Volunteer Opportunities
Like most major cities, the Boston area is home to a wealth of volunteer opportunities for people of all ages. While many local synagogues, nursing homes, hospitals, and schools can all use your help, the following is a list of some of the local agencies that specialize in organizing volunteer efforts.
Jewish Coalition for Literacy
Volunteers needed to be a Jewish Coalition for Literacy reading tutor in Grades 1 - 3 or in organizing a book drive for an area school. For Boston or Cambridge please contact Tammy Alfred, Senior Literacy Coordinator, Jewish Coalition for Literacy, 126 High Street, Boston, 617-457-8661, talfred@jcrcboston.org. For Framingham or Brockton please contact Joan Sherizen, Assistant Literacy Coordinator, Jewish Coalition for Literacy, 475 Franklin Street, Framingham, 508-875-3100, jsherizen@jcrcboston.org.
Jewish Big Brother & Big Sister Association For over 80 years this organization has been matching teenagers and young adults with children in need of friendship and guidance.
Friend 2 Friend - Be a friend to a person with a disability and enjoy making a difference in someone’s life. This program creates meaningful friendships between two adults (age 18 and over) who share interests and enjoy each other’s company. Call 617-558-6548, email jan@jbbbs.org.
Jewish Vocational Service This organization empowers individuals from diverse communities to find employment and build careers. Volunteers of all ages give time and energy to assist JVS clients, who may be Jewish professionals, individuals transitioning from welfare to the workplace, refugees and immigrants, individuals with disabilities. Volunteers help clients with job search strategies and career building. They tutor clients in English, literacy, computer skills; assist adults to obtain a high school diploma; mentor Jewish professionals, clients transitioning from welfare to the workplace, budding entrepreneurs; help our staff with office responsibilities. To volunteer, contact Sharon Zammuto at szammuto@jvs-boston.org or 617-399-3218.
Jewish Family & Children's Service This organization seeks volunteers for programs ranging from visiting home-bound elders to providing advice to new mothers. Call 617-558-1278.
Bet Tzedek ("The House of Justice") volunteer attorneys provide free legal services to low-income populations. Wayne Kessler at (617) 558-1278.
Center for Family Assistance volunteers with skills in human services help provide food, clothing, housing and shelter referrals, and financial assistance to individuals and families going through difficult times. Wayne Kessler (617) 558-1278.
Chaverim Shel Shalom/Friends of Peace volunteers help with group social/cultural/spiritual activities for Jewish adults with psychiatric conditions. Nancy Smith (617) 558-1278.
Community Housing for Adult Independence/CHAI relies on volunteers to help enrich the lives of people with mental and physical disabilities. Sharon Levinson (617) 558-1278.
Family Table is looking for volunteers to be part of Greater Boston’s Jewish food bank monthly delivery service. Margie Nesson (617) 566-0333 or (617) 558-1278.
First Friends are volunteers who help New Americans from Russia and the other former Soviet republics make the adjustment to life in the United States and Greater Boston. Sharon Levinson (617) 558-1278.
Friendly Visitors visit frail and isolated seniors living in either their own homes or a long-term care facility. Sue Spielman (617) 558-1278.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman volunteers visit weekly and advocate for residents at nursing homes in Belmont, Brookline, Needham, Newton, Waltham, Watertown, Wellesley and Weston. Dan Goldberg (617) 558-1278.
Visiting Moms share their time, experience and understanding with new mothers to instill confidence and competence in their new or expanded role as mothers. An award-winning family strengthening program that has been used as a model throughout the United States and abroad. For Greater Boston or western suburbs, call Debbie Whitehill, (617) 558-1278; for the South Shore, call Debra Greenberg, (781) 821-4990; for northern suburbs, call Sharon Reidbord, (617) 558-1278.
Volunteers are always needed throughout the agency. If you have any questions, want to explore a variety of opportunities, or want to understand the agency better, please call Sharon Levinson, Volunteer Coordinator, at (617) 558-1278.
The Friendship Circle is a Jewish organization that provides social opportunities to children with special needs. The Friendship Circle's unique approach brings together teenage volunteers and children with special needs for hours of fun and friendship. These shared experiences empower children with special needs, while enriching the lives of everyone involed. The children bloom and gain the confidence they need to make the most of their abilities and talents. Teenage volunteers learn the priceless value of giving, the curative power of friendship, and the vital importance of integrating children with special needs into our communities. Parents and siblings receive much-needed respite and support. The Friendship Circle links volunteers, children, parents, staff, and supporters in a seamless circle of friendship that makes miracles happen very day. For more information or to volunteer, please call 617-378-5765 or visit the web site at www.friendshipcircleboston.org.
Jewish Family Service of Metrowest, a non-profit service agency, is looking for dedicated community volunteers to help with various programs throughout the agency. From mentoring a new mom or helping an elder with grocery shopping, to tutoring a new American or middle school child, our volunteers make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. Whatever your age or skill, JFS/MW has a volunteer opportunity to fit your schedule. If you have some free time and would like to give back to the community and have a real impact on someone's life - consider becoming a volunteer at Jewish Family Service of Metrowest. Become a giver AND a receiver. Call Diana O'Brien at 508-875-3100 for more information.
Family Table Greater Boston’s Jewish food pantry, a unified response by the Jewish community to the rising number of Jewish families in need of food assistance. Contact Margie Nesson at Family Table at 617-566-0333.
Gittel's Kitchen Located in Brighton, this kosher soup kitchen is open every Thursday night at 5:30 PM. It operates under the aegis of the Maimonides School in Brookline. If you would like more information about Gittel's kitchen, please call Mike Rosenberg at 617-232-4414.