Volunteer Opportunities
“There’s got to be a chain of humanity”
- JSS volunteer
Introduction: Our staff is small and our job is big. Fortunately, our community support is great. Hundreds of individuals and families generously donate their time, energy and kindness to enrich the lives of the people we help.
When you volunteer for Jewish Social Services you reinforce the chain of humanity. Read on to discover how you can make your connection.
Connecting through the heart
Friendly Visitor – Develop an on-going, one-to-one relationship that helps to provide a sense of community, security and belonging. You’ll brighten someone’s day and enjoy getting to know another person. Minimum six month commitment with weekly contact.
Holidays and Shabbat Volunteer – Assist at our monthly Friday afternoon Shabbat programs for seniors, deliver Hanukkah menorahs or serve at the community Senior Seder.
The Car Connection– Help clients get to an appointment, social engagement, religious service, funeral or other event is a vital service for those who can no longer drive. Commitment can be regular or as needed.
First Friend – First Friends provide social interaction and support for people with a disability through regular contact and appropriate activities. Minimum six month commitment with weekly contact.
Designated Shopper – Help a home-bound individual or couple maintain their independence and keep up good nutrition. You’ll ease a family’s burden or lessen someone’s isolation. Usually a once a week commitment.
Connecting through the mind
Tutor English as a Second Language – Can you imagine starting over in a new language as an adult? Tutoring ESL is important and rewarding volunteer work. JSS works in cooperation with the Madison Area Literacy Council. Once-twice a week for at least six months.
Provide professional expertise – Put your legal, medical or financial expertise to work for a low income client on a pro-bono basis. These and other professional services help us support our clients through some difficult times.
Harry J. and Belle Goodman, parents of Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Lechayim Mealtime Plus – There’s work to be done, but you’ll also enjoy a great meal, lively programs and conversation at our Monday kosher lunch for senior adults. Our presenters also volunteer their time and talents. Weekly commitment on Mondays between Labor Day and Memorial Day.
Read to an individual or group – Provide intellectual stimulation while alleviating loneliness and isolation in people with vision deficits. Regular weekly commitment or as needed.
Lend a hand at the Jewish Social Service office – A warm welcome awaits you when you come to our office to help with mailings, filing or answering the telephones. Commitment is weekly or as needed.
Connecting through the soul
Bikkur Holim – The Talmud teaches us that a person who visits the sick removes one-sixtieth of the illness. This centuries-old tradition is both rewarding and deeply appreciated. Training is provided; commitment can be as needed or regular weekly visits.
Telephone reassurance – Provide a sense of security through regular, brief phone calls. Commitment is daily calls for at least six month; calling can be shared with another volunteer.
Care Sharing
We reach out to individuals and families facing physical and mental illness, loss, end of life and grief. To do so, the Hand in Hand program combines all three elements: the heart, mind and soul. Through “Care Sharing” JSS gathers and organizes friends, family, co-workers and other volunteers who provide practical support such as meals, transportation and errands.
Send us email (by clicking here) or give us a call at 278-1808 if you want to be a JSS Volunteer.