Each year, individuals, families, and groups give their time, resources and talent to help us better serve the community. Our dedicated volunteers play a critical role in ensuring that JFCS is here for all, always. We offer short- and long-term volunteer opportunities for people of all ages. Volunteers provide critical support to those in need through our programs serving both the Jewish and non-Jewish communities.
Volunteer needs and opportunities fluctuate throughout the year. Find a list of volunteer opportunities and more information below. We invite you to email us to learn more about becoming a volunteer!
Thank you to our 2023 volunteers!
2022 National Volunteer Week
113th Annual Meeting Volunteer Honorees: Senior Companions
113th Annual Meeting Volunteer Honoree: Kori Savitt
Volunteering with JFCS is easy! Follow the simple steps below to get started. If you have further questions or would like to speak to someone directly, please contact Dana Shapiro, Community & Volunteer Engagement Manager at dshapiro@jfcsmpls.org or 952-417-2112.
Let JFCS support you as you prepare for your big day of becoming a B’Mitzvah and embrace the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repair of the world). These projects are open to anyone and are great options for both individuals (B’Mitzvah students, teens, and adults) and groups (families, schools, book clubs, mahjong groups, community organizations, businesses, etc.) looking to make a difference in the community.
Dana Shapiro │ Community & Volunteer Engagement Manager │ dshapiro@jfcsmpls.org │ 952-417-2112
Volunteer drivers choose a schedule that works for them and drive their own car, providing rides to clients to necessary appointments and errands.
> Learn more about Garber Transportation
> Read the job description here
Alex Botvinnik │ Transportation/MOW Supervisor │ Abotvinnik@jfcsmpls.org │ 952-542-4829
Adopt-a-Family, purchase gifts from our registries, volunteer to sort, pack or wrap gifts, or deliver gifts to program recipients. Consider organizing a supply drive to collect new household items, winter wear, games, books, toys, etc. as a great year-round activity for individuals, families, and groups.
> View current flyer
> Hag Sameach 2023 year in review
Mindy Teele │ Hag Sameach Manager │ mteele@jfcsmpls.org │ 952-542-4870
Volunteers in Action is a JFCS volunteer corps that supports organizations in the Jewish and broader communities. The program partners with organizations whose missions align with JFCS’ mission to provide essential services to people of all ages and backgrounds to sustain healthy relationships, ease suffering and offer support in times of need.
> View current VIA events
> View past VIA events
Dana Shapiro │ Community & Volunteer Engagement Manager │ dshapiro@jfcsmpls.org │ 952-417-2112
This is a family-friendly and remote opportunity to create handmade or store-bought cards. These cards let our clients and program participants know the community is thinking about them and reminding them that they are not alone during this isolating time. Your warm and cheerful messages go a long way! Reach out to receive specific card-making instructions.
Dana Shapiro │ Community & Volunteer Engagement Manager │ dshapiro@jfcsmpls.org │ 952-417-2112
NextGen provides opportunities for young adults ages 21-36 to develop leadership skills and deepen connections to JFCS and its mission through social and volunteer experiences and philanthropy.
Molly Knopf │ NextGen Coordinator │ mknopf@jfcsmpls.org │ 952-417-4874
J-Pride’s mission is to create community through queer-focused Jewish programming for LGBTQ+ Jews and their allies throughout the Twin Cities. J-Pride participates in the annual Twin Cities Pride Festival with a J-Pride booth and in the Ashley Rukes Parade.
Hunter Wengersky │ J-Pride Program Coordinator │ hwengersky@jfcsmpls.org │ 952-417-2122
Annual Benefit, PJ Library, Caring Connections, Annual Conference on Mental Health, Caregiver’s Conference, etc.
Peggy Kasdan Mandel | Annual Campaign and Special Projects Manager | pmandel@jfcsmpls.org | 952-542-4814
Geri Goldman | PJ Library Manager | Ggoldman@jfcsmpls.org | 952-417-2139
Stacey Spencer | Disabilities Service Manager | sspencer@jfcsmpls.org | 952-542-4845
Tabitha Benci DeRango | Community Conferences Manager | TDeRango@jfcsmpls.org | 952-417-2107
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.
Kim Mueller | Food Security Program Coordinator | Kmueller@jfcsmpls.org | 952-417-2118
The Jewish Youth Mentoring 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.
> Job description
> View this short video
> Volunteer Mentor Application
Dori Gelfman | Jewish Youth Mentor Program Coordinator | DGelfman@jfcsmpls.org | 952-542-4835
We offer many ways to volunteer your time with older adults. We want to utilize your interests and strengths to help our seniors live their best, most engaged lives.
Provide translations via phone and for written materials including technology support for Russian-speaking clients. This helps us better support our clients to really make a difference in their day.
Through one-on-one visits, outreach visitors offer companionship and support through weekly or bi-weekly visits at the client’s home and/or destinations in the community. Choose activities you both enjoy such as visiting, reading, playing games in their home, having coffee, lunch or seeing a movie. Read the job description here.
Reach out by phone on a regular basis to offer a friendly check-in with seniors. Calls are social in nature to help alleviate the affects of social isolation. This is a fun and easy way you can make a difference from the comfort of your own home. Read the job description here.
Volunteers assist with managing budgets, bills and financial affairs. Clients must be engaged in the process and cognitively able to partner with the volunteer. Read the job description here.
Tasks include setting up, welcoming participants, helping with activities, interacting with the participants, directing people to restrooms, and cleaning up. Memory Café is a gathering for people with memory loss and their caregivers who meet regularly for activities and conversations in a comfortable, supportive environment.
Quick Fix volunteers help JFCS Senior Service clients with easy, one-time household needs. It takes just a little time commitment to make a big difference in the life of a JFCS client. Read the job description here.
Volunteer Links:
> Volunteer Application
> JFCS Publicity Guidelines
> Volunteer Handbook
> Confidentiality Form
> Acknowledgement Form
