Dear volunteer community,

I hope you're enjoying the fall and finding time to relax and recharge. Thank you for the time, care, and compassion you continue to share with JFCS of Minnesota. Whether you're assembling or wrapping holiday gifts, serving on the Board or a committee, supporting events, providing rides, welcoming guests, connecting with an older adult through a one-on-one volunteer role, or helping in other ways, your volunteer service makes a meaningful difference to our clients and community.

Looking back on some recent highlights:

Many thanks to everyone who helped make the 26th Annual Twin Cities Jewish Community Mental Health Education Conference a success! It was a wonderful day of learning, connection, and community, and we appreciate all of the volunteers who contributed their time and energy. It's been great connecting with many of you at recent volunteer meetings, activities and events.

Looking ahead:

The winter holiday season is already underway at JFCS, and we are so appreciative to the hundreds of Hag Sameach volunteers of all ages who have been busy helping bring joy to individuals and families in our community! Our highest need is over Thanksgiving weekend for Delivery Day Drivers, Sunday, Nov. 29. Check out the available shifts and sign up here!

We also hope to see many of you on Saturday, Dec. 5, at our first Annual Benefit as JFCS of Minnesota!

We're also excited about our new Jewish Grandparent Community, which offers opportunities for grandparents to connect with one another, explore Jewish learning, and enjoy meaningful experiences with their families across generations. Sign up to get involved!

In this edition:

• Volunteer Spotlight
• Current volunteer needs
• Program updates

Whether you've volunteered with us for years or recently got involved, thank you for being part of our volunteer community. I'm here to support you in your volunteer experience at JFCS, so please don't hesitate to reach out. If we haven't met yet, especially if you previously volunteered with Jewish Family Service of St. Paul, I'd love to connect and hear about your volunteer experience. You can schedule a time through my Bookings page.

And to our snowbirds heading out of town – safe travels and enjoy the sunshine! We look forward to welcoming you back in the spring.

Thank you for all you do. We couldn't do our work without the many ways you show up!

L'shalom,

Dana Shapiro

Community and Volunteer Engagement Manager

dshapiro@jfcsmn.org | 952-417-2112 | www.jfcsmn.org/volunteering/

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: MEET BETH SILVERWATER

CURRENT VOLUNTEER NEEDS: CAN YOU HELP?

Delivery drop off volunteers needed Thanksgiving weekend

Whether you have supported Hag Sameach this year, in the past, or are looking for a meaningful way to help those in need in our community, join JFCS on Sunday, Nov. 29 for family-friendly delivery shifts. We have opportunities to pick up from both our Golden Valley and St. Paul locations!

Click here to sign up now!

It's also not too late to adopt-a-family through our Shamash Adopt-A-Family program.

Complete the interest form here.

Calling all paws and pals! Do you have a friendly dog?

When: Thursday, Dec. 10 | 10-11:30 a.m.

Where: Shaller Family Sholom East Campus, St. Paul (NEW LOCATION!)



Details: Grab a friend and join JFCS for our next Volunteers in Action event as we partner with Sholom Senior Living at a new location! Join us for a special intergenerational gathering during Chanukah as we bring volunteers and Sholom residents together for connection, conversation, and community. Whether you have a friendly dog or simply enjoy spending time with others, you're invited to join us for a fun and meaningful opportunity to connect with residents and bring a little extra joy to their day!

Volunteer reception support | Golden Valley and St. Paul offices

Miss working in an office and looking for a regular volunteer role? JFCS is seeking friendly, professional volunteers to support the front desks at our Golden Valley and St. Paul locations. If you enjoy helping others, answering phones, and staying organized, this could be a great fit!

Volunteers are asked to commit to one consistent half-day (morning or afternoon) each week and be available year-round. Training and ongoing support are provided by our Administrative Professionals Team.

Make a difference in the life of an older adult through support and companionship

JFCS is seeking friendly, reliable volunteers to support older adults in our community and help them maintain independence, connection, and quality of life.

Shopper & Accompanied Transportation Volunteers provide individualized, person-centered support by accompanying clients on errands and appointments. Ideal volunteers are friendly, compassionate, and enjoy driving and interacting with others. They have a genuine desire to help, are active listeners, and are resourceful problem-solvers.

Outreach Visiting Volunteers are matched with a Senior Services client for one-on-one visits at least twice a month. Through conversation, games, and social outings in the community, volunteers offer meaningful companionship and support. This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys building relationships and understands the importance of confidentiality and appropriate boundaries.

Volunteer Drivers provide essential door-to-door transportation for JFCS clients to appointments, errands, social outings, and more. Volunteers use their own vehicles and can choose rides that fit their schedules. Riders must be able to independently transfer in and out of the vehicle. We are especially seeking drivers in both the west and east metro.

Please help us spread the word by sharing these opportunities with someone who might be a great fit!

PROGRAM UPDATES

Mental Health Education Conference recap

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 26th Annual Twin Cities Jewish Community Mental Health Education Conference such a meaningful experience.

Throughout the day, we learned, listened, shared experiences and built connections. Together, we acknowledged challenges, found support and strengthened our sense of belonging. Gratitude was a common thread, reminding us of the importance of community and the power of knowing we are not alone. We are also grateful for all the volunteers who helped make the day a success!

Join us for the 38th Annual Benefit – our first as JFCS of Minnesota!



Saturday, Dec. 5

Minneapolis Marriott Southwest

Join us for a special evening of friendship, celebration, and community as we come together to raise critical funds for Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minnesota. Your support helps ensure that individuals and families across our community can continue to turn to JFCS for care, connection, and support when they need it most.

This year’s Benefit will also celebrate our shared history and the connections that bring us together. Share a favorite memory, explore moments from our past, and add your story to ours as we honor the community we've built across generations.

We are proud to present the Friends of the Family Award to Dr. Allan Stillerman. This year’s Fund-a-Need will support programs and services that strengthen and sustain Jewish life and community throughout Minnesota.

We hope you'll join us for this meaningful celebration!