Dear Volunteer Community,

I hope you're enjoying the summer 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 providing rides, making friendly phone calls or visits, supporting events, welcoming guests, or helping behind the scenes, your volunteer service makes a meaningful difference to our clients and community.

Since our last newsletter, we've celebrated together at our two Volunteer Appreciation Events and our 116th Annual Meeting. Congratulations to our 2026 Exemplary Service Award honorees – Memory Cafe volunteers Andrea Binder, Gail Machov, Debbie Ross-Staska, Ann Rubin, and Melissa Siegel – and Anita and Jim Dinerstein Community Service Award recipient Etta Lambright. We'd like to welcome our new Board Members. It was wonderful connecting with so many of you at these events.

A special thank you to everyone who volunteered during Twin Cities Pride Festival weekend. Whether you staffed the J-Pride booth, helped with Pride Shabbat, welcomed community members, or shared information about our programs, you helped create a warm and welcoming presence for JFCS.

In this edition:

• Volunteer Spotlight
• Current Volunteer Needs
• JFCS Tribute Cards

Thank you for being such an important part of the JFCS volunteer community. I am 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.

L'shalom,

Dana Shapiro

Community and Volunteer Engagement Manager

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

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: RABBI HEATHER RENETZKY

Help distribute fresh produce to our community

Tuesday, Aug. 18 |12:30-4:30 p.m.

PRISM | Golden Valley

Grab a friend and join JFCS for our next Volunteers in Action event as we partner with PRISM to support one of their Fresh Produce Distribution days. Volunteers will help create a welcoming, farmer's market-style experience where more than 200 local families can access fresh, healthy food. As a group, we'll assist with set-up, distribution, and clean-up, while helping community members select produce in a dignified and welcoming environment. Volunteers in Action is a JFCS volunteers corps that support organizations in the Jewish and broader communities.

Volunteer receptionist in St. Paul

Miss working in an office and looking for a weekly role? Seeking 1-2 friendly, professional volunteers to support the front desk at our St. Paul location. If you enjoy helping others, answering phones, and staying organized, this could be a great fit. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one consistent half‑day (morning or afternoon) each week and should be available year-round. Training and ongoing support are provided by the Administrative Professionals Team. Feel free to share this opportunity with someone who might be a good fit.

Interested? Complete the volunteer application or share this opportunity with someone who might be a good fit.

Make a difference in the life of an older adult

Seeking friendly, reliable volunteers to provide 1:1 companionship and social connection to intentionally selected older adults in enrolled in JFCS Senior Services programs. Outreach Visitor volunteers spend time with an older adult at least two times/month through conversation, games, and social outings around town. This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys building relationships and can maintain confidentiality and boundaries. 

Interested? Complete the volunteer application or share this opportunity with someone who might be a good fit.

Hag Sameach Delivery Co-Chair

Although we are in the heat of the summer, our Hag Sameach ("Happy Holidays") team is preparing for our first holiday season as Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minnesota! We are looking for a Delivery Co-Chair to help with behind-the-scenes delivery coordination during a concentrated time frame leading up to Passover and the Winter Holidays.

Our 2026 Hag Sameach volunteer shift signup is now LIVE. Click here to check out our many opportunities both in the East and West Metro.

Interested? Contact Abbey Baker at abaker@jfcsmn.org or 612-581-1918 to learn more.

Join the Women Connect Affini-Team!

Women Connect is growing, and we’re looking for volunteers to help lead our affinity groups! Do you enjoy bringing people together around a shared interest? Join the Affini-Team and help create fun, welcoming opportunities through:🃏Canasta 🀄Mahjong🚶Walking Group 📚Book Club 🏓Pickleball Leaders partner with Mindy to plan and host gatherings, build connections, and help Women Connect continue to grow. Choose to lead in the east metro, west metro, or both!

Interested? Contact Mindy Teele at mteele@jfcsmn.org to learn more.

Seeking Puppy Parade volunteer leaders

Help create moments of joy and connection for older adults by partnering with us to plan and coordinate upcoming Puppy Parade visits to local senior care facilities. These intergenerational events bring together volunteers of all ages (with and without dogs) and residents for conversation, connection, and community. We look forward to partnering with Sholom Senior Living for our next event at the Shaller Family Sholom East Campus in St. Paul. Details to follow.

Interested? Contact Dana Shapiro at dshapiro@jfcsmn.org to learn more.

Seeking volunteer photographers

Help capture the moments that bring our community together. We're looking for volunteer photographers to take photos at JFCS events throughout the year. Whether you're an experienced photographer or simply enjoy taking great photos, your images help us celebrate volunteers, share our impact, and inspire others to get involved.

Interested? Contact Dana Shapiro at dshapiro@jfcsmn.org to learn more.

Mark your calendars now! Join us for this year’s historic 38th Annual Benefit!

JFCS of Minnesota 38th Annual Benefit

Saturday, Dec. 5

Minneapolis Marriott Southwest

This year, we will celebrate our first Annual Benefit as Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minnesota. Join us for an inspiring evening of friendship, celebration, and impact as we continue building a stronger, more connected future together. We are looking for support for our online auction. Do you have ideas or connections to help us secure incredible online auction items or raffle prizes?

Interested? Contact Peggy Mandel at pmandel@jfcsmn.org or 952-542-4814 to learn more.

Send a cheerful card to brighten someone's day through Cards for the Community

Help brighten someone's day by creating handwritten cards for older adults and community members served by JFCS. A simple message of kindness can help someone feel remembered, connected, and cared for. This flexible volunteer opportunity can be done from home and is a great way for individuals, families, and groups of all ages to make a meaningful impact.

Interested? Contact Dana Shapiro at dshapiro@jfcsmn.org to receive instructions and get started.

Let JFCS send a thoughtful tribute card

JFCS of 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.