At Jewish Family Services, volunteers play a key role in helping its clients meet life’s challenges, including older adults. JFS is committed to providing its volunteers with numerous opportunities to help and the best training to do so.
Helping older adults is a rewarding experience according to one JFS volunteer, Ron Altman.
“It’s been so gratifying being a JET Express driver, getting to know so many wonderful people out there in need of assistance,” said Altman, who has also been participating in JFS’ Calling Connections. “Our clients tell me all the time they are SO appreciative of JFS, whether it’s for JET Express or any of the other many programs offered.”
During COVID-19, JFS volunteers have been an especially critical link keeping in touch with older adults, many who have become even more isolated than ever before. Heading into the winter months presents additional challenges, as people can’t be outdoors as much and daylight hours are shorter, etc. Volunteers bring light into the darkness for older adults by checking in with them. Now there are additional opportunities to lend a hand while following pandemic safety protocols. Have you considered volunteering but aren’t sure what opportunities fit your schedule or interests?
JFS is hosting virtual informational volunteer training opportunities for current and potential volunteers at 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17. Volunteers must register in advance for one of the Zoom trainings at jfskc.org/training.
Members of JFS’ Older Adult and Volunteer Engagement programs will lead this dynamic training. Attendees will learn about the various JFS volunteer opportunities including Calling Connections, Spiritual Care Pen Pals, JET Express driving options (with extra COVID-19 safety measures) and new opportunities to work with older adults enrolled in the JFS Tech Connect Program. Volunteers will also learn how to identify isolation vs. loneliness and connecting clients to resources at JFS.
“Covid presents new challenges for all of us,” said Laura Gilman, JFS director of Older Adult Services. “From ensuring that our older adult clients can access timely medical care, to talking them through their best COVID planning, JFS continues to work to provide meaningful points of connection to our older adult clients aging in their homes.”
If you have been considering becoming a volunteer within the agency’s older adults program, this is the perfect opportunity. Plan to attend one of these informative sessions.
For more information about volunteering with JFS, email or call 913-730-1445.
