Volunteer
Volunteer to Help
The JFS Volunteer Services mission is to engage volunteers in meaningful and fulfilling experiences, to build community through partnerships, and to demonstrate the JFS values of kindness, justice, and repairing the world.
We offer a variety of opportunities for involvement, including ongoing and one-time options. There is truly something for everyone who wants to help. Contact Adel Kuchyk at akuchyk@jfssp.org or (651) 248-3885 if you have specific questions. Otherwise, fill out a volunteer application here.
In this short video, a family describes the gift they received from their volunteer work at JFS.
Volunteer to Support JFS Clients
Celebration Helper *
Join a chaplain at a community celebration of Jewish holidays. These events are held at various senior living buildings. Helpers will assist with welcoming guests, simple food preparation, and sitting with guests who need extra attention.
Contact Adel Kuchyk at akuchyk@jfssp.org or (651) 248-3885 if you have specific questions.
Gift Bag Delivery
Deliver gifts to JFS clients in need at their homes to celebrate the High Holidays in fall, winter holidays in December, and Passover in spring. Help us to ensure that the isolated, lonely, and vulnerable know we are thinking of them.
Contact Adel Kuchyk at akuchyk@jfssp.org or (651) 248-3885 if you have specific questions.
Helping Hands Volunteer
Assist JFS clients with practical needs such as household chores (changing light bulbs, doing laundry, shoveling snow, etc.), running errands (clients will reimburse volunteers for any purchased items), and/or computer support (help with email and internet searches).
Contact Adel Kuchyk at akuchyk@jfssp.org or (651) 248-3885 if you have specific questions.
Jewish Companion *
Provide ongoing in-person companionship and support to Jewish JFS clients who are lonely, isolated and/or just enjoy extra company from another Jewish person. Visits may include playing games, talking, going for walks, etc.
Contact Adel Kuchyk at akuchyk@jfssp.org or (651) 248-3885 if you have specific questions.
Legacy Project Volunteer
Interview clients about their life story. Volunteers will transcribe the stories or letters to be given to the client/family as gifts.
Contact Adel Kuchyk at akuchyk@jfssp.org or (651) 248-3885 if you have specific questions.
Transportation Volunteer
Drive JFS clients to appointments, shopping, and more in the St. Paul area using your own car and auto insurance. All clients can walk and get in and out of the car without assistance.
Contact Adel Kuchyk at akuchyk@jfssp.org or (651) 248-3885 if you have specific questions.
Volunteer to Support JFS Programs
Cards of Kindness
Create and/or print and color greeting cards for JFSSP clients. Cards are needed for Passover (in March/April), High Holidays (in September/October), Chanukah (November/December), and New Year’s (December 31). This is a great family volunteer project!
Contact Adel Kuchyk at akuchyk@jfssp.org or (651) 248-3885 if you have specific questions.
Data Entry
Perform data entry projects for JFSSP staff and programs.
Contact Adel Kuchyk at akuchyk@jfssp.org or (651) 248-3885 if you have specific questions.
Gardening Group
Plant and tend to gardens on the grounds of the JFSSP office.
Contact Adel Kuchyk at akuchyk@jfssp.org or (651) 248-3885 if you have specific questions.
Gift Bag Assembly
Assemble gift bags for JFSSP clients and their families for Passover, High Holidays, Chanukah, and New Year’s.
Contact Adel Kuchyk at akuchyk@jfssp.org or (651) 248-3885 if you have specific questions.
Office Projects
Perform office projects, such as stuffing mailings, filing, photocopying, folding, cutting, etc., for JFSSP staff and programs.
Contact Adel Kuchyk at akuchyk@jfssp.org or (651) 248-3885 if you have specific questions.
Skill-Based Volunteering
Do you have an interest or skill that you can use to assist JFS and our clients? This could include special competencies in community education, technology, language translation, career mentoring or legal matters. Please let us know so we can make note of your special talents when the need arises. We have many opportunities available to do one-time volunteering with clients, on a community conference planning committee, or in the office! We may be able to customize a project just for you! We ALWAYS need Russian-speaking volunteers!
Contact Adel Kuchyk at akuchyk@jfssp.org or (651) 248-3885 if you have specific questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be Jewish to volunteer?
No. JFS serves people of all religions and walks of life. We want our volunteer pool to be as diverse as our clients. There are a few specialized volunteer opportunities for Jewish people designated with an asterisk (*).
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
JFS has opportunities for all ages. Volunteers less than 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
What is your COVID policy for volunteers?
That depends on where you are volunteering. At the JFS office, wearing masks is optional. Individual clients, and their buildings, may require masks and/or vaccinations. This policy is subject to change.
Can I volunteer with my family?
Yes! We have many great opportunities to volunteer as a family.
Can I complete service hours for school through your volunteer program?
Yes, we will work with you to meet your school requirements and provide any documentation you need.
How many hours am I required to give?
There are many opportunities to volunteer for a single event of about two hours. Volunteers who are building ongoing relationships with clients are asked to give a minimum of 50 hours (approximately 1-2 hours per week).
Where will I be volunteering?
That depends upon the opportunity you choose. Many volunteer events take place at the JFS office at 1633 W 7th St in St. Paul. If you are going to client homes, they are typically in the city or suburbs of St. Paul.
How do I get started?
Fill out the volunteer application here, and we will contact you to set up a time to meet.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Contact Adel Kuchyk, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at akuchyk@jfssp.org or (651) 248-3885 Monday-Thursday between 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Get Started
- Fill out a volunteer application here.
- JFS will contact you.
- Interview with JFS to discuss your interests/our needs.
- Complete training and a background check, if necessary.
- Volunteer!!
Talmud Torah students create greeting cards for inclusion in each B’Yachad gift bag.