It's the heat of summer and I hope you all have been able to do something to relax! This month's newsletter includes a volunteer spotlight, information about a Build-A-Backpack Event, a fun article on how volunteering can help build your resume, upcoming activities and more! |
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Occupation: Publishing - business magazine art and advertising management, ESOL Teacher
Time with JFS: 8+ years
Volunteer Position: Previous Friendly Visitor - Currently Office Volunteer 
Jerry began with JFS in 2005! He first started as a Friendly Visitor volunteer which developed into a five-year visiting relationship with a gentleman who he said he "enjoyed the nostalgia of sharing the memories of the 'old days' whether they took place in Dorchester or the North Shore." Jerry has recently transitioned to being an office volunteer helping with all areas of the office from the volunteer program to grading 3rd grade students math activities! He said he has "enjoyed being on an on call basis to work with the ever pleasant office staff." :) In his spare time he belongs to a drawing and painting group and he does ESOL tutoring.
Thanks Jerry for finding a new role at JFS when the time came, we love having you around to help out! Your willingness to pick up any task is greatly appreciated!!!
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Every year in August we are sorting through everyone's volunteer paperwork. This means you may be receiving calls or e-mails from us requesting updated paperwork. This could include our yearly update of CORI's, Motor Vehicle Checks, car insurance information etc. Once we get in touch with you regarding what information is needed, if you could please return it to the Volunteer Office by August 29th we would greatly appreciate it! We'd love to head into September with a "full" filing cabinet!
You can find all of our paperwork on our website. On the left side panel is a section titled Volunteer Forms. You can find all of the paperwork needed there.
The main items we will be requesting from you are:
- Car Insurance Information**
- Certificate of Insurance (if you are driving clients)
- Driver Form Affidavit (if you are NOT driving clients)
- CORI
- Motor Vehicle Check (if you are driving clients)
- Car registration (if you are driving clients)
You can either mail the paperwork to 475 Franklin St. Suite 101 Framingham, MA 01702, scan and e-mail to [email protected] or fax to 508-875-4373.
Thanks so much for your cooperation during this process!
**Many of you have expressed concern regarding the request for car insurance information and I wanted to help clarify. Car insurance information is required of ALL volunteers - even if you are just driving to/from the JFS office, to/from a client's
home, or to/from any other volunteer site. This is actually an added protection for you, because if you were in an accident on the way to volunteer, your insurance would kick in first and then JFS insurance could potentially act as a supplement. This request of insurance information is per JFS' insurance carrier because according to JFS' insurance policy, when you leave your house you are on JFS time. Please help us comply with our insurance requirements by submitting the appropriate documentation.
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On August 25th at the Framingham Public Library and August 26th at the Wellesley Public Library, JFS will be hosting the annual Build-A-Backpack event. Each year at this event, over 100 backpacks are packed for Metrowest students in need. Event attendees bring a new backpack to fill with school supplies. JFS then donates the filled packs to Woodrow Wilson Elementary School and the wider Framingham community. This event is a great opportunity for young children to take part in a meaninful event that shows the importance of giving back to your community. Stay tuned for the event invitation! |
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While summer marks a drop in volunteer hours with the after-school program on break and everyone on vacation, JFS volunteers still managed to donate 95.5 hours this month!
Here is a list of all those who are eligible for a t-shirt but have not received one yet, if you'd like to come by and get one let us know!
- Merrill Adler
- Peggy Barry
- Karin Beth
- Amy Coblyn
- Rosamond Geller
- Virginia Hatch
- Barbara Mines
- Paul Rosenzweig
- Erica Thomas
- Megan Vaillancourt
- Joel Winett
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Volunteering Can Help Your Resume
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 Did you know that volunteering can help build your resume? Volunteering used to just be a way to feel good and give back, but now with so many more specialized volunteer opportunities it is also a great way to build your own skill-set. Check out this great article in the New York Times about how volunteer work can help your resume! |
Family Assistance Network
The JFS Family Assistance Network provides confidential and respectful assistance to individuals and families in Metrowest to help them meet the short-term challenges resulting from urgent financial difficulties. Our goal is to help households remain independent and financially self-sufficient through a comprehensive array of coordinated services.
This program is a safety net for so many in the community, offering an emergency food pantry, information and referrals to legal assistance and other services, support for utility bills and transportation and much more.
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JFS is currently recruiting for a few different programs. Please help spread the word to anyone who many be interested!
- Patient Navigators: become a volunteer Patient Navigator and assist older adults during their medical appointments. Help give them the confidence they need to face doctor's and provide support and guidance throughout. Upcoming training on: September 10th or 15th
- All Stars & Math Academy: Volunteer as a mentor for 3rd or 4th graders in two different after-school programs. Help show that learning is important and fun! Upcoming training on: September 16th or 22nd
- Lunch & Learn: 2-3 volunteers needed to help with registration and distribution of materials on September 10th from 11:30-2 at Temple Israel in Natick. The topic is Medicare Options.
Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about each of these opportunities.
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