By Shaina Sherman, Executive Director
Spring brings new growth and change. It gives us a chance to examine our lives and resolve to make some things better. How can we experience the feelings of satisfaction that come from helping others? How can we increase connections to those who may be facing isolation as well as meet other volunteers who are helping to make the world a little brighter?
Since 2005, Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties (JFS) has been engaging volunteers of all ages to get involved with families and isolated seniors. Participating in the Senior Friendly Visitor program “has been very rewarding to me. I have gotten as much personal satisfaction as I hope I have provided to my seniors over the past several years,” says Cathy Siegel, a retired occupational therapist and member of the Board of Trustees of JFS.
A client in the Senior Shopper Program said: “There is not enough room to describe how highly I would praise my volunteer. Briefly, she is a lifeline. I look forward to her weekly visits. She brings food and joy”. Another client in JFS’ Family Mentor Program told us (my volunteer) “was a wonderful companion. We shared many good conversations. She was very helpful when I had bad days.” Volunteers consistently give feedback like “JFS’ program strength is that they provide responsive staff to support volunteers. I appreciate that a qualified, experienced social worker is there for me –and for families.” You can check out all of our volunteer opportunities—both virtual and through grocery shopping for a senior by checking out our website: www.Jewishfamilysvc.org, or specific opportunities:
Senior Grocery Shopper: jewishfamilysvc.org/senior-shopper.php
Senior Friendly Visitor: jewishfamilysvc.org/senior-mentor.php
Family Mentor Program: jewishfamilysvc.org/family-mentor.php
JFS is a nonprofit, nonsectarian social service agency serving the needs of individuals and families in Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties since 1980. JFS is committed to serving the needs of the entire community and offers a continuum of programs and services. Licensed clinical social workers provide individual, couple, and family counseling as well as geriatric assessments, supportive counseling and case management services for home-bound elderly. The Family Mentor Program recruits, trains, and matches volunteers with vulnerable young families or with elderly persons for friendly, supportive, in-home visits. Families with special needs children are assisted through social groups, parent groups and through the Family Mentor Program. Career Counseling helps individuals in many aspects of their job search. Ohr Tikvah-Light of Hope Jewish Healing Services offers presentations, support groups, and individual spiritual counseling to address the health, wellness and healing needs of the community. All information is confidential. Many programs are at no cost, on a sliding fee scale, or payable through third-party insurance.
If you are interested in learning more about JFS’ programs, please contact us at (908)725-7799, email us at Admin@JewishFamilySvc.org, visit our website: www.JewishFamilySvc.org .
Jewish Family Service of SHW, Inc., 150-A West High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876.
