August
VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
Because YOU are JFS...
In this Issue
Happy August!
 
The summer is flying by, hopefully we can all continue to enjoy the month of August and savor the warm weather and lazy, hazy days. 
 
While you are having fun in the sun, take a moment to think about one of the reasons that August is an important month.  It is National
Immunization Awareness Month! The CDC estimates that vaccination of children born between 1994 and 2013 may have prevented millions of illness and avoided thousands of deaths.  In addition, vaccinations save trillions of dollars in total societal costs.  See our section below for some things you to know about vaccinations. Also in this issue, learn about our spotlighted volunteer, the build-a-backpack event, and more!
 
Make a difference, VOLUNTEER!  Recommend a friend too!
Volunteer Spotlight
Name: Tripti Deodhar        
Occupation: Formerly middle school teacher in India                     
Time with JFS: One month
Volunteer Position: Citizenship Assistant
 

We are so happy to have Tripti as part of our citizenship program.  As a homemaker, she was looking for a volunteer opportunity close to home. After speaking to Jeanine at JFS, she decided that this organization would be a good match for her skill set.  Tripti utilizes her previous experience in a citizenship program, working with immigration rules and processes, as well as her own personal experience as an immigrant.  When asked what she enjoys about volunteering with the citizenship program she said, "being an immigrant myself, [I] enjoy working with other immigrants." In her spare time she enjoys exercising and reading magazines.

Thank you Tripti for all that you do to help immigrants in our citizenship program.  Your personal experieince in particular is invaluable to the work that you do! 
Build-a-Backpack is Back!

You bring a backpack, JFS provides the supplies

We all build a backpack to donate!

 

As part of the JFS Reducing Achievement Gaps Program, these  

donations of backpacks filled with school supplies benefit the children in the Metrowest community. 

 

  
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Pack a Backpack in two locations. Choose the date and the location that works best for you!

 

 

Wellesley Public Library

Wakelin Room

Monday, August 24th 2015

 

Framingham Public Library

Costin Room

Tuesday, August 25th 2015

 

Sign up to volunteer to help prep for the event, set up and clean up! Here's a few volunteer shifts open:

  • August 19th - volunteers needed to help pick up supplies at local businesses and drop off at JFS (pick up locations include Ashland and Framingham).
  • August 20th - 2 volunteers needed to help sort through supplies at JFS, time is flexible.
  • August 21st - 2 volunteers needed to help load vehicles with supplies for transport. Afternoon preferred. Must be able to lift heavy boxes.
  • August 24th (day of event - Wellesley) - 4 volunteers needed to help with set up, registration, and clean up. Preferred time slot is 9-12:45, but can be broken into shifts if needed.
  • August 25th (day of event - Framingham) - 4 volunteers needed to help with set up, registration, and clean up. Preferred time slot is 9-12:30, but can be broken into shifts if needed.
If you would like to sign up for one of these volunteer shifts, please contact Sarah Roth, sroth@jfsmw.org or 508-875-3100 x320.

OR register to attend the event and build a backpack with JFS! 
Register at www.jfsmw.org.
If you have any questions about the event or how to donate supplies contact Amanda Coughlin, acoughlin@jfsmw.org or 508-875-3100 x320
T-Shirt & Hours   -   Thank you Volunteers!
In July volunteers contributed 
65 
hours in the Metrowest community. July is our slow month, but we're still amazed at all the hours provided to our community on a slow month! Our clients thank you and we appreciate you for standing up for those left behind.   

Once you've reached 20 hours of service you are eligible for a t-shirt. This month the following volunteers reached that benchmark!  
  • Joyce Krasner
  • Marcia Rosenberg

 

 

Let us know how you'd like to collect your t-shirt! For those who have previously been eligible and have not gotten your shirt yet, let us know! 

 

Please remember this is based on the number of hours recorded in our system. If you volunteer for programs other than Wilson or Patient Navigator the system does not auto calculate your hours. If you don't know how to log your hours of service, let us know and we'll help you!

National Immunization Awareness Month

Let's get serious for a minute!  The value of immunizations across the lifespan of a child is immeasurable.  According to the CDC, Centers for Disease Control, here are some things you need to know about childhood immunizations:

  • Your child should be vaccinated to protect him/her from dangerous childhood diseases that could cause serious complications.
  • Some diseases that childhood vaccinations prevent include: Lockjaw, German Measles, Polio, Measles, Diptheria, Mumps, Influenza
  • There are specific doses and ages for your child's vaccinations.  Check www.cdc.gov/vaccines for the schedules your pediatrician will probably follow.
  • Like any medicine, vaccines can cause minor side effects such as slight fever, rash or soreness. 
  • On rare occasions, the side effects can be more severe.  
  • If your child has a serious reaction to a vaccine, seek medical attention.
  • You should not wait to vaccinate.  By immunizing your child, "on time" you can protect your child from a disease and also protect others at school or daycare
  • Keep a health record of vaccinations given to your child
  • Some children are eligible for free vaccinations
  • More information is available by contacting the CDC, call 1-800 232 4636
But remember, always consult with your doctor to determine what's right for you!


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Program Spotlight:  Ready for Success

Accelerating Mid/Late Career Workforce Re-entry for Individuals in the Metrowest Jewish Community

 

A new and exciting pilot program developed by JFS with Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) and funded by Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP).

 

Who is eligible:  Are you Ready for Success?

  • Metrowest Jewish community residents
  • Mid to late career status
  • Long-term unemployed (6 months or longer) from your primary career employment
  • Under-employed or working part-time
  • Individuals must be clear about employment goals, Have an up to date resume and must have applied for at least 3 jobs in the past 3 months
  • Willingness to be a very engaged and active participant....there will be memos of understanding that define mutual responsibilities and roles for participation
  • This pilot program is limited to 18 participants at a time

What is Provided?

  • Customized job development and job search services
  • Money management and financial education
  • Consultations for legal guidance and financial planning
  • Re-training scholarships to improve specific job competencies
  • Case management and basic assistance for those struggling with family economic and other life circumstances

Ready for success is not a career exploration, resume development or interview preparation program.  The goal is to assist individuals in crossing the employment finish line-landing the job.

 

Visit our website to learn more!

Upcoming Opportunities
JFS has many ongoing programs and opportunities. Here are a few of the opportunities available. You can visit our website to learn more about each one:
  • Build-A-Backpack - either register to attend the event and help pack the backpacks, or sign up for one of the other assigned slots listed above
  • Volunteer Mentors with after-school programs will start in the fall - recruiting now! Check out this video to learn more!
  • The next Patient Navigator Training will take place on October 8th, 9am-3pm. To learn what that's all about, watch this video!
Important for all volunteers:  
Every year in July/August we update our paperwork for all volunteers to ensure that we have current documentation. Although you may have submitted this information previously, there are expiration dates that must be reviewed.  This is a requirement for our organization. 

New this year as of July 1st all volunteers that are driving their own vehicle to/from a JFS volunteer opportunity is required to have a motor vehicle check completed.  This is new for many of you, and does not require any action on your part besides completing the motor vehicle check release form.  JFS will complete the check on your behalf. 

By this point if you owe any documentation you should have received an e-mail listing the items that need to be updated. Please turn in the documents as soon as possible! Deadline August 28th.

If you have any questions about the documentation, why we collect it, or why it needs to be updated please don't hesitate to contact Sarah Roth, sroth@jfsmw.org, 508-875-3100 x320.

 

We are JFS!
Happy August!
 
Happy Summer!

Sarah Roth, MSW
Manager, Community Engagement, Youth
& Immigrant Services
508-875-3100 x320
sroth@jfsmw.org
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Adoption Choices
Since 1982, Adoption Choices has been helping build families in Massachusetts.

Geriatric Care Management
Using an integrated approach, JFS has been working to meet the needs of elders in our community.

Patient Navigator
JFS volunteers are working to help facilitate communication with elders and their doctors.


Learn about these and other JFS programs by visiting our website.
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