped beds, JFCS has weeds for you. Help maintain JFCS’s current environment. Staff will be available for guidance and direction.

Volunteer Painters

A great group project! Our outdoor benches need a new coat of wood sealer. All products will be provided. Staff will be available for supervision.

Mentors

Help mentor Multicultural clients who are just about to open a new microenterprise business. Commitment: 1-5 hours.

For more information, or to offer your time,

please contact Shelley at (502) 452-6341 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.
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:

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.

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