COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community Engagement encompasses our volunteer program, community events & youth programming. Our robust volunteer opportunities engage members of the community in hands-on HELP in supporting our clients.
We engage our youth through two programs which give participants the opportunity to engage with the tradition of tikkun olam – HEALING the world – and provide us HOPE for bright future of leaders & philanthropists.
Volunteer Program
Gesher LeKesher
Learn more about this mentoring and leadership program for Jewish teens in 11th & 12th grade.
Jewish Community Youth Foundation
Learn more about this program for 9th – 12th graders to experience philanthropic giving and learn more about Jewish organizations locally and in Israel.
Scholarship Opportunities
Online Events & Resources
Info & resources in direct response to the pandemic.
Volunteer Opportunities
Are you looking to make an impact here in your community? If you are searching for volunteer opportunities in Mercer County, JFCS offers a range of projects and programs to meet your interests. Whether you can give an hour, a day, or more, our flexible volunteer projects can match the schedules of working adults, families with young children, retirees, and everyone in between.
Volunteering with our Food Pantry & Delivery Programs
- Packing bags of groceries for Food Pantry and Mobile Food Pantry clients Due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols, we are providing pre-packed bags of food through our pantry programs and invite individuals and families to pack bags at our offices. Bags are packed in a safe, separate environment in line with social distancing guidelines.
- Food Pantry – Shopper or Helper
- Help at a Mobile Food Pantry distribution site
- Kosher Meals on Wheels Driver(s)
- Shabbat on Wheels Driver(s) help deliver Shabbat dinner to local nursing homes
- Kosher Café Helper provide service with a smile at our weekly cafes
Volunteering with Seniors
- Shop & Drop Volunteer Be matched with a senior who is unable to get out to the store safely and you will coordinate to shop for and safely deliver groceries to their doorstep
- Friendly Visitor be matched with a senior looking for a friendly hello & conversation once a week. Due to social distancing restrictions and specific limitations for the elderly, we are currently offer Friendly Phone Visits for isolated seniors in Mercer County.
- Chore Corps available through Secure@Home, assisting program members with tasks around their home
Volunteering Options for Retirees, Working Adults, Students and more!
- Front Desk/General Office Assistance
- Special Events – planning, set up & registration
- Tzedakah Baskets help create custom Bima Baskets for special events
Interested in an opportunity listed above? Contact our Volunteer & Community Program Coordinator, Eden Aaronson, at 609-987-8100 x113 or EdenA@jfcsonline.org
Are you looking for a fun, interactive team building or corporate service activity? JFCS has options to engage corporate and community groups in impactful service projects.
The JFCS Mobile Food Pantry offers even more opportunities for corporate groups. You and your team can support a distribution stop of the mobile pantry.
Interested in an opportunity listed above? Contact our Volunteer & Community Program Coordinator, Eden Aaronson, at 609-987-8100 x113 or EdenA@jfcsonline.org
See how corporate opportunities can turn into lasting partnerships.
Throughout the year JFCS plans special activities tailored to young children and teens that are age-appropriate & educational. These events are perfect opportunities for Bar or Bat Mitzvah service hours or high school community service requirements.
Join us for the Teen Summer Serve series (July – August 2020) featuring virtual opportunities for 6 – 12 graders.
Scholarship Opportunities
JFSC is fortunate to offer a number of scholarship and award opportunities. Scholarships can vary by year and are most often offered in early to late springtime.
Rose & Louis H. Linowitz Mensch Award 2021
Candidates should exemplify what it means to be a mensch – a person of integrity and honor, a doer of good deeds, and an all-around good person. Students must be nominated by a member of the community such as a Rabbi, educator, youth group advisor, secular school guidance counselor, teacher, parent, etc. Eighth-grade Mensch-In-Training award is $300 and high school senior Mensch Award winners will receive $1,500.
Applications are due by April 30, 2021.
Photo Release (Required for all applicants)
W-9 (Required for all applicants)
For more information or to nominate a student, contact Joyce at 609-987-8100 / JoyceW@JFCSonline.org.