Jewish Family Services is able to provide services to those in need in part because of the help we receive from volunteers. Everyone has something to contribute. If you have thought about volunteering, we can help you get started!
Making a Difference
You can make a difference and become part of a rewarding experience through the JFS Volunteer Services Program. Volunteers perform an important role in fulfilling the agency's mission of service to the community. You are never too young or too old to make a difference in someone's life.
There are opportunities to volunteer once a week, once a month or once a year, depending on your schedule and our needs. We want to help you find the best match for your skills and interests and will conduct a thorough interview with you help you find the volunteer position that best meets your needs. Our philosophy is that volunteers are an integral part of our agency and staff, and will make every effort to make this a positive experience that meets your goals and expectations.
If you would like more information about volunteer opportunities with Jewish Family Services, please call (734) 769-0209 or e-mail
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Friendly Visitors
These special friends provide companionship and socialization opportunities to isolated older adults. Volunteers meet weekly with older adults in their homes, and participate in activities ranging from playing board games, to sitting and chatting, to taking walks or going on short outings. All volunteers are carefully screened, matched, interviewed and trained before working with older adult clients. In addition to adult volunteers, older teens (16+) are welcomed as Friendly Visitors, and often develop a special "surrogate grandparent/child" relationship that can involve the entire family.
Transportation Services
Do you consider yourself a good driver? Do you like helping out seniors? Volunteers are needed to provide transportation for seniors and those with disabilities to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, and other daily needs. You may drive your own vehicle, or our JFS CareVan. No chauffeur's license is needed; however, potential volunteer drivers must have an excellent driving record and proof of insurance. Potential volunteer drivers should also enjoy working with older adults, know their way around Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, and be patient, flexible, and able to handle stressful situations.
Administrative and Agency Support
JFS has many on-going projects at our office. Volunteers assist with or lead one of these projects or simply help with administrative tasks around the office. There are always projects that need your energy, and you may submit your name and contact information as an "on-call" office volunteer or contact us regarding a specific skill you have to share with JFS. Opportunities range from basic mailings to professional skills in marketing, management, billing and other office management functions.
Professional Services
Individuals with professional experience in the areas of development, grant writing, public relations, marketing, and finance are also needed. You can choose to work on specific projects, serve on one of our committees, and/or provide professional pro bono services.
Social Workers
Licensed social workers also are considered for pro bono positions. Experience in intake and assessments, crisis management, and case management is required. Pro bono social workers will find the work rewarding and provide valuable service to the agency and its clients; adherence to agency policies and processes as well as careful screening is required of these positions.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Volunteers
We have two volunteer positions in ESL. If you have experience teaching English, we utilize both regularly scheduled volunteer teachers as well as substitute teachers for our ESL clients. We also utilize Conversation Partners/Tutors to work on classroom lessons and to help clients practice speaking English. Conversation Partners/Tutors do not need to have classroom teaching experience.
Resettlement Volunteers
As a resettlement agency, JFS works with many refugees and immigrants from all over the world. Volunteers are needed to assist individuals and families in adapting to life in America. Volunteers will work closely with case managers to determine clients' needs which may range from helping with paperwork to explaining how to obtain a library card. Learn More...
Patient Partners
Looking for a unique and rewarding volunteer activity? Do you have good listening & communication skills? Are you comfortable navigating the medical system?
Join a unique program, Patient Partners, to support older adults and their caregivers by facilitating communication during medical appointments. This position is especially appropriate for those with backgrounds in nursing, social work, allied health, or other "helping professions".
Training takes place periodically, usually twice yearly. Applicants must possess excellent communication and note-taking skills, patience, and desire to help older adults navigate the medical system.
Click to view the Channel 4 "Ruth to the Rescue" piece, to listen to the NPR (National Public Radio) story, to read the Ann Arbor News article, or to read The Detroit Examiner article.
