As part of the new Kesher KC program, Jewish Family Services has created an additional opportunity for volunteers. Known as Kesher KC Resource Center volunteers, they will play a key role in helping JFS reach more people and increase the positive impact of Kesher KC.
Kelly Somberg and fellow volunteer Lois Rice are leading the charge as Kesher KC Resource volunteers. This “dynamic duo” has been involved since November as part of a pilot program that is growing to engage more clients in Missouri, and eventually Kansas.
In their role as Resource Center volunteers, Somberg and Rice serve as a welcoming face of JFS and the first person that families connect with in person at JFS. Resource Center volunteers meet with families to identify needs and opportunities, provide information and referrals to agency and community resources and link families with immediate or complicated needs with the on-site social worker for further assessment and support.
“We want to get to know their story and what their needs are,” Somberg said. We do a brief description of what we offer and that we can connect them here. We also have a resource center of information about how other organizations may assist them with things JFS does not provide.”
“We help them through the paper work and we want to know about other situations in their lives that we can possibly help with,” Rice said. “I’m thinking of what connections I can make with them and one of JFS’ social work staff.”
Whether it’s combating food insecurity, employment issues, affordable housing, counseling needs or other issues, the client now has a team working to help them in a very personal, caring way. And from that initial meeting, a client walks away with food for themselves and their family.
After the initial appointment, the client comes back monthly on Kesher KC Fridays — the first and third of each month — to do their shopping and check back in with the JFS team to make sure everything is going smoothly for them. If those days don’t work, other arrangements can be made.
JoEllen Wurth recently joined the Resource Center volunteer team. Wurth, who spent her professional career in social services, strongly believes in this integrated approach to serving clients.
“If someone is coming here for food, there is likely to be other things going on,” Wurth said. “By opening doors for them to what we offer and providing resources for them, this is the best possible way to work with people in need.”
Kesher KC Resource Center volunteers are critical to the program’s success. JFS is recruiting more volunteers to join Somberg, Rice and Wurth. JFS is looking for people who are comfortable sitting one-on-one listening to a client story and working in a team setting to find solutions for them. Resource Center volunteers receive hands-on training and ongoing JFS staff support and consultation. Anyone interested in becoming a Kesher KC Resource Center volunteer should email Taly Friedman, JFS director of volunteer engagement, at .
Somberg has found her experience rewarding.
“What was appealing to me was having that personal and deeper connection with our clients,” she said. “As a board member, I really believe in this model and better integrating our social work services. Instead of just putting out fires, we are trying to have that wrap-around holistic approach.”
Rice added, “As a volunteer it makes you feel that you’re part of the team here. What comes out every single time is how much resilience and capacity they have to improve their lives. It is usually a very positive experience.”