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Volunteer Coordinator Melissa Basile-Reolon is driven to make an impact in the lives of people she encounters. Working in the nonprofit sector allows her to align her values with her career and contribute to something bigger than herself. Drawn to the mission of JFS and the meaningful work being done, Melissa was ready to go along for the ride.
Her favorite part of her work is building relationships with volunteers, staff, and the community. One of the most important aspects of her work is overseeing the JFS food insecurity program, filling the gap for families facing hardship. Melissa especially loves coordinating the Thanksgiving and holiday drives, which support over 400 individuals each year. Every season, at least one family tells her, “If we didn’t have JFS, we wouldn’t have food on the table for the holidays.” Moments like that remind her why this work matters so deeply.
Melissa is continually inspired by the volunteers who make JFS programs possible. They are committed, supportive, and consistently go above and beyond. What touches her most is hearing how the experience is mutual -- clients learn from volunteers, and volunteers learn from clients. Melissa builds strong relationships with volunteers by listening, being present, and showing appreciation. Every volunteer brings something unique, and she makes it a priority to understand their motivations and support their growth.
No two days look the same for Melissa. She might be coordinating schedules, meeting with volunteers, planning events, or responding to community needs. Of course, none of it happens without a strong cup of coffee and a good sense of humor! Melissa believes that compassion and a little bit of fun go a long way. Guided by Maya Angelou’s words, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style,” Melissa describes her job in three words: purposeful, collaborative, and heartfelt.
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