Impactful Volunteer Opportunities
Children’s Clothing Closet
Launched in 2016, the JFS Children’s Clothing Closet provides a seasonal response to the clothing needs of the elementary school-aged children in the Metrowest community, specifically focusing on the most economically challenged schools in Framingham. Volunteers sort and organize donated new and gently used clothing to help JFS keep track of inventory and help prepare clothing packages to distribute to families. Soon, we will also be having pop-up events, where we will bring racks of clothes from the Children’s Clothing Closet to locations in the community. Families can “shop” for the clothing they need. Volunteers will help set up racks of clothing and assist families while they select clothing.
“My children have always appreciated volunteering with JFS. It is not busy work to make them feel needed, but rather they feel the work is important, necessary and that in their own small way, they are making a difference.”
— Deb Weinhaus
FPS Resource Room
The Framingham Public Schools Resource Room provides clothing, school supplies, personal care items, and other needed items to any child in need in the Framingham Public Schools. Volunteers organize the items and help prepare packages for families.
Community Drives
Connect with your families, neighbors, or colleagues and organize a clothing, personal care items, or book drive. The items you collect will be distributed to families in need in our community.
Help Immigrants on their Path to Citizenship
Help individuals prepare for their citizenship exam. Volunteers work one-on-one with individuals using resources provided by JFS and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. They also provide opportunities for the individuals to practice their conversational English skills. Some volunteers provide more extensive English language support and some volunteers are also trained to help individuals prepare their N-400 citizenship application.
Virtual Connectors
Virtual Connectors reduce social isolation and alleviate loneliness among older adults living in the community. Volunteers are matched with several older adults and connect with them remotely on a regular basis. In addition to providing social interaction, volunteers also provide periodic monitoring of the individual’s well-being by asking essential questions related to the client’s well-being and basic needs.
Improve the Health and Wellbeing of Older Adults
Volunteer with our Healthy Aging team to improve the lives of older adults in our community. Opportunities include one-on-one technology tutoring. This individualized approach provides the elder with a comfortable setting to learn skills that they can use to connect with family, order groceries or medications, and feel more independent. Other opportunities include helping out at outdoor social events.
Mentor First Generation College Students
Mentors provide support, share their professional experience and expertise, and provide general encouragement to students. They also provide feedback and guidance to students working on individual final projects and may also conduct informational interviews with individual students.
Farm to Pantry
Farm to Pantry volunteers reduce food insecurity in our community by connecting extra produce from farms with food pantries. Volunteers pick up food from local farms and transport it to food pantries for distribution to individuals and families in need.
Learn More about Volunteering with JFS
Do you have questions about volunteering with JFS? Not quite sure which programs are the best fit? Are you interested in interning at JFS?
Program Videos
Through the Power of Volunteerism, JFS is Changing the Lives of Refugees Seeking Safety in Our Community
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Through the Power of Collaborative Partnerships JFS Changes the Lives of Immigrants in Our Community
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Program News
JFS/ Rashi Learning & Leadership Council- Hamper Project
Members of the JFS/ Rashi Learning and Leadership Council completed a community service project of creating “Welcome Hampers” for JFS clients moving into new homes. Students were encouraged to use their leadership skills to creatively engage others in...
JFS Elder Care- In Case You Missed It
It's normal to feel overwhelmed when trying to take care of an older loved one. Older adults are at higher risk for social isolation and loneliness due to a number of factors, including physical and cognitive declines, loss of loved ones, and changes in social roles...
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Today on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, JFS remembers Max Michelson Z’’L; our mentor, friend, teacher, guiding light to so many of us. Max-Holocaust survivor, co-founder of JFS, community leader- provided wisdom and hope. Max inspired each of us to be...