BECOME A VOLUNTEER TODAY
Jewish Family Service programs offer a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups who seek to be of service to the community. We can tailor opportunities to meet your skills, interests, and availability.

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Friendly Visitor
    Provide support and enrich the lives of seniors, and/or Holocaust Survivors in the community through social contact and companionship. You can meet at the person's home, in an assisted living facility, or at a public location.

  • Telephone Buddy
    Give a homebound individual a connection with the world outside their home by becoming a phone buddy. This is the perfect opportunity for someone who wants to help but may have limited time to offer. As long as you have a phone, you have the ability to affect positive change in someone's life by being a telephone buddy.

  • Telephone Buddy for a Holocaust Survivor
    Make a phone call to a designated Holocaust Survivor to provide a friendly contact on an ongoing basis. Calls can last from 5-20 minutes and can be made from your home phone. Patience, compassion and a willingness to listen can make a huge difference in the lives of those who may feel lonely and isolated. The reward is priceless!

  • Handyman for Seniors
    Many seniors in our community need a handyman from time to time for minor repairs. If you have the skills and willingness to assist with these types of requests, your efforts may help a senior remain in their own home. The requirements are patience, compassion and expertise in making minor repairs around the house.

  • Transportation Companion
    Many individuals in our community do not have transportation to get to doctor appointments or even to shop for groceries. You can help by offering rides, bringing these individuals out of isolation and empowering them by giving them an opportunity to accomplish basic life tasks.

  • Chaplaincy Program
    Our chaplaincy program is geared towards assisting unaffiliated Jews in the community. The JFS Rabbi provides pastoral care, hospice and spiritual counseling, and conducts religious consultations with hospitals, hospices, and other organizations. There are many opportunities to volunteer in the chaplaincy program for those of Jewish or other faiths.

  • Chevre Kaddisha
    According to traditional Jewish practices, members of the Greater Albuquerque Chevre Kaddisha prepare, wash and dress deceased Jewish people in burial garments in preparation for burial. You must be Jewish to participate as a Chevre Kaddisha volunteer.

  • Food Pantry Distribution Assistant
    Help needy families and individuals by assisting in the preparation and distribution of food boxes weekly at our Food Pantry. This critical assistance can help people in the community transition through a difficult time in their lives.

  • HANDS (Home Assistance Nutritional Delivery Service)
    HANDS is a new program that has been created to distribute boxes of food to home-bound JFS case management clients.
    Volunteers may be required to fill boxes/bags with food, and/or to reach onto high shelves and lift small loads of food items. The time commitment is approximately 3 hours a month, on the first Thursday of the month. Mileage reimbursement is available. We are looking for compassionate, sensitive, non-judgmental individuals who have a valid driver’s license, reliable automobile, and a clean driving record.

  • Clerical Assistance
    A variety of tasks are available to suit your talents. Hours are M – F, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  • Special Projects/Talents
    Do you have a passion to share or an idea for how you might help the community? Would you like to contribute by knitting a scarf or leg warmers for a child, shoveling snow from a senior's front walk? Discuss your ideas with us. We can work together to make your vision a reality!

  • Wellness Activity Instructor
    You have a special talent – share it with the seniors! This can be on-going instruction or a one-time workshop. Older adults benefit from instruction in Arts and Crafts, Relaxation, Movement/Exercise, Nutrition, Intellectual Discussions, or Social Events. Call to discuss how your special talent can help seniors live a healthier, more enriched life.

Application and Training Requirements

Requirements vary for each volunteer position. Our Volunteer Coordinator can answer any questions you may have about the specific application and training requirements for each volunteer opportunity.

Upon receipt of your application we will contact you to arrange an interview.

CONTACT

Diane Hinte
Volunteer Coordinator
505.291.1818 x4515
Diane@jfsnm.org

Non-Discrimination Policy
JFS services are accessible to anyone in need.