Posted by Jon Federman

"I've found my place at JF&CS," says Angela Gordon. Angela started her journey as a JF&CS volunteer about four years ago as a Visiting Mom in the Lauren & Mark Rubin Visiting Moms^® program. "I've always been someone who likes to contribute and give back."

With her two children leaving for college, Angela was looking for an opportunity to give back, and went on a women's philanthropy trip to Israel. On the trip, she met a JF&CS Visiting Mom. Intrigued, Angela contacted JF&CS when she returned.

After several weeks of comprehensive training, Angela was ready to meet with her first new mom. "The training program helped me learn so much about myself and has helped me in my own personal relationships, even with my own children" says Angela. "It taught me that sometimes you don't necessarily need to solve a problem, but just be a better listener – an active listener."

At the two-year mark, Angela was invited to facilitate a JF&CS new parents' support group in Watertown. "It's challenging because you never know what the issues will be from week to week," she explains. "But it's also incredibly rewarding. I'm meeting people from all over the world and seeing them come together as a community. It's so nice to see it play out."

Now, Angela is a valued member of the CERS Advisory Committee, and she has recently become involved with JF&CS Healthy Families: a home visiting program for first-time pregnant and/or parenting moms and dads under the age of 21. "It's something different and it keeps me learning and growing and meeting different kinds of people. I'm so fortunate. I keep taking on more things at JF&CS because they're so enriching. JF&CS is unique because it has so many things to get involved with," she remarks.

"It all really comes back to JF&CS and how well thought out these programs are and how much support there is for them and how much of a need there is for them in the community.

"Every year at the Women's Breakfast, I hear from the young people and families who have been supported through these programs. It's just amazing and it makes me feel good. They have such an appreciation for the volunteers."

Director of the Visiting Moms program, Debbie Whitehill, remarked, "Angela is a dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer who is committed to her families as well as to her colleagues in supervision group. She is eager to learn, opening herself willingly to feedback about her work, which makes her a joy to supervise."

"JF&CS is such a great place for me," adds Angela. I'm constantly hearing about new things and new programs. There is so much to do there. I walk in and I see so many faces I know and I get to hear what everyone is involved in. It's been a totally enriching experience for me."

Jon Federman is the JF&CS Staff Writer. A practicing attorney for more than 15 years, he is thrilled to bring his legal and persuasive writing skills to the JF&CS Marketing Communications department. Jon has a BA from Tufts University and a JD from Boston College Law School. In his spare time he is an exhibiting photographer and an award-winning cartoonist. Jon lived in London, England for five years before returning to Boston in 2011.