Jewish Family Services would not exist without our volunteers!
People like you make our shared Jewish community vision a reality through leadership and service.
In the tradition of Gemilut Hasadim, JFS Volunteer Connections, facilitates volunteerism throughout Wake County and beyond. JFS volunteers are involved with many aspects of Jewish Family Services and Jewish Federation- from becoming a friendly visitor to an isolated senior, delivering a Mitzvah Meal to a family in need, visiting Jewish patients in local hospitals to planning community-wide events.
All volunteers go through a background check by an outside company, and are trained by our volunteer coordinator. To become a volunteer, fill out our volunteer application or contact Tracy Jacobsen, JFS Volunteer Coordinator, at 919-676-2295 ext. 124
Our Policy on Inclusion
The Jewish Federation of Raleigh-Cary continues to welcome, respect and value the participation of all people including; interfaith families, people of all abilities, religious practices, backgrounds, sexual orientation, gender identity, race and socio-economic status.
Not sure yet, or want to learn more? Contact Tracy Jacobsen or consider attending a Prospective Volunteers Open House- hear from a current volunteer about their experience and ask our volunteer coordinator questions about volunteering with JFS. Check out the calendar to find the next one.
Opportunities
Administrative Volunteering – Perhaps your talents lie in the area of organization? We periodically need help with organization, filing, mailings, and data entry. Some of these opportunities can be done remotely or at our offices.
Food Pantry*- Rotate stock and assemble food pantry bags for JFS clients facing food insecurity.
Friendly Visiting- Friendly visitors are matched with home-bound, isolated seniors and build relationships through crafts, games and conversation. Visits are typically once a week for 45-60 minutes.
Shabbat Visiting- Similar to the Friendly Visiting program, the Shabbat Visiting program matches an older adult with a volunteer who provides an in-home abbreviated Shabbat service.
Inter-generational/Youth Opportunities*- Families can participate or lead Shabbat Services, deliver Mitzvah Meals, participate in holiday projects and much more.
Jewish Community Service* – Open to volunteers of all ages desiring to give back to the community, but needing flexibility of schedule. Opportunities may include volunteering at community programming, photography, set up/break down, food prep, etc.
Food Delivery* – Deliver food pantry bags and/or Mitzvah Meals to fellow community members. This is a great family volunteering opportunity with minimum time commitment and maximum impact!
Religious Outreach* – Lead Shabbat services at local senior communities, help with our annual Chanukah Gift Drive, and other opportunities. Open to adults, teens and families.
Technical Support Volunteers- Volunteers provide technical support via phone to community members, helping them navigate available online services and to communicate with family and friends through their devices.
Telephone Outreach Program- This program provides a social connection through regular phone conversations with a fellow Jewish community member. Volunteers make weekly calls to seniors and act as a liaison between JFS and the senior.
* Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during any volunteer opportunity that involves direct client contact.
“A society in which there are high levels of voluntary activity will simply be a better, happier place than one where there are not. Ask any volunteer and they will usually tell you that they gain more than they give. They don’t do it for recognition. They do it because they know volunteering helps change the world because it changes us.”
— Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
