Impactful Volunteer Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in joining the over 300 volunteers per year who help JFS of Metrowest accelerate social, academic, and health equity. 

If you would like to speak with someone regarding volunteering with JFS, please click here and complete the interest form so that we can forward your request to the right person.

Below are descriptions of opportunities for you to help others in our community – scroll down to learn more about volunteering with JFS:

 

Patient Navigator for Older Adults

Patient Navigators are trained volunteers who accompany older adults to their medical appointments, easing the stress of the appointment for both the patient and their families. Patient Navigators help older adults prepare for upcoming medical appointments, serve as a companion at the appointment, facilitate communication between doctor and patient, and take notes during the visit. Patient Navigator is a flexible volunteer opportunity that can work with your schedule. We ask you to commit to a  minimum of 4 appointments per year. All appointments are during the day.

Children’s Clothing Closet

Launched in 2016, the JFS Children’s Clothing Closet provides a seasonal response to the clothing needs of the elementary school-aged children in the Metrowest community, specifically focusing on the most economically challenged schools in Framingham. Volunteers sort and organize donated new and gently used clothing to help JFS keep track of inventory and help prepare clothing packages to distribute to families. Soon, we will also be having pop-up events, where we will bring racks of clothes from the Children’s Clothing Closet to locations in the community. Families can “shop” for the clothing they need. Volunteers will help set up racks of clothing and assist families while they select clothing.

“I’ve been volunteering as a Patient Navigator since September 2021. I always learn something new, whether at the doctors’ offices or from the clients. Our clients are truly grateful for our services. I love to be able to help our clients. If you have a few hours a week or a month, our program could use some new Patient Navigators. The demand is great. I promise you’ll be glad you did!” — Wendy Heineman

FPS Resource Room

The Framingham Public Schools Resource Room provides clothing, school supplies, personal care items, and other needed items to any child in need in the Framingham Public Schools. Volunteers organize the items and help prepare packages for families.

“My children have always appreciated volunteering with JFS. It is not busy work to make them feel needed, but rather they feel the work is important, necessary and that in their own small way, they are making a difference.”
— Deb Weinhaus

Community Drives

Connect with your families, neighbors, or colleagues and organize a clothing, personal care items, or book drive. The items you collect will be distributed to families in need in our community.

Help Immigrants on their Path to Citizenship

Help individuals prepare for their citizenship exam. Volunteers work one-on-one with individuals using resources provided by JFS and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. They also provide opportunities for the individuals to practice their conversational English skills. Some volunteers provide more extensive English language support and some volunteers are also trained to help individuals prepare their N-400 citizenship application. Volunteers are also needed to assist clients in completing citizenship applications (click here to learn more).

Virtual Connectors

Virtual Connectors reduce social isolation and alleviate loneliness among older adults living in the community. Volunteers are matched with several older adults and connect with them remotely on a regular basis. In addition to providing social interaction, volunteers also provide periodic monitoring of the individual’s well-being by asking essential questions related to the client’s well-being and basic needs.

Improve the Health and Wellbeing of Older Adults

Volunteer with our Healthy Aging team to improve the lives of older adults in our community. Opportunities include one-on-one technology tutoring. This individualized approach provides the elder with a comfortable setting to learn skills that they can use to connect with family, order groceries or medications, and feel more independent. Other opportunities include helping out at outdoor social events.

Mentor First Generation College Students

Mentors provide support, share their professional experience and expertise, and provide general encouragement to students. They also provide feedback and guidance to students working on individual final projects and may also conduct informational interviews with individual students.

Farm to Pantry

Farm to Pantry volunteers reduce food insecurity in our community by connecting extra produce from farms with food pantries. Volunteers pick up food from local farms and transport it to food pantries for distribution to individuals and families in need.

Learn More about Volunteering with JFS

Do you have questions about volunteering with JFS? Not quite sure which programs are the best fit? Are you interested in interning at JFS?

For more information about our programs and volunteering with JFS of Metrowest, please contact us today!

Program News

TAKE ACTION this MLK, Jr. Day!

Making cinnamon swirls and lasagnas, building bookshelves and signing up to become an Active Bystander are just a few ways you can live into the example of activism set by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this holiday weekend. Get involved today!

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