November
VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
Because YOU are JFS...
In this Issue
November is upon us. Many of us will be celebrating one of the most meaningful holidays of the year. Thanksgiving is a time for "Thanks and Giving" according to Marlo Thomas, who highlights this phrase to bring attention to her favorite charity, St. Jude's Hospital. Since her recording of "Free to be You and Me" in the 70's, Marlo has been an activist for so many good causes. Maybe we can use her model to think of others this holiday season.

This month we will spotlight a high school student who is generously donating her time to 3rd grade students, National Adoption month, upcoming lunch and learn, and more!

Make a difference, VOLUNTEER!  Recommend a friend too! 
Volunteer Spotlight
Name: Gabi Marcus                                    
Occupation: Student at Natick High School, Part time Babysitter and Employee at Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream            
Time with JFS: 7 months
Volunteer Position: All Star Mentor

Gabi loves working with young people so she thought it would be a fun opportunity to make a difference in their lives if she participated in a JFS Program as an All Stars Mentor.  We are so happy Gabi is sharing her talents with the children in the program. She enjoys getting to know all of the children that she mentors.  Gabi explains that it is awesome that the kids feel comfortable talking to her and that we are able to bond. In her free time, Gabi loves to play soccer and draw.   

   
Thank you, Gabi!  How wonderful that the children you work with have you as a mentor.  You bring your enthusiasm and your skills as a communicator, a mentor, and a role model to your volunteer position!  
JFS and your students appreciate you!
T-Shirt & Hours   -   Thank you Volunteers!
In November volunteers contributed 
317 
hours in the Metrowest community. The volunteer season is back in full swing! 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. Here are the people who reached 20 hours this month:
  • Alyssa Wolf
  • Ann Lurie
  • Jack Shear
  • Jacob Winn
  • Jedidia Adusei
  • Judith Gibian
  • Linda Lacy

Please let us know how you'd like to collect your t-shirt!

Thank you to our many volunteers!
 
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!
JFS Women's Event
On October 28th, JFS held the first ever women's event to share the family and intergenerational philanthropic opportunities available in our community. Our dynamic speaker, Nini Meyer, shared with us her story about how hands-on philanthropy transformed her family's ideas about being part of the community. We encourage each one of you to share your passion with your children and each other and contact us if you want to get more involved! 

Thanks to all that attended!
November is National Adoption Month
Here is a short history of National Adoption Month, which has been celebrated for 19 years. 

According to childwelfare.gov, in 1976 Michael Dukakis, governor of Massachusetts, announced an Adoption Week to promote awareness of the need for adoptive families for children in foster care.  

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Adoption Week.  

In 1995, President Bill Clinton expanded the Adoption Week to the month of November and then in 1998 he directed the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a plan to expand the use of the Internet.

In 2008, George W. Bush added an explanation of National Adoption Month in Spanish.  

It's evident that this is an important topic, rising to a national level.

adoption choices logo

Right in your backyard, AdoptionChoices, has been building families since 1982.  Part of JFS, it is a progressive, licensed non-profit agency serving couples and singles of all backgrounds and lifestyles throughout Massachusetts.  We encourage you to consider adoption as a way to build or expand your family. Our experienced and caring staff are here to help you explore your choices!
 
For more information about Adoptions call AdoptionChoices:1-800 872 5232     
Upcoming Opportunities
JFS has many ongoing programs and opportunities. Here are a few available right now! You can visit our website to learn more about each one and others:
  • Math Academy Mentor: Be a role model to 4th grade students and help students academically and socially. Program focuses on math concepts, but you don't have to be a math whiz to work with the program! Help needed on Tuesdays from 2:45-5:15.
  • JFS Healthy Aging Lunch & Learn: 3 volunteers needed to help with set up, registration, and clean up at the November 18th Lunch and Learn at Temple Israel in Natick. Topic is "Shifting Gears--Driving Safely". Volunteers needed from 11:15-2pm.
To learn more or sign up for any of these opportunities, please contact Sarah Roth, sroth@jfsmw.org, 508-875-3100 x360.
We are JFS!
Happy November! 


Sarah Roth, MSW
Manager, Youth, Immigrant
& Volunteer Services
508-875-3100 x320
sroth@jfsmw.org
adoption choices logo
dad
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.
Stay Connected
475 Franklin St. Suite 101, Framingham, MA 01702