Volunteering out of Gratitude and for the Fun of It
For Irene Gorodyansky, serving as a JFCS mentor to a 16-year-old high school junior is a way of giving back to the Jewish community that helped her and her family when they emigrated from the former Soviet Union. But it is also a labor of love.
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Helping a Bright Student Emerge from His Shell
Seventy-three-year-old retired businessman Paul Sonnenblick volunteered with students in San Francisco’s public schools for a couple of years, so when he learned about JFCS’ mentoring program during a tour of the agency, he jumped at the opportunity to be of service.
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On the Mark Mentoring
Everyone needs a friend to lean on. That's what our "On the Mark" Mentoring Program is all about: matching young people ages 8 – 18 one-on-one with caring adult and high-school-aged mentors who offer support and encouragement. Once mentors are recruited, screened, and trained, they make a minimum commitment to volunteer for six months and receive ongoing support and training during the school year.
Mentor and mentee meet at least once a week for an hour at the JFCS Teen Space or another venue agreed upon by the mentor, the young person, and his or her parents. Activities may range from a visit to a museum or library to a walk on the beach or through a neighborhood, or an outing to a concert or movie. This allows for fun, engaging, and educational experiences.
The Benefits
Mentoring activities enrich and expand the relationship, building trust and friendship. The impact of a mentoring relationship should not be underestimated. Evaluations and feedback we have received from program participants indicate that mentors effectively assist in raising student's self-esteem, confidence, sociability, and scholastic performance.
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Contact:
Taylor Epstein, Director of YouthFirst Programs,
TaylorE@jfcs.org; 415-359-2463