VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Community members in California’s Coachella Valley are recruited to serve on the board of directors. Board members serve an initial one-year term, followed by two-year terms, if re-elected. Board meetings are held nine to 10 times a year, and members are expected to serve on at least one committee. There is an annual meeting, usually held in April.
BOARD COMMITTEES
Our board of directors also oversees numerous standing committees, such as fund-raising, communications and strategic planning. Committee membership comes from the board of directors and the community at large. Committee service has no set term, and is an excellent way for people to learn about our services, programs, and operations. If you’re interested in serving on the board of directors at some point, committee membership is a great way to get started.
OFFICE AIDES
Volunteer office aides work a minimum of four hours a week at our main location in Palm Springs, Calif. While tasks vary based on the skills of the volunteer, they tend to include greeting clients; answering the telephone; filing; organizing client records; and data entry for those with computer skills.
A FRIENDLY VISITOR
Make a connection with isolated older adults on a regular basis by visiting two or three times a month. Time spent together may be in playing cards, watching TV or taking the senior out for an errand or lunch. This volunteer may be the only person the senior will see all week other than care givers.
ANNUAL PASSOVER SENDER
In this program, We invite all those Jewish resident of the Coachella Valley that do not have an opportunity to sit around a Seder table and bring them to a catered, no cost, Seder. We also have volunteers who will pick up those who need transportation. This program is in partnership with the Temple Sinai Social Action Committee.
SHABBAT IN A BAG
In this program a volunteer(s) take two battery candlesticks, a Kiddush cup, a Challah cover a CD player and a CD of a Kabbalat Shabbat to an isolated, lonely senior client, along with a fresh Challah and a bottle of grape juice. Once a month on a Friday afternoon the volunteer(s) and client say the simple Shabbat blessings together and chat, while during the week the client can look at the items and know they are not alone in the community. The volunteer comes back once a month with a fresh challah and another bottle of juice.
THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON
This meal is for anyone who would be alone on the holiday
CHANUKAH AND CHRISTMAS GIFT GIVING PROGRAM
Volunteers accept the wish list of three items from a low income senior or child. They purchase
the items and anonymously bring them to our office where they are picked up.
TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM – JFS Express
JFS is always on the lookout for drivers. Volunteers are needed to drive seniors who do not have transportation to much needed medical appointments, wait for them, and return them home. Such a simple act, for a senior, can really be life saving.
ERRANDS
So often seniors cannot, without transportation to go shopping for the basic necessities and/or simple pleasures of life; the supermarket, the library, the senior center. These quick lifts can make life so much easier for the elderly who have no other means to leave their home.
Many home bound seniors need a volunteer who is willing to go and do the shopping for them. Gas reimbursement is available
JEWISH BIG PAL PROGRAM
Designed for children from families seeking an additional adult role model, the Jewish Big Pal/ Program matches children with fun and responsible Jewish adults. The pairs enjoy outings and companionship, visiting three hours a week.
The benefit to the children is obvious. The benefits for Big Pals are as many as well, including a chance to see the world again through a child’s eyes. Jewish men and women must be at least 21 years old and willing to commit to at least one year. Ongoing supervision and support is provided.
For any of these opportunities, and to make a difference in the world one person at a time, please contact me.
Linda Zweig
Coordinator of Volunteer Services
801 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 202
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 325-4088
lzweig@dc.rr.com
|
