JFCS will honor contributions of dedicated volunteers at 116th Annual Meeting
Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minnesota (JFCS) is excited to honor the contributions of several dedicated volunteers at its 116th Annual Meeting. The event will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, at Beth El Synagogue (5225 Barry St. W., St. Louis Park). The program will be held 12-12:45 p.m. and lunch will be served 12:45-1:30 p.m. RSVP by June 2 here.
We will recognize the contributions of dedicated volunteers Andrea Binder, Gail Machov, Debbie Ross, Ann Rubin, and Melissa Siegel – amongst other programs, all of them have volunteered for Senior Services’ Memory Cafe program. Memory Café is a gathering for people with memory loss and their caregivers. Café members meet twice per month at the JFCS office in Golden Valley for activities and conversations in a comfortable, supportive environment.
In addition to the above volunteers, Etta Lambright will be honored as the recipient of the Anita and Jim Dinerstein Community Service Award. These volunteers recently spoke on why they enjoy volunteering for JFCS:
Andrea Binder
Andrea has volunteered for Memory Cafe, Hag Sameach, Women Connect, Caring Connections, and as an Outreach Visitor.
“I love volunteering for JFCS because it is a place that truly supports people of all ages and backgrounds. I volunteer with several programs at JFCS and have met such wonderful staff, volunteers and participants through the programs. I always say that volunteering is a win-win. You are helping others and it makes you feel good too!”
Gail Machov
Gail has volunteered for Memory Cafe, the Keeping the Spirit Alive Caregivers Conference, the Annual Benefit, Volunteers in Action, and more.
“I chose to volunteer with the Memory Cafe at JFCS because helping people going through challenges with dementia is important to me. Dementia has affected my family and I know how hard it can be to have social interactions going through this journey. It is so heartwarming to see people light up with the activities planned. The staff at JFCS is very caring and has their clients’ and community top of mind.”
Debbie Ross
Debbie has volunteered for Memory Cafe and previously was a staff member for JFCS Senior Services.
“Volunteering to help with the Memory Cafe is rewarding and interesting. You need to reach out to welcome clients and learn a little bit about their lives to make a connection, and hopefully make a little bit of a difference in their day.”
“Choosing to volunteer at JFCS was easy for me because I worked at the agency with Senior Services. I liked working with the staff, clients and coordinating volunteers. Now that I’m a volunteer, I love helping out with the Memory Cafe clients, being part of a core team of volunteers and connecting with the staff. Thank you, JFCS!”
Ann Rubin
Ann has volunteered for Memory Cafe, the Caregiver Conference, the Mental Health Education Conference, PJ Library and more.
“I choose to volunteer with JFCS because of its stellar reputation for serving the community in a wide variety of ways. I’m very proud to be associated with JFCS!”
“My favorite thing about being a JFCS volunteer is the opportunity to create a warm and welcoming environment for folks living with memory loss and their care partners. Caregiving can be lonely and isolating, and places like Memory Cafe are a way to create connection and make space for joy. Having been helped by many on my own caregiving journey, I am grateful for the chance to pay it forward and have fun all at the same time!”
Melissa Siegel
Melissa has volunteered for Memory Cafe and the Hag Sameach program.
“I wanted to volunteer at JFCS as a way to give back to my community. What I really enjoy is spending time talking and getting to know all the people who are a part of Memory Cafe.”
Etta Lambright
Etta has volunteered for several years with Jewish Family Service of St. Paul (JFS), which was acquired by JFCS earlier this year, re-naming itself Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minnesota. Etta has volunteered with gift bag assembly and delivery, office projects, data entry, and more.
“When I retired, I had some time to fill, so I decided to volunteer and reached out to a few Jewish organizations in my St. Paul neighborhood – JFS was one of them. The staff welcomed me with open arms, listening, teaching, and training me in a variety of projects. I’ve met wonderful staff and volunteers, and feel part of a community helping others while helping myself too.”