Staff Q&A: New Hag Sameach program coordinator Abbey Baker

Abbey Baker was recently named coordinator of the JFCS of Minnesota Hag Sameach program. As a longtime volunteer for the program, she knows how impactful it is to the community. She recently spoke about why she wanted this role and what her goals are:

Why did the Hag Sameach Coordinator position appeal to you?

This new position appealed to me because it builds on a connection I’ve had with the program for many years. Since moving back to Minneapolis in 2010, I’ve volunteered to wrap and deliver gifts and supported the Hag Sameach Adopt-a-Family program with my own family. Even in a small role, it became something I genuinely looked forward to each year. Seeing firsthand the joy this program brings to not only the recipients, but all the volunteers, is incredibly meaningful, and it made me want to become more involved.

I’ve always stayed connected and hoped for an opportunity to contribute in a bigger way. When this position became available, it felt like a natural fit and an opportunity I didn’t want to miss out on. I enjoy meeting new people and being active in the community, and this role allows me to do both, while contributing to something that brings happiness to so many in our community.

How would you describe the program to someone who didn’t know about it?

I would describe Hag Sameach as the “Happy Holidays” program. It is a community-driven effort that makes sure no one feels forgotten during the holidays or beyond. It’s a gift-giving and support program for individuals and families who may be struggling, providing both holiday gifts and essential items throughout the year.

What makes it special is the personal touch – we don’t just give generic donations. We work with local Jewish organizations, synagogues, PRISM, and other partners to understand each family’s needs, then create individualized gift packages that are thoughtful and meaningful. It’s not only about meeting basic needs, but also about helping people feel seen, cared for, and connected to their community.

How is Hag Sameach growing/evolving following JFCS’ acquisition of Jewish Family and Children’s Service of St. Paul (JFS)?

Hag Sameach is growing and expanding in an exciting way following the integration of the St. Paul community into the program. Previously, St. Paul operated its own successful holiday initiative called B’Yachad, and we’re thrilled to build on that strong foundation.

With the combined resources of JFCS of Minnesota, we now have the opportunity to expand our reach, serve more individuals and families across both Minneapolis and St. Paul, and extend our support beyond the holiday season. This evolution allows us to deepen our impact, increase accessibility, and continue growing a program that brings meaningful support and connection to even more members of our community.

Hag Sameach has a very dedicated group of volunteers – how do you plan to continue and build on this relationship as the coordinator?

Hag Sameach already benefits from a deeply dedicated and passionate volunteer base and continuing to nurture those relationships will be a top priority for me as coordinator. We also recognize that St. Paul has had its own loyal and committed group of volunteers through the B’yachad program, and we’re excited to welcome them into this next chapter.

I look forward to listening to their ideas, learning from their experiences, and understanding what has made the program so meaningful to them. By fostering collaboration and open communication, we can build strong connections across both communities.

At the same time, I’m excited about the opportunity to grow the program by creating new volunteer roles and leadership opportunities, allowing more people to get involved in meaningful ways. Together, we can build a unified JFCS of Minnesota Hag Sameach team that honors the program’s history while continuing to evolve and expand its impact.

Click here for more on the Hag Sameach program