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 helping someone out in need, we can help you get started helping others today!
Volunteer Opportunities
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 . 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 Deborah Renner at (734) 769-0209 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Friendly Visitors
These special friends call on isolated older adults providing companionship, socialization opportunities and comfort. 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 (15+) 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 drive the JFS CareVan, providing transportation for seniors and those with disabilities to doctors appointments, grocery shopping, and other daily needs. No chauffeur's license is needed, however potential volunteer drivers must have an excellent driving record. 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. Volunteers will commit to driving one day per week.
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, such as mailings, answering phones, making calls or writing letters. There are always projects that need your energy, and you may submit your name and contact information as an “on-call” office volunteer.
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.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Volunteers
If you have experience teaching English, we occasionally need both regularly scheduled volunteer teachers as well as substitute teachers for our ESL clients. We also frequently need Conversation Partners/Tutors to work on classroom lessons and to help clients practice speaking English.
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" as well as those with prior caregiving experience.
Training will take place at JFS on October 27th and 28th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Applicants must possess excellent communication and note-taking skills, patience, and desire to help older adults navigate the medical system.
Professional Pro Bono Services
Many of our refugee and low income clients are in need of legal, medical or counseling services. Volunteer your professional services on a one time basis or participate in a network of professional service providers willing to provide free or reduced fee services to those in need.
