February Volunteer Newsletter
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Happy February! Wow, January has truly flown by. We hope you all are staying warm inside. It's officially February so that means only a few more months of winter right?! Great things are happening at JFS these days, programs are expanding, volunteer numbers are growing, and most importantly our ability to serve the community becomes deeper every day.  In this newsletter you will find a spotlight of a wonderful Friendly Visitor volunteer, upcoming events and other news. Read on!

 

Volunteer Spotlight
 
Name: Gary Forman
Occupation: Currently retired, former advertising sales and rehabilitation counselor
Time with JFS: 1+ years
Volunteer Position: Friendly Visitor

Gary began volunteering with JFS in October of 2012 when he found himself, after three years of relaxed retirement, wanting to give back to his community.  As a former social worker and his desire to give back to the Jewish community he thought JFS would be a great place to start. 
When asked what he likes about being a Friendly Visitor, he said, "I enjoy bringing my friendliness, concern and enthusiasm to the residents who live at Farm Pond. In particular, the gentleman I visit each week is someone who I both like and respect in so many ways." Gary feels as if each week he's learning a new life lesson from someone who has in his words, "led an honorable and dynamic life." He really enjoys and cherishes their relationship looking forward to their weekly visits. In his spare time, Gary volunteers at local food pantries and pursues many artistic interests ranging from found-art creations to house plants. In the warm weather months, he enjoys going out to the garden and until recently tending to his chickens, ducks and bunnies!  
 
Thanks Gary for volunteering with us! We certainly appreciate your commitment, and I know the individual that you visit feels the same way about you! 
 
To learn more about the Friendly Visitor program or to become a volunteer, click here.
Reminder to Enter Hours

This is just a reminder to enter your hours into the VicNet site to help us keep track of your hours.  We have documented that last month volunteers donated 279 hours, but in reality it is much more! We'd love to capture as much of the hours as we can.  If you have a regular schedule, let me know and we can enter that into the system so you don't have to do it each time.


You can enter your hours by clicking on the volunteer login link on the left hand side of our website, www.jfsmw.org/JFS_Volunteers. This will take you to the VicNet site where you will login with your e-mail address and password. If you need me to resend your password or need help with the process let me know.


Item Donations
 
 
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JFS is currently looking for a sewing machine for a client. If you or someone you know has a sewing machine that they would like to donate, please send them our way.
 


Patient Navigator Training 

 

On January 21st and 28th, JFS conducted a training for 6 new Patient Navigators!  In fact, the training itself was conducted by 2 talented Patient Navigator volunteers themselves! The program is constantly expanding so we are looking for new Patient Navigators.  Please help spread the word! The next training will take place in March.

 If you are interested, please apply here.

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T-Shirts!

During the month of January, volunteers donated 279 hours to JFS! Here is a list of the volunteers who have reached 20 hours this month: 
          • Amy Coblyn
          • Roz Geller
          • Susan Glueck
          • Rachel Uliss
Thanks everyone for all your hard work!  Come on by anytime to pick up your t-shirt. 

 

Launch of Affordable Geriatric Care Management

At JFS we know that caring for an aging loved one can be overwhelming and making the right decisions can be difficult. JFS recently launched a new Affordable Geriatric Care Management program. This program provides:
  • trained staff who have experience supporting clients and families struggling with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. 
  • Affordable $70/hour rate
  • Integrated service, which teams social workers and registered nurses
  • Direct access to Lifeline products
Please help us spread the word about this new great service.  You can learn more by visiting our website.
 
Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Lunch & Learn Assistants

JFS Healthy Aging and the Callahan Center present In Good Company, "The White House Chair" Presidential Campaign Songs that changed America. Click here for event flyer. JFS needs 3-5 volunteers to help facilitate overflow parking, refreshments, set up and registration.  To sign up to volunteer, please e-mail sroth@jfsmw.org. If you would like to attend, follow the registration instructions in the event flyer.
 
Bilingual All Stars Mentors 

Bilingual volunteers needed (Portuguese/English) for All Stars, a 3rd grade after-school program.  Click here for more information
"
To be good, and to do good, is all we have to do.
John Adams
 
Thank you for sharing with JFS your talents, skills, and passion. We couldn't do it without you.
 
Sincerely,
 
Sarah Roth, MSW
Coordinator of Community Engagement
& Immigrant Services
JFS of Metrowest
sroth@jfsmw.org
508-875-3100 x320
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