It’s Volunteer Appreciation Week, a perfect time to celebrate the 250+ active volunteers who assist WJCS staff in many of our 80+ programs. We are so grateful to all of our volunteers, who range in age from young students to seniors, for the dedication and skills they bring to their work at our agency. While our volunteer opportunities are currently primarily virtual because of the coronavirus, they still provide plenty of opportunities to help others and make a difference. Our volunteers tell us they feel that helping others helps them. It provides purpose to their lives. As Rabbi Hillel said, “If I am only for myself, what am I?”
There are numerous ways individuals in the Westchester community can volunteer at WJCS. We have volunteers who assist in our parent-child, youth after-school, and Center Lane LGBTQ+ youth programs. WJCS relies on volunteers to deliver kosher meals to homebound seniors. Many Bar and Bar Mitzvah youth are seeking a community service opportunity and we work closely with families to create a meaningful mitzvah project for their children.
WJCS has 90+ disabled adults living in our 13 group homes. Volunteering as a Care Call Buddy involves staying in regular contact with adults in these community residences. Care Calls to our seniors are another wonderful way for our volunteers to help those who are isolated feel less alone. Compeer, a national volunteer program that WJCS oversees in Westchester, matches up volunteers and individuals who are going through a difficult time and need supportive friendship and connection. WJCS also has a VIP (Volunteer Internship Program) that is for individuals over age 18 who are recovering from mental illness.
To learn about the full range of volunteer opportunities at WJCS, please go to https://www.wjcs.com/ways-to-give/volunteer/.
