Helping seniors live safer, healthier, more independent lives in their own homes is the mission of Seniors•At•Home, the senior services division of JFCS, and volunteers play a vital role in carrying it out. By working with seniors, you have the opportunity to help them remain independent, while building meaningful relationships, getting involved in your community, and giving the gift of your time.

JFCS RIDES

Volunteer for 1 – 2 hours a week by driving seniors to medical appointments and helping  with grocery shopping. Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle. Offered in San Francisco, on the Peninsula, and Marin and Sonoma Counties.

Safe at Home

Volunteers make morning reassurance calls to frail and isolated clients. The volunteer commitment can be 2 hours weekly, or as a substitute.

Senior Companion

Visit weekly for 1 - 2 hours with seniors to offer friendship, companionship, and support and to enhance the quality of their lives. Offered in all regions.

Case Aides

Work directly with social workers to provide practical services and emotional support to the frail elderly and adults with disabilities and chronic illness.

Tenderloin Outreach

A monthly Shabbat luncheon on Friday afternoons for seniors who live in and around the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco. Volunteers help set up, greet the guests, serve food, clean up, and most importantly, schmooze. Participate as an individual or as part of a community group.

Holiday Outreach and Food Delivery

Individuals and groups bring holiday cheer to JFCS clients, including isolated seniors living at home, people with disabilities, and families facing financial hardship. You can assemble and/or deliver holiday gift bags for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, Purim, and Passover. The volunteer commitment is approximately 2 hours. Appropriate for individuals of all ages, groups, and families. Offered in all regions.

Holocaust Survivor Programs

Cafe by the Bay is an afternoon social and educational program for Holocaust survivors. Volunteers assist with set-up, greeting, serving snacks and  schmoozing. Offered in San Francisco, the Peninsula, and Marin. Volunteers are also needed to assist with restitution and reparation applications. Offered in San Francisco, the Peninsula, and Marin. Time commitment varies.

Compassionate Companions Ease Suffering, Offer Compassion, and Serve as the Heart and Soul of Community

Volunteer as part of our Palliative Care team, and through companionship, compassion, and presence, you will touch the life of someone who is in the midst of a serious health challenge. Palliative Care is about relieving suffering at any time over the course of an illness—for some it may be during treatment and for others it may be at the end of life. Volunteers provide respite for family members, assist with simple errands and tasks, offer a hand to hold or an article to read, or simply enjoy sitting in silence with someone who does not want to be alone. Volunteering is a gift: not only will you support the life of someone with a serious illness, but you’ll also have a chance to learn invaluable lessons about life and join an amazing group of people who are giving back to their community. Seniors•At•Home is offering a comprehensive 30-hour Palliative and End of Life Care Volunteer Training Program beginning October 25, 2011. No prior medical or hospice experience is necessary. To learn how you can make a difference in just a few hours a week, contact Rachel Kesselman at 415-449-1288 or RachelK@jfcs.org.

Shabbat Visitors

A great opportunity for people of all ages to get involved with seniors in the community! JFCS organizes group visits on Friday afternoons to local residential facilities to observe Shabbat together and to connect the generations. Offered on the Peninsula and in Marin.

Special Delivery Grocery Program

Help the most vulnerable members of our community who are unable to shop for themselves. Volunteers shop for and deliver groceries weekly. Time commitment is approximately 2 hours on Tuesday mornings. Currently offered in Marin.

JFCS' Canine Corps

Dogs make wonderful companions. Participate in a program the connects you and your dog to seniors and other community members who would welcome and benefit from a visit by you and your pet. Human-dog teams must successfully complete a six-week training, with an evaluation by the SPCA. Offered in all regions.

Tzedakah Corps

The Tzedakah Corps is a group of passionate individuals who want to help JFCS strengthen our community through a “virtual” committee (without committee meetings) by working independently on a project-by-project basis. It’s an easy and fun way for busy people to give back to our community. At a time when so many more people are turning to JFCS for assistance, there are many ways your involvement in the Tzedakah Corps can really make a difference for struggling families and seniors. To name a few: donating to our Food Pantry on a monthly basis; writing personal and inspirational notes to your friends and family to support our Friends Campaign and fundraising galas; serving as a volunteer liaison to your synagogue or children’s or grandchildren’s school to promote JFCS services and programs; promoting our Seder Sacks campaign, where an $18 donation provides a Passover food bag to the elderly and most vulnerable; lending a hand with other special events and projects! Contact Lilya Mitelman at 415-449-1256 or LilyaM@jfcs.org to learn more.    

Left Column Image: