October 2014
OCTOBER VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
Because YOU are JFS...

In This Issue
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Fall is here! Take some time to get out and enjoy New England in the fall! Read on to learn about one of our wonderful volunteers, great activities to do this fall, and lots of upcoming opportunities!  
Volunteer Spotlight

Name: Peri Levin
Occupation: High School Student
Time with JFS: 1 year
Volunteer Position: All Stars Mentor

Peri joined JFS about this time last year after hearing about the opportunity from her school.  She loves to interact with kids so she thought it seemed like a fun opportunity for her and felt that she could "actually make more of a difference than just babysitting." When asked what she likes about being an All Stars Mentor she said that her favorite part is the relationship with the students, "You get to know them both as a learner but also as an individual which is incredibly rewarding!"  In her free time she likes to hike, mountain bike and do pottery.  She also likes yoga, meditation, and spending time with her friends.

Peri, you've been a great addition to the All Stars program and an exceptional role model to the students you work with. We're so happy to have you with us, thank you!!
Volunteer Survey

It's that time of year again - please tell us what you think! 3 times a year we ask you to fill out a survey on your volunteer experience.  This helps us learn what's going well and what we can improve upon. It shouldn't take you long and we appreciate any input!







Click here to link up to the survey!

Fall in New England
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If you're like us, fall makes us think of hot drinks, pumpkins, and apple picking. Looking
 for something to do for these beauiful fall weekends? Tired of going to the same places? Well check out these few articles to learn about fall food festivals, fall hikes, and some great museums for when the weather just doesn't cooperate!





T-Shirts & Hours
September was a busy volunteer month and it's only getting busier!  With 127 volunteer hours, volunteers participated in training's, drove older adults to medical appointments, tutored 3rd graders and much more! 

Those that reached their 20 hour mark this month are:
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Let us know how you'd like to get your t-shirt!

THANK YOU for all that you do!

Program Spotlight
Lucy & Joe's Food Pantry

Lucy and Joe's Food Pantry provides nutrition and supplementary support to help individuals make ends meet. The pantry stocks dry goods like canned tuna, cereal, and rice.  Since it began, the pantry has served over 1,000 individuals and has become a resource for many.

Want to help stock the pantry? JFS could use donations to help keep our pantry full of supplies to continue to serve the community.

The goods we continually stock...

  1. Tuna
  2. Canned Salmon
  3. Parmalat Milk - 1% or 2%
  4. Cold cereals
  5. Graham crackers or vanilla wafers
  6. Rice 1 lb bags -  white or brown
  7. Crackers - regular or low sodium
  8. Canned fruit
  9. Peanut butter
  10. Jelly (regular and sugar free)
  11. Oil
  12. Mayonnaise
  13. Sugar (3-5 lb bag)
  14. Flour (white-3-5 lb bag)
  15. Ketchup
  16. Honey
  17. Pasta Sauce
  18. Stop and Shop, Market Basket or Shaw's Gift Cards in any amount for emergency needs

 

Please: No meat products, no products needing refrigeration, and no goods reaching expiration.


 

We also accept personal care items and paper goods, including napkins, paper towels and toilet paper. 


 

We appreciate kosher foods for our clients but will accept no-kosher items as well.

 
Drop off a can or two or start a food drive - every little bit helps!  Contact us to orchestrate a drop off time!
Upcoming Opportunities
JFS has lots of upcoming opportunities. Please let us know if you are interested and help spread the word! 
  • Healthy Harvest Committee: JFS is looking for 2 people to join the Healthy Harvest Committee. This position involves a rotating schedule of facilitating a fresh fruit and vegetable distribution at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. Responsibilities include greeting volunteers from a local business, food inventory, heavy lifting and packing food, and sign out to families. Time commitment is once a month.
  • Seize the Dream Food Committee: Want to help us plan the delicious food that is provided at Seize the Dream? Join our Food Committee! We're looking for 2 volunteers to help us in recruiting food providers, maintaining communication with restaurants, and collecting paperwork. This position requires someone to be comfortable on a computer with emails, Microsoft word, and willingness to make phone calls or in-person visits to restaurants. Many responsibilities can take place off-site.
  • Seize the Dream Auction Committee: Help us collect auction items and make this year's auction better than ever! We are looking for 3 volunteers to join the Auction Committee. Must be comfortable with the computer and be willing to learn an online auction platform. Combination of in office and off site work.
  • Volunteer Communication Specialist: Looking for a volunteer to join the volunteer department and help us with communication. Responsibilities include maintaining web postings for volunteer positions, assistance with newsletter communications, and help with flyers. Experience with computers and ability to learn different applications.
  • BINGO: Call BINGO for the residents at Hastings House (115 Cochituate Rd). It's a blast for anyone of any age! Typically happens on Monday nights from 7-8:30. Possibility of Thursday night option. The residents will teach you all you need to know to call it out, no experience necessary!
ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES
  • Patient Navigators: become a volunteer Patient Navigator and assist older adults during their medical appointments. Help give them the confidence they need to face doctor's and provide support and guidance throughout. Upcoming training on: November 10th
  • All Stars & Math Academy: Volunteer as a mentor for 3rd or 4th graders in two different after-school programs. Help show that learning is important and fun! Check out this video to learn more about this great opportunity!
    Bringing Volunteers Together with Elementary Students
    Bringing Volunteers Together with Elementary Students

  • Friendly Visitors: Volunteer to provide companionship to an older adult in the community. Visit once a week to play cards, take a walk, go to the movies, or just hang out.

Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about each of these opportunities and please tell your friends!