Volunteer News from the Desk of Dana Shapiro

Quarterly Newsletter: April 2025

Dear Volunteer Community,

As the days grow warmer and everything begins to bloom, we’re reminded that spring is a season of renewal – and a perfect time to say thank you. During Global Volunteer Month and National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the heart and impact of our volunteers. 

Whether you’ve just returned from winter away (welcome back to our snowbirds!) or have been involved all year, your generosity continues to inspire us. Thank you for being part of the JFCS community! We couldn’t do our work without your support! 

Click here to read Dana's column

In this newsletter below, you will find:

• 2025 Volunteer Experience Survey
• Volunteer Appreciation Event
• Newly Revised Volunteer Handbook
• Current Volunteer Needs
• Program Updates

My colleagues and I are here to help support you in your volunteer engagement at JFCS, so don’t hesitate to reach out at any point if there’s anything we can do to help!



Warmly,

Dana Shapiro, Community and Volunteer Engagement Manager

dshapiro@jfcsmpls.org or 952.417.2112



2025 VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE SURVEY & APPRECIATION EVENT

VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK

Newly revised Volunteer Handbook

Take a moment to review the updated JFCS Volunteer Handbook, which serves as a helpful reference filled with info on volunteer opportunities, perks, policies and procedures, and more about JFCS.

Click here to view the Handbook

Reach out to dshapiro@jfcsmpls.org with any questions.

CURRENT VOLUNTEER NEEDS

Current volunteer needs that support JFCS programs

Sign up to save lives at our Spring Blood Drive through Sunday

Join JFCS and Memorial Blood Centers for a life-saving opportunity! With multiple locations and appointment times around the Twin Cities, donating has never been easier.

Through a current promo, all blood donors will receive a voucher for a FREE Crisp & Green salad or grain bowl at participating donor centers!

Click here for details and to sign up for an appointment.

Help create a warm and welcoming space for PJ families

PJ Library is looking for volunteers to support upcoming events for families with young children! Volunteer roles may include prepping supplies, setting up and cleaning up, greeting families and checking them in, and helping guide guests throughout the event space.

Upcoming volunteer needs:

Shalom Baby Shower - Prep Day

Friday, May 30, 2-4 p.m.

Help fill swag bags, arrange tables and chairs, decorate, set tables, and hang signage.

Shalom Baby Shower - Event Day

Sunday, June 1, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (minimum shift: 9-11:30 a.m.)

Assist with setting out food and supplies, greeting and directing families and partners, distributing swag bags, overseeing event spaces, and clean up.

Click here to learn more about the Shalom Baby Shower event and help spread the word to families who may want to attend!

Interested in volunteering for these or future PJ Library events? Reach out to Geri Goldman at ggoldman@jfcsmpls.org to indicate your availability and interest.

Many ways to show your support during Pride weekend

At JFCS we envision a future where all LGBTQ+ people are safe, valued, and celebrated. This Pride season, we invite YOU to help make that future a reality by joining J-Pride's meaningful and joyful activities.

March with us in the Pride Parade, celebrate Pride Shabbat, and so much more! 

Click here to learn more and join the Jewish community in celebrating Pride

Supporting our seniors

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Here are two great opportunities to support members of our community:

Outreach Visitor - We're looking for volunteers to be matched one-on-one with older adults enrolled in our Senior Services programs. The goal is simple, but powerful – bring joy, companionship, and support. Visits take place at least twice a month, either in the client's home or out in the community. Learn more here.

Kosher Meals on Wheels Delivery - We're seeking a volunteer to deliver meals to a client living in Maple Grove, just outside our regular service area. Meals are picked up from JFCS on Tuesdays around 10 a.m. A regular volunteer who could deliver weekly would provide tremendous help to the senior in need.

If you're interesting in supporting one of these efforts, please contact dshapiro@jfcsmpls.org.

Mark your calendar – help make the 37th Annual Benefit a night to remember!

JFCS 37th Annual Benefit

Saturday, Dec. 6

Minneapolis Marriott Southwest

This year's fundraiser will be a truly momentous celebration - honoring the incredible impact of JFCS in our community and celebrating Judy Halper, who is retiring after 32 years of remarkable leadership and dedicated service. Spring may be here, but now is the perfect time to get involved and make this milestone event our most successful yet!

We're looking for support in a few key ways:

• Do you have ideas or connections to help us secure incredible online auction items or raffle prizes?
• Are you interested in joining this year's event planning team?

Contact Peggy Mandel at pmandel@jfcsmpls.org or 952-542-4814 to learn more and get involved.

PROGRAM UPDATES

Still time to join us this Sunday

The Keeping the Spirit Alive Caregivers Conference is taking place this Sunday, April 27, featuring a keynote panel on grief with Karla Hult, Nina Guertin, Kelly Grosklags, Brittany Squillace, and moderator Rosie Gaston.

Grief doesn't only show up after a loss - it can affect us in many ways and at different stages of life. This insightful panel will share practical knowledge of the types of grief, how it affects our bodies and minds, and tools to support you on your own grief journey. 

This free conference is a collaboration between JFCS Minneapolis and JFS St. Paul, and is open to all.

Click here for more information and to attend

After 50 Years, Jewish Youth Mentoring Program says farewell

Hag Sameach Passover program brings connection and care

This year's Hag Sameach (Happy Holidays) program was about more than just delivering holiday items - it was about building connection, community, and care. Thanks to the incredible generosity of hands-on help of volunteers like you, we were able to provide over 240 Passover bags to JFCS clients and others in the community who might not have otherwise had the resources to celebrate the traditions of the holiday.

Your time and heart made a real difference – through assembling bags, crafting thoughtful additions, and making meaningful delivery drop-offs and delivery visits, you embodied the spirit of compassion and community that the holiday represents.

Hag Sameach provides support for Passover and the winter holidays, and also helps individuals and families with gifts and essential items throughout the year. That's why donations and volunteer support are vital all year long.

Click here to learn more or contact Mindy Teele at mteele@jfcsmpls.org to find out how you can support Hag Sameach in 2025.

Send a thoughtful tribute with a JFCS Card

JFCS 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.