Volunteer Spotlight May 2025: Barb Weil
Can you tell us about yourself and your background?
I grew up in St. Louis Park and graduated from the U of M with a degree in early childhood growth and development. I have been a preschool teacher for the past 40+ years. I taught in Minnesota, California, Ohio and Wisconsin. I have three grown boys and one grandson. I am newly retired, but I kind of flunked retirement. So I am a sub at Beth El Aleph Preschool (where I taught for the last 14 years). I sub twice a week and I volunteer at Beth El’s front desk once a week.
What volunteer role do you have with JFCS and what volunteer roles have you had with JFCS in the past?
I have been a volunteer with PJ Library since I retired, providing administration support behind the scenes and helping during many of the events.
What does your volunteer role consist of?
I worked on a big project re-organizing the PJ Library supplies. I’ve been an event volunteer at most of the PJ programs, the grandparent event, three Havdalah programs at Beth El, Temple Israel and Adath, the Purim program, and helped at the PJ Library table during the Yom Ha’atzmaut community-wide event. I’m looking forward to volunteering at the upcoming PJ Library Shalom Baby Shower in a few weeks on Sunday, June 1.
What motivated you to begin volunteering with JFCS and how long have you been volunteering with JFCS?
Having been a preschool teacher for many years, I am very familiar with children’s books and enjoy being with children of all ages and their families. It just seemed like a good fit for me. I have been doing all of this for about eight months.
What’s your favorite part about volunteering with JFCS and how has being a JFCS volunteer impacted your life?
I enjoy engaging with lots of children and their families, many of whom I have previously had as students. Coming to PJ Library events and organizing the PJ supplies helps to keep me busy. It makes me feel good to help others.
Do you have a memorable story about your JFCS volunteer experience to share?
I have enjoyed working with (PJ Library Manager) Geri Goldman for the past few months. It took a few weeks until we realized that my first teaching job was at B’nai Emet Synagogue Nursery School, and believe it or not, Geri was a student in my first class!
I also made sure my grandson in California was part of PJ Library from the time he was born. He just turned 12, but he was part of the PJ Our Way program as well.
What would you say to someone who’s thinking of volunteering with JFCS?
Volunteering at JFCS has been a wonderful experience for me. There are many volunteer opportunities currently available, and I’m sure there are other JFCS programs that could use additional volunteer support.
Anything else you want to share?
JFCS has been a part of my life for many years. My youngest son had a “Big” many years ago from the Jewish Youth Mentoring Program (formerly known as Jewish Big Brother/Big Sister Program) at JFCS. They have kept in touch and are still friends to this day!
If your family welcomed a baby this year (after March 1, 2024), it’s time to gather up that bundle of joy and join us for the PJ Library Minneapolis Shalom Baby Shower! It will be held Sunday, June 1, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at JFCS in Golden Valley. Click here for more information and to register!
For more information on JFCS Volunteer Services, click here or contact Dana Shapiro, Community and Volunteer Engagement Manager, at dshapiro@jfcsmpls.org.