44 / 72
www.theconnectionsnj.com
PAGE 44
Providing Support for Life’s Challenges – One person, One family at a time ! " ! ! ! Volunteers Wanted ! The research is in…volunteering is good for both the body and the soul. According to the AARP, studies show that volunteers experi- ence greater self-esteem, happiness, an enhanced sense of well-being, and a renewed sense of purpose. By helping others, you help yourself! JFS of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties (JFS) offers people of all ages ongo- ing weekly or short-term volunteer opportuni- ties that can be tailored to individual skills, interests, and passions. Many older adults in our community are frail and isolated and would benefit from compan- ionship, conversation, assistance getting to doctors, or help with basic tasks around the home. JFS has addressed this need through two programs that help build mutually enrich- ing relationships between seniors and volun- teers: the Senior Mentor Volunteer Pro- gram and the Good Deeds Corps. The JFS Senior Mentor Volunteer program recruits, trains, matches, and supervises volun- teers to work with seniors for a minimum of a year. Volunteers help their seniors in many ways. They decrease isolation with regular weekly visits, act as advocates connecting sen- iors to resources in the community, go on local outings, play games, watch movies together, or listen to music. Volunteers are able to be creative when planning activities with their senior. One senior mentor volunteer shared the following: “I visit a 90-year-old woman who is so smart and has weathered so many storms in her lifetime. I feel that she is an inspiration to me, and I know that I am mak- ing a difference for her.” The JFS Good Deed Corps program offers volunteers an opportunity to provide seniors with short term support that is focused around socialization, cognitive skills, help with gar- dening, grocery shopping, transport to med- ical appointments, or other support based on the needs of the senior. Lucie is a high school student who volunteers with the Good Deeds Corps. In the summer she and her mother, Kari, harvest nutritious, fresh produce donated by local farm. Other volunteers deliver the produce to needy fami- lies and seniors. Outreach projects like Lucie’s have a positive impact on the quality of life for homebound seniors. Lucie said the following about her volunteer experience: “This project has opened my eyes to the generosity of com- munity members such as the farmers allowing me to harvest at their farm, and inspired me to put other people's well-being first and to do everything in my power to make a positive dif- ference in their lives.” JFS recruits and trains interested volunteers throughout the year to be matched as senior mentors or with our Family Mentoring Pro- gram. Volunteers complete 9 hours of training and participate in ongoing monthly meetings with other volunteers and professional staff. The next mentor training will be in the Fall of 2017. For more information or to register contact JFS social worker, Maris Chavenson at 908-725-7799 ext. 100. Anyone interested in referring a homebound older person or a fam- ily should contact JFS. JFS is a not for profit, nonsectarian social serv- ice 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 indi- vidual, 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 per- sons for friendly, supportive, 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 pre- sentations, support groups, and individual spiritual counseling to address the health, wellness and healing needs of the community. All information is confidential. Many pro- grams are at no cost, on a sliding fee scale or payable through third party insurance. If you are interested in learning more about JFS’ pro- grams, please contact us at (908)725-7799, visit our website : www.JewishFamilySvc.org, like us on Facebook. Jewish Family Service of SHW, Inc. 150-A West High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876. Volunteer to Live a Long and Healthy Life! By: Maris Chavenson, LCSWShop Somerville
12 East Main Street Somerville, NJ 08876 908-450-7450 !& $! " #$! * )!&# !( # %$ ! " ) !# ! !$ ) $ !# #%(!# ALL SIZES & COLORS AVAILABLE. AFFORDABLE PRICES! Doggie Tees Available NEW LOCATION ) & + ! & %) ' %$ "!#%$ + #% )$ + #%(!# #! !% ! & + ! " ) ! !$ % GimmeeGimmeeTees.com