2025 Exemplary Service Award: Sandy Baron

JFCS will host its 115th Annual Meeting from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, at JFCS (5905 Golden Valley Rd, Golden Valley). At the event, we will present the 2025 JFCS Exemplary Service Award to dedicated volunteers Sandy Baron, Paula Fields, and Eva Neubeck. To RSVP for the Annual Meeting, click here! Below, Sandy, who has just “retired” from her volunteer role, speaks about why she enjoys volunteering with JFCS.

How/why did you start volunteering with JFCS?

I decided I wanted to volunteer to give back to the community. I have friends that work at JFCS and always heard good things about what JFCS does. I had occasionally volunteered with the Hag Sameach program, but was interested in working in a different area. The Senior Services department was a good fit for me, since part of my degree involved learning about senior living facilities and the people that would live there. I also had training in teaching art with seniors.

What made you want to continue volunteering for the agency over the years?

The staff were always appreciative and welcoming, and the clients were always appreciative as well. I felt like I was really making a difference.

What is your favorite part about it?

It was nice to have a regular position and get to know the clients somewhat.

Anything else you would like to add?

I will definitely miss my volunteer “job,” but I would like to focus on my art (weaving) and travel more.

---

For more information on JFCS Volunteer Services, click here or contact Dana Shapiro, Community and Volunteer Engagement Manager, at dshapiro@jfcsmpls.org. Click here for our spring volunteer-related updates.