Volunteering at JF&CS

The Friendly Visitor Program matches volunteers with isolated older adults who are living either in their homes or long-term care facilities. Through one-on-one visits, volunteers offer companionship, help alleviate loneliness, promote aging with dignity, and for many offer a treasured connection to Judaism. 

Volunteers visit their older adults every week for about an hour. Activities may include: sharing memories, helping with errands, sharing a holiday, or taking a walk. The time and day you meet with your older adult is flexible and up to you and the older adult to decide. All volunteers receive training and ongoing support from the JF&CS Friendly Visitor Program Coordinator. Volunteers who speak Russian are highly desirable, though it is not a requirement.

Volunteer Requirements

• Commit to visiting their older adult once a week for about an hour
• Commit to volunteering for at least six months
• At least 18 years old
• Provide a minimum of two references
• Attend required interview and 1-hour 1:1 training
• Undergo a CORI check and provide proof of COVID vaccination

How to Apply
If you are interested in volunteering for the Friendly Visitors Program, please fill out this application form.

Held on the first Friday of each month, the JF&CS Memory Café offers a welcoming place for people living with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia or cognitive change, and their care partners. These intergenerational events feature a guest artist, musician, poet, dancer, or author who shares his or her work and leads the group in a related activity. The Café meets in-person in Waltham or virtually on Zoom. Volunteers are needed to help set up the room and greet and mingle with everyone gathered at the Café, or to encourage participants on Zoom. 

Volunteer Requirements

• Available once a month on Friday, 10.00 a.m. – noon
• Provide a minimum of two references
• Undergo a CORI check

How to Apply
If you are interested in volunteering for the Memory Cafe, please fill out this application form.

The JF&CS Charlotte & Richard Okonow Parkinson’s Family Support program specializes in helping families live as fully as possible with the many challenges of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

To address the important function of movement, a dance program is offered and activities are structured so that everyone can participate at his or her own level. People with Parkinson’s and their care partners value these activities for the physical benefits, the strategies for symptom management that are offered, and they enjoy being part of a caring and supportive community.

We are looking for a responsible, compassionate volunteer to help each week with set up, greeting program participants, and serving refreshments during break. No experience is required but volunteers are expected to actively participate in the dance class.

Dance class takes place most Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at JF&CS Headquarters in Waltham.

Volunteer Requirements

• Available on Wednesdays, 10.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.
• Commit to volunteering on a weekly basis for a minimum of 6 months
• Provide a minimum of two references
• Undergo a CORI check

How to Apply
If you are interested in volunteering for the Parkinson’s Dance Group, please fill out this application form.

The JF&CS Charlotte & Richard Okonow Parkinson’s Family Support program specializes in helping families live as fully as possible with the many challenges of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

To address the important function of voice, a choral program is offered and activities are structured so that everyone can participate at his or her own level. People with Parkinson’s and their care partners value these activities for the physical benefits, the strategies for symptom management that are offered, and they enjoy being part of a caring and supportive community.

The Tremble Clefs Choral Group is looking for a responsible, compassionate volunteer to help each week with set up, greeting program participants, and serving refreshments during break. No experience is required but volunteers are expected to actively participate during rehearsals.

The Choral Group takes place on Mondays from 10:30 a.m. - noon in Newton.

Volunteer Requirements

• Available on Mondays, 10.30 a.m. – noon
• Commit to volunteering on a weekly basis for a minimum of six months
• Provide a minimum of two references
• Undergo a CORI check

How to Apply
If you are interested in volunteering for the Parkinson’s Choral Group, please fill out this program-specific application form.

The CHAI Works Day Program creates meaningful and fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities to lead productive and integrated lives in their communities and to increase feelings of self-worth and confidence. This is done through employment, volunteering, health and wellness, recreation, enrichment, and community experiences.

The program is looking for compassionate, responsible volunteers with special interests/talents/skills to share with and teach participants. Volunteers would facilitate groups (with the assistance of program staff) either once or on a recurring basis.

Groups can be facilitated at either 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. or 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Possible group topics include:

• Singing/chorus
• Drama
• Budgeting/money skills
• Book group
• Healthy cooking
• Gardening

Volunteer Requirements

• Have daytime, weekday availability
• Commit to volunteering weekly for a minimum of six months
• At least 21 years of age (although children can accompany their parents)
• Provide a minimum of two references
• Attend required interview and training
• Undergo a CORI check

How to Apply
If you are interested in volunteering as a CHAI Works Group Facilitator, please fill out this application form.

The CHAI Works Day Program creates meaningful and fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities to lead productive and integrated lives in their communities and to increase feelings of self-worth and confidence. This is done through employment, volunteering, health and wellness, recreation, enrichment, and community experiences.

The program is looking for compassionate, responsible, dedicated volunteers to provide additional support to program staff and develop relationships with participants on a regular, ongoing basis in community settings throughout Greater Boston.

Volunteers may commit to a block of time one day or more during the week (Monday - Friday) during regular program hours (e.g. every Monday from 9:00 a.m. - noon or every Tuesday and Thursday noon - 3:00 p.m.)

The ideal candidate will have an interest in supporting people with disabilities as they learn life skills and develop relationships in the community. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old.

Volunteer Requirements

• Have daytime, weekday availability
• Commit to volunteering weekly for a minimum of six months
• At least 21 years of age (although children can accompany their parents)
• Provide a minimum of two references
• Attend required interview and training
• Undergo a CORI check

How to ApplyIf you are interested in volunteering as a CHAI Works Weekly Program Volunteer, please fill out this application form.

The JF&CS CHAI Supported Housing programs offer a range of options for adults with disabilities who want to live as independently as possible while enjoying community involvement and pursuing individual goals.

Volunteers plan out an activity to do with residents based on the volunteers’ skills and interests at one of the JF&CS supported residences in Greater Boston and the surrounding towns.

Possible ideas include:

• Music/sing-along evening
• Games night
• Crafts

This role takes place weekday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Volunteer Requirements

• Commit to volunteering once a week for at least six months
• Be 21 or older
• Have weekday evening availability
• Provide a minimum of two references
• Attend required interview and training
• Undergo a CORI check

How to ApplyIf you are interested in volunteering for the CHAI program as an Activities Volunteer, please fill out this application form.

The JF&CS CHAI Supported Housing programs offer a range of options for adults with disabilities who want to live as independently as possible while enjoying community involvement and pursuing individual goals.

Cooking volunteers plan out simple, tasty, and healthy meals to cook and share with 7 to 14 residents and staff at one of the JF&CS supported residences in Greater Boston and the surrounding towns.

This role takes place weekday evenings from 5:00-7:00 p.m. (allowing for about an hour’s meal prep/cooking and then eating around 6:30 p.m.).

Volunteers can send staff a list of ingredients ahead of volunteering so that the ingredients can be purchased.

Volunteer Requirements

• Commit to volunteering once a week for at least six months
• Be 21 or older
• Have weekday evening availability
• Provide a minimum of two references
• Attend required interview and training
• Undergo a CORI check

How to Apply
If you are interested in volunteering for the CHAI Residential program as a Cooking Volunteer, please fill out this application form.

JF&CS makes it possible for people with disabilities to enjoy the Jewish tradition of welcoming Shabbat. CHAI (Community Housing for Adult Independence) is the only Jewish residential program in Greater Boston for adults with disabilities.

One Friday night per month, JF&CS hosts a community Shabbat dinner at JF&CS Headquarters in Waltham for CHAI program participants. Twice per year the Shabbat dinner is replaced with a Saturday Shabbaton and brunch.

We are looking for compassionate, responsible event volunteers to help set up, serve dinner, socialize during the event, and assist with clean up.

Friday event hours: 4:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday event hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Volunteer Requirements

• Have an interest in helping people with disabilities celebrate their Jewish faith
• Have Friday evening or Saturday daytime availability
• At least 21 years of age
• Provide a minimum of two references
• Attend required interview and training
• Undergo a CORI check

How to Apply:
If you are interested in volunteering as a Chaverim Chaim Shabbat Meal Helper, please fill out this application form.

Sibshops & SibConnect

Sibshops is a nationally acclaimed program of fun workshops for kids ages 8-12 who have siblings with disabilities, chronic illness, or mental health needs. Each Sibshop gives participants opportunity to participate in recreational activities that encourage sharing, laughter, and fun! SibConnect is the 13+ age group that meets alongside Sibshops.

SibConnect is also supported by Boston University and the Massachusetts Sibling Support Network. This partnership allows for college student volunteers to participate in SibConnect, acting as role models and providing friendship and support to participants.

Volunteers assist with:

• Helping run activities and engaging with participants
• Provide role model support and education in a recreational environment
• Facilitate conversations with participants about their lives and experiences as a sibling of a child with a disability

If you are a college student or just interested in volunteering with Sibshops, please contact Valerie Maio, Manager, Inclusive Programs for Children and Families, at vmaio@jfcsboston.org or 781-409-1919.

Please visit www.siblingsupport.org for more information on Don Meyer and the Sibshops national model.

"Thinking of You" Cards for Isolated Older Adults

Write personalized “Thinking of You” cards that we can send to our isolated, older adult clients. In the past, this generation primarily communicated through handwritten notes and letters, so your personally-written message will be particularly meaningful. If you are interested, please follow these Card Making Directions. Contact Ava Harder with any questions at aharder@jfcsboston.org.

Birthday Cards for Holocaust Survivors 

Each year, JF&CS sends birthday cards to hundreds of Holocaust survivors. For many survivors, this is the only birthday card or acknowledgment they will receive. We are looking for volunteers to create homemade cards for our Schechter Holocaust Services clients. If you are interested, please follow these Card Making Guidelines. Contact Ava Harder with any questions at aharder@jfcsboston.org.

The Friendly Visitor Program matches volunteers with isolated older adults who are living either in their homes or long-term care facilities. Through one-on-one visits, volunteers offer companionship, help alleviate loneliness, promote aging with dignity, and for many offer a treasured connection to Judaism. 

Volunteers visit their older adults every week for about an hour. Activities may include: sharing memories, helping with errands, sharing a holiday, or taking a walk. The time and day you meet with your older adult is flexible and up to you and the older adult to decide. All volunteers receive training and ongoing support from the JF&CS Friendly Visitor Program Coordinator. Volunteers who speak Russian are highly desirable, though it is not a requirement.

Volunteer Requirements

• Commit to visiting their older adult once a week for about an hour
• Commit to volunteering for at least six months
• At least 18 years old
• Provide a minimum of two references
• Attend required interview and 1-hour 1:1 training
• Undergo a CORI check and provide proof of COVID vaccination

How to Apply
If you are interested in volunteering for the Friendly Visitors Program, please fill out this application form.

Bet Tzedek Legal Services (which means “House of Justice” in Hebrew), provides free legal information, referral, advocacy, and representation to low-income clients throughout Greater Boston.

The program is looking for attorneys experienced in the following types of civil cases: housing; consumer law; government benefits; individual rights; and probate and family law including divorce, domestic abuse, and immigration.

Pro bono opportunities vary from handling individual cases to providing brief telephone advice on a specific legal issue. Whatever their time commitment, Bet Tzedek Legal Services attorneys have the potential to make an enormous difference in an individual’s life while fulfilling the recommendations of the Massachusetts Bar to assist persons with limited means.

Volunteer Requirements

• Licensed to practice in Massachusetts (passed the bar in MA)
• May commit to one or more cases per year
• Mentor, recruit, and train other attorneys or JF&CS staff
• Self-sufficient, actively practicing, and have the resources needed to help clients
• Must have a firm that supports pro bono work and is able to offer supervision for pro-bono cases
• The ideal candidate will have an interest in defending the rights of low-income people.

How to Apply
If you are interested in volunteering for Bet Tzedek Legal Services, please fill out this program-specific application form.

Assist in the day-to-day operations of the agency by providing support in the following areas: special projects, clerical tasks (mailings, filing, data entry), and other valued work.

How to Apply
If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out this application form.

JF&CS needs your expertise! Put your marketing, event planning, artistic, musical, language, or other proficiencies to work. Your specialized abilities can support our programs in a multitude of ways. Please contact us if you would be interested in sharing your expertise to help others.

How to Apply
If you are interested in Skill-Based Volunteer Opportunities, please fill out this application form.

Joining a committee is a great way to learn about a specific program and become more engaged in the work of the agency. Opportunities range from Board committees and program advisory committees to event committees for our fundraisers. Contact us to find out which committee is right for you. 

How to Apply
If you are interested in joining a committee, please fill out this application form.