Family Table works to end hunger in the Greater Boston Jewish community, while serving those who need our assistance, regardless of religious affiliation. Family Table provides kosher food, creates a caring Jewish connection, and empowers people to make healthy eating a part of their daily lives.

Family Table is looking for volunteers to pack and deliver groceries to families in need on Sunday mornings at our Waltham, Marblehead, and Canton locations. View our complete distribution schedule here.

Description:

Volunteers arrive to pack and deliver food to 1-3 households. Packing takes about 30 minutes. Deliveries usually take 30-45 minutes.

Volunteers are welcome to join us one or more Sundays per year at any of our locations. Children are welcome to volunteer when accompanied by an adult.

Locations:

• Family Table: 1430 Main St., Waltham
• Family Table South: B’nai Tikvah, 1301 Washington St., Canton
• Family Table North: Temple Sinai, 1 Community Rd., Marblehead.

Requirements:

• Advanced registration at application link below
• Sunday morning availability
• Volunteers younger than 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
• All volunteers 18 and older must undergo a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) background check. The CORI must be processed by JF&CS
• Ability to lift and move potentially heavy grocery items (preferred)
• A car and valid driver's license

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

Family Table works to end hunger in the Greater Boston Jewish community, while serving those who need our assistance, regardless of religious affiliation. Family Table provides kosher food, creates a caring Jewish connection, and empowers people to make healthy eating a part of their daily lives.

The program is looking for volunteers to work at our Marketplace distribution, when clients come into the pantry. This occurs every Tuesday and the first Wednesday each month.

Description:

Volunteers help set up and restock food and assist clients. Once approved, volunteers can sign up for available shifts.

Requirements:

• At least 18 years old
• All volunteers over the age of 18 must undergo a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) background check processed by JF&CS
• Travel to JF&CS Headquarters in Waltham
• Stand for 2 hours
• Interact warmly with a diverse population
• Ability to lift more potentially heavy grocery items (preferred)

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

The Lauren & Mark Rubin Visiting Moms® program is a home-visiting support program staffed by trained and supervised volunteers that provides weekly visits to parents of newborns for up to one year. In this unique relationship, Rubin Visiting Moms volunteers offer nurturance and non-judgmental support. Our goals include increased confidence and competence in their parenting roles.

Description:

The program is looking for dedicated, compassionate volunteers to visit with parents of newborns in their home one hour weekly until the baby’s first birthday. Candidate must be an experienced mom with the flexibility to attend a bi-monthly, two-hour supervision group during weekday morning hours.

This position requires approximately 8-10 hours per month.

Requirements:

• Experienced moms whose children are older than 18 months
• Weekday morning availability
• Access to a car
• Attend an initial 10-hour training, held as five 2-hour sessions
• Commit to attending twice-monthly 2-hour supervision groups (during weekday morning hours)
• Provide a 1-hour home visit every week for a minimum of one year
• Provide a minimum of two references
• Undergo a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) background check processed by JF&CS

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

Mentor Economic Self-Empowerment for Survivors of Domestic Abuse

This volunteer mentor role works with survivors of domestic abuse within the context of increasing their economic security through collaborative goal setting and goal attainment, coaching, problem-solving, and resource research, while also providing gentle and non-judgmental support and encouragement.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in required orientation, training, and ongoing bi-weekly group supervision
• Meet with mentee weekly or bi-weekly either in person or by phone for up to 9 months
• In collaboration with the mentee, identify economic security goals and steps necessary to attain these goals
• Demonstrate consistent coaching, problem-solving, and resource approach for each goal, using a non-judgmental and compassionate approach

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

For questions or more information, please contact Ava Harder, Manager of Volunteer Services, at volunteers@jfcsboston.org or 781-693-5007.

The Friendly Visitor Program matches volunteers with older adults who are living either in their homes or long-term care facilities. Through one-on-one visits, volunteers offer companionship, help alleviate loneliness, promote aging with dignity, and for many offer a treasured connection to Judaism.

Volunteers typically visit their older adults every week for about an hour. Activities may include: sharing memories, celebrating a holiday, or taking a walk. The time and day you meet with your older adult is flexible and up to you and the older adult to decide. All volunteers receive training and ongoing support from the JF&CS Friendly Visitor Program Coordinator. Volunteers who speak Russian are highly desirable, though it is not a requirement.

Volunteer Requirements

• Commit to visiting their older adult once a week for about an hour
• Commit to volunteering for at least a year
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a Jewish background, can be non-practicing
• Provide a reference
• Attend required interview and 1:1 training
• Undergo a CORI check

How to Apply
If you are interested in volunteering for the Friendly Visitor Program, please fill out this application form.

Held on the first Friday of each month, the JF&CS Memory Café offers a welcoming place for people living with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia or cognitive change, and their care partners. These intergenerational events feature a guest artist, musician, poet, dancer, or author who shares his or her work and leads the group in a related activity. The Café meets in-person in Waltham or virtually on Zoom. Volunteers are needed to help set up the room and greet and mingle with everyone gathered at the Café, or to encourage participants on Zoom.

Description:

Volunteers are needed to help set up the room and greet and mingle with everyone gathered at the Café.

Requirements:

• Available once a month on Friday, 10.00 a.m. – noon
• Provide a minimum of two references
• Undergo a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) background check processed by JF&CS

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

The JF&CS Charlotte & Richard Okonow Parkinson’s Family Support program specializes in helping families live as fully as possible with the many challenges of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

To address the important function of movement, a dance program is offered and activities are structured so that everyone can participate at his or her own level. People with Parkinson’s and their care partners value these activities for the physical benefits, the strategies for symptom management that are offered, and they enjoy being part of a caring and supportive community.

Description:

We are looking for a responsible, compassionate volunteer to help each week with set up, greeting program participants, and serving refreshments during break. No experience is required but volunteers are expected to actively participate in the dance class.

Dance class takes place most Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at JF&CS Headquarters in Waltham.

*Dance is currently on Zoom. We hope to offer it in person Spring 2023 and are looking for in person volunteers. Please contact Anne Muskopf at amuskopf@jfcsboston.org for volunteering details and needs*

Requirements:

• Available on Wednesdays, 10.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.
• Ability to actively participate in a dance class
• Provide a minimum of two references
• Undergo a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) background check processed by JF&CS

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

The JF&CS Charlotte & Richard Okonow Parkinson’s Family Support program specializes in helping families live as fully as possible with the many challenges of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

To address the important function of voice, a choral program is offered and activities are structured so that everyone can participate at his or her own level. People with Parkinson’s and their care partners value these activities for the physical benefits, the strategies for symptom management that are offered, and they enjoy being part of a caring and supportive community.

Description:

The Tremble Clefs Choral Group is looking for a responsible, compassionate volunteer to help each week with set up, greeting program participants, and serving refreshments during break. No experience is required but volunteers are expected to actively participate during rehearsals.

The Choral Group takes place on Mondays from 10:30 a.m. - noon in Newton.

*Tremble Clefs is back in person and also on Zoom! We are looking for in person volunteers to help us at 64 Hancock St, Auburndale (United Parish of Auburndale). Please contact Anne Muskopf at amuskopf@jfcsboston.org for volunteering details and needs*

Tremble Celfs volunteering includes the set up and breakdown of chairs and equipment.

Requirements:

• Available on Mondays, 10.30 a.m. – noon
• Ability to actively participate in a choral program
• Provide a minimum of two references
• Undergo a CORI check

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

The Friendly Visitor Program matches volunteers with older adults who are living either in their homes or long-term care facilities. Through one-on-one visits, volunteers offer companionship, help alleviate loneliness, promote aging with dignity, and for many offer a treasured connection to Judaism.

Volunteers typically visit their older adults every week for about an hour. Activities may include: sharing memories, celebrating a holiday, or taking a walk. The time and day you meet with your older adult is flexible and up to you and the older adult to decide. All volunteers receive training and ongoing support from the JF&CS Friendly Visitor Program Coordinator. Volunteers who speak Russian are highly desirable, though it is not a requirement.

Volunteer Requirements

• Commit to visiting their older adult once a week for about an hour
• Commit to volunteering for at least a year
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a Jewish background, can be non-practicing
• Provide a reference
• Attend required interview and 1:1 training
• Undergo a CORI check

How to Apply
If you are interested in volunteering for the Friendly Visitor Program, please fill out this application form.

Would you like to help clients of JF&CS Schechter Holocaust Services get to their doctor's appointments and run errands?

To express interest, please fill out this application form.

The CHAI Works Day Program creates meaningful and fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities to lead productive and integrated lives in their communities and to increase feelings of self-worth and confidence. This is done through employment, volunteering, health and wellness, recreation, enrichment, and community experiences.

Description:

The program is looking for compassionate, responsible volunteers with special interests/talents/skills to share with and teach participants. Volunteers would facilitate groups (with the assistance of program staff) either once or on a recurring basis.

Groups can be facilitated at either 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. or 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Possible group topics include:

• Singing/chorus
• Drama
• Budgeting/money skills
• Book group
• Healthy cooking
• Gardening

Requirements:

• Have daytime weekday availability
• Commit to volunteering weekly for a minimum of six months
• Be at least 21 years old (although children can accompany their parents)
• Provide a minimum of two references
• Attend required interview and training
• Undergo a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) background check processed by JF&CS

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

The CHAI Works Day Program creates meaningful and fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities to lead productive and integrated lives in their communities and to increase feelings of self-worth and confidence. This is done through employment, volunteering, health and wellness, recreation, enrichment, and community experiences.

Description:

The program is looking for compassionate, responsible, dedicated volunteers to provide additional support to program staff and develop relationships with participants on an ongoing basis in community settings throughout Greater Boston.

Volunteers may commit to a block of time one day or more during the week (Monday - Friday) during regular program hours (e.g. every Monday from 9:00 a.m. - noon or every Tuesday and Thursday noon - 3:00 p.m.)

The ideal candidate will have an interest in supporting people with disabilities as they learn life skills and develop relationships in the community.

Requirements:

• Have daytime weekday availability
• Commit to volunteering weekly for a minimum of six months
• Be at least 21 years old (although children can accompany their parents)
• Provide a minimum of two references
• Attend required interview and training
• Undergo a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) background check processed by JF&CS

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

The JF&CS CHAI Supported Housing programs offer a range of options for adults with disabilities who want to live as independently as possible while enjoying community involvement and pursuing individual goals.

Description:

Volunteers plan out an activity to do with residents based on the volunteers’ skills and interests at one of the JF&CS supported residences in Greater Boston and the surrounding towns.

Possible ideas include:

• Music/sing-along evening
• Games night
• Crafts

This role takes place weekday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Requirements:

• Commit to volunteering once a week for at least six months
• Be at least 21 years old
• Have weekday evening availability
• Provide a minimum of two references
• Attend required interview and training
• Undergo a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) background check processed by JF&CS

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

The JF&CS CHAI Supported Housing programs offer a range of options for adults with disabilities who want to live as independently as possible while enjoying community involvement and pursuing individual goals.

Description:

Cooking volunteers plan out simple, tasty, and healthy meals to cook and share with 7 to 14 residents and staff at one of the JF&CS supported residences in Greater Boston and the surrounding towns.

This role takes place weekday evenings from 5:00-7:00 p.m. (allowing for about an hour’s meal prep/cooking and then eating around 6:30 p.m.).

Volunteers can send staff a list of ingredients ahead of volunteering so that the ingredients can be purchased.

Requirements:

• Commit to volunteering once a week for at least six months
• Be at least 21 years old
• Have weekday evening availability
• Provide a minimum of two references
• Attend required interview and training
• Undergo a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) background check processed by JF&CS

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

Sibshops

Sibshops is a nationally acclaimed program of fun workshops for kids ages 8-12 who have siblings with disabilities, chronic illness, or mental health needs. Each Sibshop gives participants opportunity to participate in recreational activities that encourage sharing, laughter, and fun! There is also an included 13+ age group that meets alongside the younger group.

Sibshops is also supported by Boston University and the Massachusetts Sibling Support Network. This partnership allows for college student volunteers to participate in Sibshops, acting as role models and providing friendship and support to participants.

Volunteers assist with:

• Helping run activities and engaging with participants
• Provide role model support and education in a recreational environment
• Facilitate conversations with participants about their lives and experiences as a sibling of a child with a disability

If you are a college student or just interested in volunteering with Sibshops, please contact Valerie Maio, Manager, Inclusive Programs for Children and Families, at vmaio@jfcsboston.org or 781-409-1919.

Please visit siblingsupport.org for more information on Don Meyer and the Sibshops national model.

Bet Tzedek Legal Services (which means “House of Justice” in Hebrew), provides free legal information, referral, advocacy, and representation to low-income clients throughout Greater Boston.

Description:

The program is looking for attorneys experienced in the following types of civil cases: housing; consumer law; government benefits; individual rights; and probate and family law including divorce, domestic abuse, and immigration.

Pro bono opportunities vary from handling individual cases to providing brief telephone advice on a specific legal issue. Whatever their time commitment, Bet Tzedek Legal Services attorneys have the potential to make an enormous difference in an individual’s life while fulfilling the recommendations of the Massachusetts Bar to assist persons with limited means.

Requirements:

• Licensed to practice in Massachusetts (passed the bar in MA)
• May commit to one or more cases per year
• Mentor, recruit, and train other attorneys or JF&CS staff
• Self-sufficient, actively practicing, and have the resources needed to help clients
• Must have a firm that supports pro bono work and is able to offer supervision for pro-bono cases
• Interest in defending the rights of low-income people

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

Assist in the day-to-day operations of the agency by providing support in the following areas: special projects, clerical tasks (mailings, filing, data entry), and other valued work.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

JF&CS needs your expertise! Put your marketing, event planning, artistic, musical, language, or other proficiencies to work. Your specialized abilities can support our programs in a multitude of ways. Please contact us if you would be interested in sharing your expertise to help others.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

Joining a committee is a great way to learn about a specific program and become more engaged in the work of the agency. Opportunities range from Board committees and program advisory committees to event committees for our fundraisers. Contact us to find out which committee is right for you.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW