Part I of II
Fall is officially in full swing: the leaves are changing color, the apple orchards are bustling and pumpkin spice is popping up in everything. For Jewish families coming off the holiday season, the fall is also a time spent gathering with family and friends, as well as reflecting on improving ourselves. With this in mind, now is a great time to consider connecting with people in our community who would benefit enormously from the companionship that you and your children can offer. Please remember that this list of organizations is not exhaustive by any means; there are countless opportunities in our area to brighten someone’s day.
Jewish Family Service
With offices throughout New Jersey—including in Bergen, Essex, Middlesex and Passaic Counties—Jewish Family Service has plenty of opportunities for volunteers of all ages to get involved. Jewish Family Service of Bergen County and North Hudson has several programs that allow teenagers to form meaningful relationships with homebound seniors. Participants in the Adopt-A-Grandparent program (14 and older) make weekly calls to homebound seniors, either on the telephone or with the use of modern technology. Telecare Connection is another volunteer program, which helps seniors learn how to use modern communication tools such as Skype and e-mail, enabling them to feel less isolated. Telecare Connection volunteers should be familiar with computers, email and Skype, and volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on all visits to the seniors’ homes. For adult volunteers who are interested in enriching the life of a child, Jewish Family Service of Metrowest administers the Listen to Children Program, which pairs an older adult volunteer with a Livingston elementary or middle school child on a one-to-one basis. The “listener” often functions as a surrogate grandparent and provides a secure sounding board for children to speak freely about concerns or anxieties.
Friendship Circle
With locations in Essex, Bergen and Passaic Counties, the Friendship Circle exists to bring happiness and companionship to children and young adults with special needs and promotes a greater awareness and understanding of their unique gifts. Most Friendship Circle offices have volunteer opportunities for students in sixth through 12th grades. By joining the Friendship Circle, volunteers can be a part of a global movement to make sure that all children, regardless of their abilities, have someone they can call their friend.
National Council of Jewish Women
Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives to improve the quality of life for women, children and families, and offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities throughout New Jersey. For middle school and high school students, NCJW of Essex County has the VolunTeens and VolunTweens mentoring programs. For students in grades six through eight, VolunTweens can sign up to mentor young children, ages 3 to 5, in an after-school program in East Orange. VolunTeens help at the Boys and Girls Club of West Orange, which runs an after-school program at the Gregory School in West Orange. The teens help children, ages K-5, with homework as well as providing companionship for the children while doing things like using computers, playing in the gym and doing arts and crafts. Registration for both VolunTweens and VolunTeens is currently open.
By Rachel Jager
Stay tuned for additional volunteer opportunities in next month’s column. We welcome your suggestions as well. Please email [email protected] with other ideas.
