Every April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. The designation was created in 1991 to call attention to the impact people have when they give of their time and talent.
Volunteers play an essential role at Jewish Family Services (JFS), delivering vital services as well as comfort to those facing life’s challenges.
Throughout 2021, 321 volunteers performed more than 6,058 hours of volunteer work at JFS. The two JFS Food Pantry locations welcomed 172 volunteers for shifts. An additional 76 volunteers worked as groups at the pantry for special projects.
For other JFS programs, 67 volunteers worked with JFS Older Adult Care services to provide rides for JET Express clients, make friendly calls via Calling Connections, and assist Help@Home clients with technology needs. An additional 15 volunteers represented chaplaincy across Kansas City as spiritual care advisors as they visited hospitals and eldercare centers.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of all JFS programs,” said Don Goldman, CEO and executive director of JFS. “We are fortunate to have so many amazing volunteers without whom we could not have our personal pantry service or have the JET Express program at all.”
Many volunteers say they enjoy their experience at JFS.
“JFS is a wonderful experience for volunteering because people are kind, caring, and resourceful,” volunteer Robert Simmons said.
Susanna King, now off at college, started volunteering with her mother when she was in elementary school and continued through high school.
“Volunteering helps me connect to the message of tikkun olam, which has really guided me through my Jewishness," King said. “I think that's what started me to volunteer and, in part, led me to continue volunteering.”
JFS Volunteer Engagement Manager Taryn Jones appreciates all the hard work volunteers put in to make the agency work so well.
“We know the last two years have been difficult with the many changes we have had to make due to the pandemic, and we so appreciate our volunteers sticking with us,” Jones said. “We thank all our volunteers for their continued service.”
JFS has many different volunteer opportunities for individuals as well as families. Those interested in becoming volunteers can contact the JFS Volunteer Engagement Team at (913) 730-1410 or .
