Social services for Jewish Nazi victims have been supported by a grant from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims
Against Germany

Member of:

The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies

This Hurricane Harvey recovery project was funded in part by a grant from the American Red Cross.

We Need You!

Each year, JFS volunteers donate thousands of hours helping our clients in the community. Volunteers are a vital part of how we are able to help by generously giving their time, energy and experience to help isolated seniors and others who may be struggling with difficult circumstances. Volunteers also provide professional assistance with various programs and services. Their efforts bring smiles and comfort to those in need.

Whatever your skills or talent, JFS has a place for you. Whether you love to be a caregiver, work with crafts, read, teach, make new friends, or just talk on the phone, someone nearby needs your help. If you would like a meaningful volunteer opportunity, please join us! It only takes a couple of minutes to complete our online Volunteer Application. As a HIPAA compliant agency, your Volunteer Job may require annual HIPAA training and quiz. In addition, because we work with a vulnerable population, all volunteers that work directly with clients are also required to provide a recent background screening (if you have one) or to use our screening system which has a nominal fee.

Fill out our Volunteer Application here!

Volunteer Opportunities include:

AGENCY

Drivers – provide transportation for clients who are recovering from illness/surgery or are no longer able to drive due to age or disability. This will be on a case-by-case basis and you will be given the opportunity to accept or reject the jobs. SPECIAL APPLICATION, LIABILITY RELEASE & BACKGROUND SCREENING ARE REQUIRED. (Episodic, dependent upon client need)

Events – support for specific events throughout the year including, but not limited to: annual fundraising event, ReelAbilities: Music Film & Art Festival, local markets/festivals, etc . (Weekly/Monthly/Episodic dependent upon the task)

Organizational Assistant – periodically our clients are in need of someone to help them to de-clutter or organize their household. If you are someone that likes to help others to set up systems that will make their lives easier, this job is for you! (Episodic, dependent upon client need)

ProBono Volunteers – Accountants/CPAs, Lawyers (Elder Law, Estates/Probate, Wills, Civil, Personal, Family), Insurance Professionals (to help clients chose best medical plans to fit their needs and income), medical professionals (Doctors/Dentists/Psychiatrists) and more are needed throughout the year. We cycle our calls so that no one is over burdened. (Episodic, dependent upon client need)

Tax Preparer – Train with Beyond Careers to become IRS-Certified (fall training). Must be available to assist on Monday evenings (weekly or bi-weekly) at the JFS offices (Jan – April)

CELEBRATION COMPANY

After Hours Candle Rollers – assisting with the production of candles. This could be arranged for a small group of friends or a volunteer group. (Monday evenings, dependent upon staff scheduling. BYOB)

Bus Riders – ride the Celebration Company bus either in the morning or in the afternoon to assist the driver by helping the participants on/off the bus and providing social interaction. Volunteers can take a single shift or more, depending up on their availability. (Daily or weekly)

Community Exploration Coach – willing take a small group of participants out into the community for field trips or volunteering. This could be a small group volunteer project.

Fitness Coach – to assist with a fitness class that would benefit the participants of the program. No more than 2 volunteers for this program if in-house. May also arrange for transportation to a facility. (Weekly commitment on Monday or Wednesday)

Guest Chef – design a kosher meal with the Celebration Company staff and then come on a Friday to help guide CC participants in the preparation of the meal. No more than 2 chefs collaborating on the same day. (Episodic, no regular commitment)

Job Coach – mentors an adult with developmental or neurological differences as they perform job duties which will help them to become more self-sufficient. (Weekly)

Photo Editor – helps to review, clean up and edit photos taken by Celebration Company participants to process for sales on their website or via the gift shop. Must have experience, access to an editing program, access to drop box, and be able to work for 1-2 hours weekly.

Project Assistant – assist Celebration Company staff with participant projects as they create the products (candles, art, embossed products, etc.) that help to fund their program. (Weekly)

Retail Program Developer –to help develop a retail pop-up shop program or assist with finding secondary locations (inside a business, hotel, building) where Celebration Company can set up a "store" and interact with the community while selling their products.

Technology Support – help to teach a Celebration Company participant how to use technology more effectively. This may include software instruction; how to use a smart phone/iPad; how to Skype or to use FaceTime. (Bi-weekly or monthly)

Tutors – to provide tutoring to strengthen skills. (Weekly or bi-weekly)

DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Recovery Volunteers - supporting those in need following a disaster with the assistance of packing/unpacking/organizing or mentoring a family through their recovery. You would be added to the list of volunteers to contact following an event and may be contacted months after an event based upon the recovery period. You are not obligated to accept each job you're contacted about. (Periodic, based upon client needs)

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Clerical Assistant – provides support to the Employment Services team through scheduling, data-input, filing. (Weekly) Employment Lab/Job Search Asst – supports our employment program clients with research, creating and uploading documents, completing online applications, etc. (Weekly)

Employment Mentor – assist an employment services client to stay on task, brain-storm networking, etc., as they work to find employment or build their small business. (Episodic, as needed)

SENIORS

Friendly Visitors – these volunteers serve as a second set of eyes/ears for staff that work with seniors. Visitors make weekly personal visits (approximately 1 hr) to the homes of our Senior Adult clients to check-in on them. Some volunteers play games (chess/checkers), listen to stories of their families or past experiences, discuss current events, read (esp. to those who have lost their vision) or whatever brings the client pleasure. (Weekly)

Handi(wo)man – are you interested in helping a Senior community member to be able to stay in their own home? Are you handy around the house and able to replace light bulbs, smoke alarm batteries, light yard work, clean gutters, etc? If so, we'd love to put you on our call list! (Episodic, dependent upon client need)

Medical Appointment Buddy – attend Dr appointments with a client who needs another set of ears or someone to take notes. You will not be asked to advise the patient, but they may need you to share your notes with a staff member or family. (Episodic, dependent upon client need)

Senior Chavurot – speakers, musicians, performers interested in bringing Jewish content into local retirement communities. Opportunities available for anyone interested in leading Shabbat or Holiday services.One hour time commitment. Excellent opportunity for groups as well as individuals. (Monthly or quarterly)

To sign up for volunteering, please go to: https://old.jfshouston.org/volunteerForm.php Dependent upon the position you're interested in, you may also need to provide a background screening and take HIPAA training; however, the appropriate links will be shared with you after the application is submitted and acknowledged by staff.

CONTACT:
Melanie Cole Goldberg, Volunteer Coordinator
713-986-7856
Mcolegoldberg@jfshouston.org