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Are you looking to make an impact in the
community through building relation-
ships? Jewish Family Services of Somer-
set, Hunterdon and Warren counties
(JFS) is currently recruiting teen mentors
for the family mentor program. Teen
mentors are matched with children under
the age of 10 who are part of JFS. Teen
mentors will meet once or twice a month
engaging in activities of mutual interest
such as sports activities, indoor and out-
door games.
Teen mentors make a huge difference as
you can see from this story. When Mary’s
older and only sister went off to college,
Mary felt all alone. Mary, who has been
diagnosed with high functioning autism,
has a difficult time making friends.
Mary’s parents reached out to JFS’s Fam-
ily Mentor Program to see if Mary could
find a friend in the midst of these changes
and transitions in her life. Mary was
matched with teen mentor, Diane, and
they started meeting regularly. They met
once or twice a month, watching movies,
having meals or sometimes just sitting
and talking. Mary’s parents saw how
much Mary enjoyed and valued her time
with Diane. Mary agrees that “Diane has
been one dependable friend that she
could talk to.”
The JFS Family Mentor Program recruits,
trains, matches and supervises all volun-
teers with our programs to help begin
and guide the relationship to make it
most beneficial. Not only is volunteer
work a life changing experience, but it’s
also a great way for teens to build a
resume and community service section
for college applications. Through mean-
ingful relationships, volunteers as well as
families receive satisfaction and learning.
A current volunteer recently shared, “I
get out of it so much more than my fam-
ily does”.
As we seek new volunteers, here is an
example of a family waiting for a mentor.
Sonya, an 8 year old girl, is the oldest of
4 siblings. Her father works 2 jobs and
most of her mother’s attention is spent
on her baby brother. She recently trans-
ferred to a new school so she does not
have any friends. Sonya is also behind
academically after having moved 3 times
in the past 2 years due to her father’s job
changes. Sonya is seeking a mentor to
play board games, go for walks and spend
one on one time with, giving their full
attention.
So often the need expressed by families in
these situations is for someone who will
sit and be authentically interested in
them. If you are interested in more infor-
mation about becoming a volunteer,
please contact JFS at 908-725-7799 to
speak with Young-In Shin. If you, or
someone you know could benefit from
having a volunteer, please call us.
JFS is a not for profit, nonsectarian social
service agency serving the needs of indi-
viduals and families in Somerset, Hunter-
don and Warren Counties since 1980.
JFS is committed to serving the needs of
the entire community and offers a contin-
uum of programs and services. Licensed
clinical social workers provide individual,
couple and family counseling as well as
geriatric assessments, supportive counsel-
ing and case management services for
home bound elderly. The Family Mentor
Program recruits, trains and matches vol-
unteers with vulnerable young families or
with elderly persons for friendly, support-
ive, in-home visits; Families with children
with special needs 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 confi-
dential. Many programs are at no cost, on
a sliding fee scale or payable through
third party insurance. If youare interested
in learning more about JFS’ programs,
please contact us at 908-725-7799, visit
our website:www.JewishFamilySvc.org,
like us on Facebook. Jewish Family Serv-
ice of SHW, Inc. 150-A West High
Street, Somerville, NJ 08876.
Be a Teen Mentor!
By: Young-In Shin, LSW
30 S Doughty Ave
Somerville NJ
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