Volunteer Programs

About the Program

We offer different time commitments and locations through volunteering with the many programs Jewish Family Service of Central NJ has to offer. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. You can serve in whatever capacity works for your goals and lifestyle.

Unless otherwise indicated, many of our volunteer opportunities take place at the Jewish Family Service of Central NJ Halpern Building, 655 Westfield Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ.

FOOD PROGRAMS

The JFS Charlotte Shak Kosher Food Pantry

has Volunteer shifts open from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, 1:30 PM- 3:30 PM, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 AM- 12:30 PM. (The Pantry is closed on Thursday.) The Pantry is located at our office in Elizabeth.

Tomchei Shabbos- A Bi-Monthly Shabbat Food Package Program

Volunteers are needed to pack and distribute boxes of food for this program, twice a month. (Flexible Schedule, times may vary). More assistance is needed around different holidays. Contact tomcheishabbos@jfscentralnj.org, for further information.

The JFS Fruit & Vegetable Garden

*Seasonal- (April-November) If you have a green thumb and enjoy working outdoors, we need volunteers of all ages to organize and maintain our vegetable and fruit garden. Volunteers plant, weed, and harvest the garden at our office in Elizabeth. No skills necessary. Gardening training is provided. All food grown in the garden is used to supplement our Food Pantry Packages.

HELP SENIORS

Be A Friendly Visitor

We are seeking volunteers who are willing to provide assistance to Union County clients age 60+, many of whom are frail, isolated, and vulnerable. Volunteers provide companionship, reading mail, arranging medical appointments, providing transportation, lunch time visits, grocery shopping, etc. This can also include a friendly phone call to lend companionship.

Cafe Europa and other Holocaust Survivor Social Programs

Café Europa is a bi-monthly socialization program, where survivors enjoy lunch and entertainment. A variety of programs occur throughout the year for our survivors and volunteer help is always appreciated. Volunteers serve food, engage with the survivors, and participate in assigned duties. Volunteers who can also transport survivors to and from their homes to the JFS office in Elizabeth are also needed. Volunteers are also needed before holidays to make deliveries to home-based Holocaust Survivors.

The Coffee House Program for Those With Alzheimer’s/Dementia

The Coffee House is an in-person socialization program for individuals with Alzheimer’s/dementia that meets three days a week, (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday) 9:30 AM- 3:30 PM, at Temple Sholom, Scotch Plains. Participants enjoy lunch and a monthly concert with their caregivers in a judgement-free environment. Volunteers are needed to help with recreational activities, serve food, engage clients, and handle other duties as assigned.

New AmeriCorps Seniors Initiatives

Inquire about our Knitting and Book Clubs, Sandwich Making, Walking/Exercise Classes.

LITERACY PROGRAMS

Intergenerational Pen Pal Program

As an Intergenerational Pen Pal Volunteer, you will share your experiences before social media and technology, and impart your wisdom on today’s youth. Pen Pal Volunteers will correspond with students on different topics based on what they are learning in school.

Reading Buddies Program

Volunteer to read to elementary school students for an hour a week at a local school. Training will be provided.

Volunteer to Teach at the Plainfield Public Library

For Volunteers 18+. Help an adult Learn English as a Second Language, become a citizen, get a GED, or Improve Digital Literary Skills, at various Union County libraries. No experience necessary. Training and materials will be provided.