The research is in…Being a volunteer is good for both the body and the soul. According to the AARP, studies show that volunteers experience greater self-esteem, happiness, an enhanced sense of well-being, and a renewed sense of purpose. Volunteering can help you stay physically healthy, reducing stress and anxiety. By helping others, you help yourself!
JFS of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties (JFS) offers people of all ages ongoing weekly or short-term volunteer opportunities that can be tailored to individual skills, interests, and passions.
Many older adults in our community are frail and isolated and would benefit from companionship, conversation, assistance getting to doctors, or help with basic tasks around the home. JFS addresses this need through four programs that help build mutually enriching relationships between seniors and volunteers. Two new programs, the Cooking Companion Program and the Senior Shopper Program, join our ongoing Senior Mentor Volunteer Program and the Good Deeds Corps.
We are excited to launch our new Cooking Companion Program. Volunteers will visit seniors in the community to cook and eat a light healthy meal together on a monthly basis. The visits will provide a unique opportunity to develop companionship and connection. The Senior Shopper Program provides free grocery shopping/delivery services to local seniors and people with disabilities with the added benefit of a friendly visit. Participants reimburse the volunteers for the cost of the groceries.
The JFS Senior Mentor Volunteer Program recruits, trains, matches, and supervises volunteers 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 seniors 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 96-year-old woman living in her own home. She 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 making a difference for her.”
The JFS Good Deed Corps offers volunteers an opportunity to provide seniors with short term support that is focused around socialization, cognitive skills, help with gardening, grocery shopping, transport to medical appointments, or other support based on the needs of the senior.
One Good Deeds Corps volunteer, Judy, spent the last year driving a local Holocaust survivor to the JFS socialization program, Café Europa. Their rides together provided the two with the opportunity to learn about each other and the survivor was able to attend a beloved social program on a regular basis.
JFS recruits and trains interested volunteers throughout the year. Volunteers participate in trainings and in ongoing meetings with other volunteers and professional staff. 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 family should contact JFS.
JFS is a not for profit, 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 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 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 and like us on Facebook. Jewish Family Service of SHW, Inc. 150-A West High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876.
