Volunteer News from the Desk of Dana Shapiro | Quarterly Newsletter: April 2026 | | |
Dear Volunteer Community,
Happy Global Volunteer Month! We're celebrating the incredible impact of volunteers and are grateful for all the Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minnesota volunteers who share their time, talents, care, and compassion year-round. Click here to view the 2025 volunteer listings for JFCS and Jewish Family Service of St. Paul. Reach out to me if any names were accidentally omitted.
Whether you're providing rides, making friendly check-in calls or visits, wrapping holiday gifts, serving on committees or boards, supporting events, welcoming guests at reception, or helping behind the scenes, you are the heart of JFCS. You contributions help ensure we are Here for all. Always.
Check out a recent post on JFCS Facebook featuring JFCS Minnesota CEO, Amy Weiss, with a thank you message to you all.
We hope you'll join us with your families for a sweet treat on May 14 and May 18 at our Volunteer Appreciation Events - a chance to meet other volunteers and staff, connect and celebrate together. RSVP details are included below.
I'm here to support you in your volunteer experience at JFCS, so please don't hesitate to reach out anytime. If we haven't met yet, I'd love to connect! Simply fill out my Bookings page to schedule a time.
In this edition:
- Volunteer Appreciation Events: May 14 and May 18
- Current Volunteer Needs
- Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Todd Barin
- Program Updates
L'shalom,
Dana Shapiro
Community and Volunteer Engagement Manager
dshapiro@jfcsmn.org | 952-417-2112 | www.jfcsmn.org/volunteering/
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| VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION EVENTS | | |
You are invited to join us for our volunteer appreciation events to celebrate the incredible impact you make on our community.
Stop by one or both events for a casual, drop-in social. A sweet treat will be provided!
Thursday, May 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Cafe Latte, St. Paul
Monday, May 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Sebastian Joe's – Linden Hills
Everyone who attends will be entered into a drawing to receive a $25 gift card to Cafe Latte or Sebastian Joe's.
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| VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: MEET TODD BARIN | |
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For the past two years, Todd Barin has been a driving force behind JFCS NextGen – bringing people together, creating meaningful volunteer experiences, and showing up wherever help is needed. As NextGen President and a member of the Board Development Committee, he brings energy, connection, and a genuine passion for giving back – helping make JFCS Minnesota programs possible.
Get to know what inspires Todd, what keeps him involved, and why he believes even a few hours a month can make a lasting impact.
>Read his full story and find out how you can get involved.
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Miss working in an office and looking for a weekly role?
We are seeking 1-2 friendly and professional volunteers to support our St. Paul front desk. Volunteers should feel comfortable answering and transferring phone calls, using a computer, and committing to at least one consistent half‑day each week (morning or afternoon).
We’re looking for volunteers who are available year‑round (not seasonal snowbirds). This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys helping others, staying organized, and being part of a supportive team. Training and support will be provided by the Administrative Professionals Team.
>If interested, complete the volunteer application linked here. Please consider getting involved or sharing with someone who might be interested. Contact Dana Shapiro at dshapiro@jfcsmn.org with any questions.
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Got a friendly pup and a couple hours to spare? Join our Puppy Parade team
When: Sunday, May 17 | 1:30-3 p.m.
Where: Sholom West Campus, St. Louis Park
Details: JFCS is teaming up with Sholom Senior Living for another Volunteers in Action event to bring joy and pet therapy to older adults living at Ackerberg Sholom West Camps in St. Louis Park. This is a family-friendly event and we are looking for well-trained dogs who do well in an environment with a lot of people. Bring your pup (all sizes welcome!) and sign up (even if you come without a dog) to join us for an afternoon of conversation and community.
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Looking to make a different in older adults' lives through support and companionship?
We are seeing a growing need for volunteer support for older adults in our community currently enrolled in JFCS' Senior Services programs. These roles are a great fit for people who are friendly, reliable, and able to maintain confidentiality and boundaries.
Quick Fix (short-term role) - We are looking for volunteer support (groups of 3-4) to help older adults with spring yard work clean up at different locations. We also have a request from a client who could use support from a volunteer (preferably if you have an SUV or truck) transferring items from one storage unit to another in Golden Valley.
Outreach Visiting (ongoing role) – We have some clients who have requested companionship support. This role involves visiting with an older adult twice a month to provide social connection – conversation, playing games, and generally social outings around town. Read the job description here.
Household Financial Management (ongoing role) – We have some clients who can use support staying organized with bills, budgeting, and going through mail. Clients are active partners in the process. Read the job description here.
>If interested, complete the volunteer application linked here. Please consider getting involved or sharing with someone who might be interested. Contact Dana Shapiro at dshapiro@jfcsmn.org with any questions.
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Can you help us create a warm and welcoming space for PJ Families welcoming new babies into the community?
Shalom Baby Shower - Prep Day
When: Thursday, May 14 | 1-3 p.m.
Where: JFCS - Golden Valley location
Details: This shift consists of helping stuff folders with printed materials and filling swag bags with giveaways for parents attending the baby shower.
Shalom Baby Shower - Event Day
When: Sunday, May 17 | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (min. shift 9 a.m to 12 p.m.)
Where: Minnesota JCC Sabes Center Minneapolis
Details: This shift will consist of a variety of tasks such as assisting with decorating tables, setting out food and other supplies, greeting and directing families and partners, distributing swag bags, and cleaning up.
Click here to learn more about the Shalom Baby Shower event and help spread the word to families who may want to attend!
>If interested in volunteering for these or future PJ Library events, reach out to Geri Goldman at ggoldman@jfcsmn.org to indicate your availability and interest.
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Seeking multiple volunteers to support J-Pride this Pride season
At JFCS of Minnesota, we envision a future where all LGBTQ+ people are safe, valued, and celebrated. We invite YOU to help build this future by joining J-Pride's activities this Pride season. March with us in the Twin Cities Pride Parade, celebrate Pride Shabbat, and more! Learn more and join the Jewish community this Pride season here.
Volunteer at J-Pride’s Pride Festival Booth – Connect with your neighbors, share resources, and invite folks to spin our prize wheel on Saturday, June 27 or Sunday, June 28.
>For questions, please contact Hunter Wengersky, J-Pride Program Coordinator, at hwengersky@jfcsmn.org.
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Welcome to Abbey Baker, new Hag Sameach Program Coordinator
I am truly honored to step into this role. Although I was born and raised in Minneapolis, my meaningful connection to the Hag Sameach (Happy Holidays) program and JFCS began 16 years ago when I returned home with my family.
After spending much of my professional career with limited time for volunteer work, I was eager to become involved with both JFCS and the Hag Sameach program. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to participate in many aspects of the program – wrapping gifts with family and friends, delivering packages to clients, and shopping for Shamash Adopt-a-Family. Through these experiences, I have witnessed the profound impact this program has on so many individuals and families.
I have seen the joy on recipients’ faces as they receive their deliveries. I have watched my own children develop a deeper appreciation for helping others. I have also seen friends and family take time out of their busy lives to find meaning and connection through volunteering. It is truly an incredible program, and I feel privileged to be the new coordinator.
What began as a volunteer experience 16 years ago has grown into a deeper professional commitment. In addition to my role as Hag Sameach Coordinator, I also serve as an Early Learning Specialist in the ParentChild+ program at JFCS. I am grateful for both of these roles and look forward to continuing to engage with our community while supporting and growing this meaningful program.
>Stop by the Volunteer Appreciation Events on May 14 and 18 for the chance to meet Abbey.
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Recap on Passover Delivery Day
The JFCS Hag Sameach (Happy Holidays) program recently celebrated its first-ever cross-Twin Cities Passover Delivery Day – and what a success it was! With close to 400 referrals, this incredible milestone reflects the power of our Minneapolis and St. Paul communities coming together with generosity, compassion, and dedication. Thanks to the support of our referral partners, donors, volunteers, community partners, and JFCS Minnesota colleagues, we created a truly meaningful and uplifting experience for everyone involved.
A total of 63 volunteers contributed in a variety of impactful ways:
- 1 dedicated Passover delivery co-chair
- 10 volunteers assembled customized bags
- 42 delivery drop-off volunteers (7 in St. Paul and 35 in Golden Valley)
- 6 delivery visitors who spent time with 5 Senior Services client recipients
- 4 incredible Russian-speaking translators
And the momentum doesn’t stop with the holiday! The Hag Sameach program offers meaningful volunteer opportunities for all ages throughout the year. You don't have to wait for the holidays. Any time is a great time to volunteer with Hag Sameach! Whether you participate on your own or with family, friends, coworkers, mahjong group, etc. we’re here to provide experiences that are both fun and rewarding.
>For more information and to schedule your next Hag Sameach volunteer shift, please contact Abbey Baker, Hag Sameach Coordinator, at Abaker@jfcsmn.org.
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Save the date for the Twin Cities Jewish Community Mental Health Education Conference on Sunday, Oct. 11
New location this year: Beth El Synagogue, St. Louis Park.
People of all backgrounds who experience mental health challenges, their loved ones, and practitioners will connect with resources and each other, cultivate new wisdom, and breakdown stigma at this inspiring gathering.
>Stay tuned for announcements about our keynote speaker, session topics, and registration soon. Click here to view resources from last year's conference.
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Send a thoughtful tribute with a JFCS Card
JFCS Minnesota tribute cards are a simple and meaningful way to mark life's special moments – celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or graduation; honor a loved one's memory; send well wishes; express gratitude; or recognize a special accomplishment. Donations of any amount are welcome. You can choose to direct your gift to a specific JFCS program or fund, or have it go where it's most needed.
>Click here to learn more about tribute cards and let JFCS send a card on your behalf
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Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minnesota
5905 Golden Valley Rd | Golden Valley, MN 55422
952-546-0616 | 952-593-1778 fax | www.jfcsmn.org
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