Volunteer Opportunities

Thank you to our volunteers!

Thank you to our 2020 volunteers!

Hear from some of the JFCS volunteer coordinators through these Staff Q&A’s:

Becky Lyle Sulkin, Jewish Youth Mentor Program
Peggy Mandel, Annual Benefit
Alex Botvinnik, Garber Transportation
Carrie Fink, PJ Library
Mindy Teele, Hag Sameach

Hag Sameach (Happy Holidays)

The JFCS Hag Sameach (“Happy Holidays”) program is a great opportunity to feel connected to the Jewish community, whether you are a recipient, donor or volunteer. Hag Sameach works with local synagogues, the Minnesota JCC, PRISM and other organizations to ensure that people in our community who are in need of extra assistance, both during the holidays and throughout the rest of the year, have a resource for holiday gifts and essential items. There are many ways to participate in this program and we are confident we will find the perfect fit for you!

Visit our Hag Sameach page for more information!

Support a Senior

There are many ways to help through setting up rides (Garber Phone Line Volunteer) and providing transportation to their essential events and appointments (Garber Driver); making a phone call once or twice each week to offer socialization, a friendly voice and listening ear (Telephone Reassurance Volunteer); helping with quick fixes around their homes (Quick Fix Volunteer); assist them with managing budgets, bills and financial affairs (Household Financial Volunteer); engaging them in community by offering companionship and an opportunity to venture out of their homes (Outreach Visitor). We want to utilize your interests and strengths to help our seniors live their best, most engaged lives.

> Click here to view a video about Garber Transportation

Respond to Hunger

Become a part of the Jewish community’s response to hunger. PRISM, our partner in ending food insecurity, has many needs including ongoing volunteer support in the food shelf and Shop For Change thrift store during open hours. Families or groups, with guidance of PRISM staff, may organize a food, clothing, or other non-food item supply drive. We can help you connect with their staff if needed.

Organize a Supply Drive

Collect new household items, winter wear, games, books, toys, etc. for Hag Sameach (Happy Holidays) as a great year-round activity for individuals, families, and groups.

Provide Support for People in Recovery and their Loved Ones

Provide support for individuals affected by substance use, as well as their loved ones, with JFCS’ Jewish Community Addiction Services.

• Family Peer Support volunteers provide non-clinical services intended to reduce stigma and promote coping and resiliency for individuals affected by a loved one’s substance use. They share knowledge, skills, social support, and resources to help individuals and families they support to achieve and maintain their own wellness.

• Peer Recovery Coach volunteers provide non-clinical services intended to aid peers in establishing and maintaining recovery from substance use disorders. They practice advocacy, mentoring, recovery support, and ethical responsibility to support peers in reaching their recovery goals.

Contact Becky Sulkin at 952-542-4835 or bsulkin@jfcsmpls.org for more information.

Become a Jewish Youth Mentor

The Jewish Youth Mentoring Program (formerly the Jewish Big Brother/Big Sister Program), is a community-based mentoring program for Jewish-identified youth that is designed to promote positive social-emotional-spiritual development and increase engagement in the Jewish community. Volunteers ages 16+ who want to be a role model and a friend, and positively shape a child’s future by sharing time, energy and enthusiasm are welcome to become a mentor.

> Read the job description
> Apply to become a Jewish Youth Mentor
> See flyer for more information about the program
> View this short video to learn more

Help with the Annual Benefit

Volunteer for the JFCS Annual Benefit, our largest fundraiser of the year. Each year, nearly 1,000 guests come together to “Laugh on Their Behalf” in support of the work JFCS does to serve thousands of people in our community, our neighborhoods and our families. There are ways to get involved leading up to and during the event.

Skills-Based Volunteers

Do you have a particular interest or skill that you can use to assist JFCS? Let us know – we may be able to customize a project just for you.

>Fill this out to start the process of becoming a volunteer

Each year, more than 800 volunteers provide services to those in need in both the Jewish and broader communities. JFCS provides short- and long-term, flexible, volunteer opportunities in a variety of programs, customizable for you or an interested group of volunteers.