December
VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
Because YOU are JFS...
In this Issue
December is upon us. Where did this year go???? There're so many wonderful things to look back on this past year and some not so good ones as well. Let's
hope for only good things going forward for all the JFS family. 

It has been a great year for JFS programs and volunteering! Volunteers and staff have made a positive difference in the lives of so many. This is a big thank you to all who have participated in the activities. You have given of yourself for the benefit of others and we appreciate everything that you do on a continuous basis. Let's enjoy the holidays, give thanks for all the good in the world, and seek peace for all for those who are suffering!

This month we will spotlight a volunteer, take a look at the stats for the hours (exciting news - November was our busiest month since we started tracking time!), human rights day, Thanksgiving food distribution and more!
  
Make a difference, VOLUNTEER!  Recommend a friend too!
Volunteer Spotlight
Name:  Laura Magasanik                                   
Occupation:  various, including teaching           
Time with JFS: many years 
Volunteer Position:  Patient Navigator

Laura has had the good fortune of changing careers many times over her lifetime. She began her career as a kindergarten teacher, then worked as a eurthymics teacher. After 24 years of owning a floral design company, Laura retired. She served for many years on the Board of JFS as well as the Executive Board of the agency. When Soviet refugees began to arrive she was involved in the "furniture storage" business as well as adopting a family. For Laura, the Patient Navigator Program was a great match. It combined her enjoyment in helping elders and her experience and comfort in the medical world. As an example of her suitability for this program, Laura is very aware of the fears many elders face when visiting the doctor and the overwhelming nature of medical procedures. She utilizes her skills and her confidence to help patients feel comfortable with her personality and her relaxed driving style to set the tone for a successful visit. In her spare time, Laura enjoys kayaking and gardening in the warm weather and skiing in the winter out west.        
We give thanks for Laura and her wonderful attitude and desire to help others.  We are so happy that you continue to utilize your many skills by participating in the Patient Navigator Program. Thank you!  
November Hours & T-Shirts
November has been a very busy time for our volunteers who contributed 523 hours in the Metrowest community. This is our biggest month since we started tracking time, definitely something to celebrate!

Our clients thank you and we appreciate you for standing up for those in need.
 
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:
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  • Sarah Barrett
  • Rachel Cronson
  • Virginia Daukas
  • Payal Murthy
  • Lindsay Phillips
  • Phelicha Silva
Please let us know how you'd like to collect your t-shirt!

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!
The Year in Numbers
  
2015 has been a great year for volunteering at JFS. You've accomplished so much!
  • We have 295 volunteers.
  • 20 older adults visited each week to provide companionship and support.
  • 1,130 bags of fresh fruit and vegetables distributed to low-income families.
  • 486 Patient Navigator appointments have been completed for older adults.
  • 1161 hours tutoring and mentoring young school age children.
  • We have logged 4,420 volunteer hours for programs.
  • There have been 233 volunteer inquiries answered.

Thank you for enhancing the lives of individuals and families in the Metrowest community. 
Thanksgiving Healthy Harvest
Thanks to all the businesses that contributed and the volunteers who participated.  

On November24th JFS, in partnership with Horizon Technology and Cambridge Packing, organized a Thanksgiving food distribution for 150 low-income families in the area. Volunteers helped pack bags full of fresh produce, turkeys, apple pies, and sides so families could prepare for themselves a wonderful Thanksgiving meal!  
The most vulnerable in our community appreciate this event so that they can 
provide for the holiday without sacrificing another basic need. Family time will be especially sweet and yummy due to the caring companies who supported this event and the volunteers who collected and distributed the food.
 

 
December is a Special Month
We look forward to the "holidays" this month. Did you know that December 10th is also Human Rights Day?  This year, in particular, with all the strife in the world, let's take a look at the importance of Human Rights issues. In 1948 the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  
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It's easy to take human rights for granted in this country, but as we have seen recently, many people don't have those rights. Basic human rights and freedom are not basic and free elsewhere. At this time of the year, and all during the year, let's try to help in any way we can. Get involved! Educate yourself about human rights, contribute, and continue to help where you can. That would be a great present for any holiday for others!      
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:
  • Lunch and Learn: 2-3 volunteers needed for January 4th at Temple Israel in Natick, topic is Financial Planning. Volunteers needed from 11:15-2 to help with set up, registration, and clean up.
  • Patient Navigator: Help older adults access medical care with a supportive caring companion. Facilitate communication with the doctor and provide support for those in need.
To learn more or sign up for any of these opportunities, please contact Sarah Roth, sroth@jfsmw.org, 508-875-3100 x320.
We are JFS!
Happy December!
 
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