December 2025 Volunteer Spotlight: Fran Burstein and Andrea Binder

Fran Burstein (left) and Andrea Binder (right) are a mother-daughter duo who are active JFCS volunteers.

What can you tell us about yourself and your background?

Andrea: My family moved to Minneapolis from New York City in 2015. I have a 19-year-old daughter and son who is 16. I am a retired Occupational Therapist and I love to volunteer to help others in need.

Fran: My background is a former teacher. I graduated from the University of Minnesota. My first job was in the Robbinsdale School District. We moved out of Minnesota for 30 years and then came back in 1998. I also taught at a community college. Besides teaching, I have been a real estate advisor and also have worked in retail.

How long have you been volunteering with JFCS?

Andrea: I have been volunteering with JFCS in some capacity since 2018.

Fran: I have been volunteering with JFCS for about 20 years.

What volunteer roles do you currently support?

*Andrea at a Memory Cafe event with other volunteers, staff, and U of MN Master Gardners for a garden-themed event*

Andrea: I have been volunteering with JFCS in a variety of ways. I am currently an outreach visitor matched with a Senior Services client to offer companionship and support on a regular basis, and I have been matched with additional clients in the past. I assist with the bi-weekly Memory Cafés, I help to plan and participate in Caring Connections events throughout the year, and I have been involved with Hag Sameach. At the beginning of the year, I came to JFCS with the idea to start a social group for women 40+ based on community need I was hearing about. I worked with some staff to bring the Women Connect group to life – I help plan and participate in all of the Women Connect events and I look forward to watching it grow!

Fran: I am an event volunteer assisting with Caring Connections events throughout the year. I have also volunteered with the Annual Benefit, ParentChild+ (formerly known as Parent Child Home Program), voter registration, Hag Sameach, and now Caring Connections.

What’s your favorite part about volunteering with JFCS?

*Fran and Andrea with other volunteers and staff during a Caring Connections event*

Andrea: Volunteering with JFCS is a win-win! It makes me feel good when helping others and I believe those on the receiving end feel good too.

Fran: I really enjoy working with Stacey Spencer to assist with Caring Connections events. She has a lot of enthusiasm and it carries through with the participants.

What has been a memorable moment from your volunteer experience?

Andrea: Last year, I was a Delivery Visitor, conducting a one-time outreach visit to a senior in the community and bringing holiday gifts from the Hag Sameach program. I really enjoyed my visit with her, so I got in touch with JFCS staff and asked if I could continue to visit her through the Outreach Visitor volunteer program. Now, the two of us get together one or two times a month and talk to each other about our lives. (Click here and scroll to the bottom to watch a video of Andrea speaking about this experience.)

*Andrea with other Women Connect participants at a volunteer event supporting the Hag Sameach program*

What would you say to someone considering volunteering with JFCS?

Andrea: I would say…do it! There are so many ways to volunteer that I am sure you could find something that was meaningful to you.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Andrea: I have really enjoyed volunteering with my mom at Caring Connections. We both really enjoy helping and getting to know the participants in Caring Connections.

Fran: JFCS has always been my non-profit of choice! Thanks for all the hard work that happens behind the scenes to make these volunteer opportunities available!

Caring Connections is a JFCS program that provides opportunities for Twin Cities-based Jewish adults with developmental disabilities to take part in social and educational events and learn about Jewish holidays and traditions. Volunteers assist with set-up, clean-up, event activities, and they help foster a warm, welcoming atmosphere at events throughout the year. Contact Stacey Spencer, Disability Services Manager, at sspencer@jfcsmn.org to learn more.

Outreach Visitors are volunteers who provide one-on-one socialization and emotional support to Senior Services clients who are 60+, are socially isolated, and/or have other special needs. Individuals and volunteers enrolled in this meet at least twice a month in the individuals’ home and depending on circumstances, may also take place around town for social, recreational, or personal needs. We can always use more volunteers to match clients who express an interest in this volunteer service! Reach out to Dana Shapiro at dshapiro@jfcsmn.orgif you can help.

JFCS Memory Café is a gathering for people with memory loss and their caregivers. Memory Café members meet twice per month at the JFCS office in Golden Valley for activities and conversation in a comfortable, supportive environment. Memory Café is open to people from the Jewish and broader community. Volunteers assist with set-up, clean-up, event activities, and they help foster a warm, welcoming atmosphere. To learn more aboutJFCS Memory Café, click here.

Women Connect is a new initiative for women aged 40s to 60s. This group is intended to build community and help form connections in a fun and engaging way, allowing women to engage socially and try new activities. To stay informed on future events, join the Women Connect Facebook group.

For more information about JFCS Volunteer Services, click here or contact Dana Shapiro, Community and Volunteer Engagement Manager, at dshapiro@jfcsmn.org.