Volunteer Opportunities

JFS relies on volunteers to support programs and services. Please call 828-253-2900 or email info@jfswnc.org for more information on volunteering.

Current Volunteer Needs

Elder Club: The JFS Elder Club Group Respite Program provides socialization for isolated seniors and respite for caregivers. This is a weekly commitment, on either Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. The program runs from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Volunteers assist with serving beverages and lunch; assisting during exercise, crafts and games; monitor the hallway and escort participants to the restroom; and help members to and from the group room upon arrival and departure. Some group members have varying degrees of dementia and this group allows them to get out of the house and socialize. A lot of the time is spent chatting with the members, listening to stories and enjoying lunch/activities together. A truly rewarding experience!

Elder Club presenters: Share music, arts, and crafts, lead an activity, give a presentation in front of the Elder Club participants.

Friendly Visitors: Monthly visits with homebound or isolated seniors to provide companionship and a link to the community.

Meal Deliveries: JFS volunteers deliver flowers and meals to isolated seniors at Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, and Passover. Volunteers are assigned to deliver to 2-3 homes/facilities (or more) and provide people with a meal and opportunity to honor the holiday in some way. 

“Delivering a Rosh Hashanah meal to fellow Jews homebound or living in nursing homes has been a truly rewarding experience. This year and last I was able to visit the same woman and I feel we have made a true bond. I have been fortunate enough to be able to spend time with her, and despite some memory limitations, have learned a bit about her life and family. She is a delightful woman of 91 and treats me like seeing an old friend. The joy she gets, and expresses, from seeing me and wanting me to stay is so touching it is hard to leave her. We hug and kiss like family and I leave with a teary, ‘Shalom.’ I look forward to seeing her again.”

Board and committees: The JFS Board of Directors is the governing body of the agency and sets the organizational agenda. Service inquiries for the board and the Finance, Fund Development and Marketing committees are always welcome. 

SpringFest: Serve on the committee to plan our biggest fundraising event of the year! Help behind-the-scenes in advance or volunteer as support staff for the night of the event.

Office support: Volunteer help in the office allows staff to focus on serving the community. Answer phones after 3 p.m., check in clients, and help with mailings as needed.