CJE is a complex, multi-faceted organization, providing housing, counseling, food and transportation, entertainment, and other programs and services to its clients and residents. Its professional staff, well trained and highly skilled, makes all this possible on a daily basis.
To support its staff, CJE’s incredible corps of volunteers provides additional support. “We have volunteers engaged across the entire organization,” says Julie Han, Manager of Volunteer Services at CJE SeniorLife.
Indeed, virtually all CJE programs, residences, and events benefit from volunteer assistance. There is a broad range of volunteers. Some have been donating their time and talents for decades. Others come through corporate events for a day or two. Often families participate, teaching the next generation to get involved and give back. “We have social groups, corporate groups, school groups, and individuals. We have young children coming with their parents and grandparents, and we have volunteers in their 80s and 90s,” Han says. “We are so grateful for their participation.”
What do volunteers do?
Volunteers are involved in so many different aspects of CJE. They visit or call community members to check on them and help allay loneliness and isolation. They assist with events and provide important administrative support. Many volunteers lead activities or share music: “We have a cellist, a pianist, a guitarist, singers, and a professional tenor who comes and shares his music,” Han says. Volunteers help clients with their technical needs on computers, phones and tablets, and teach games such as mahjong and canasta. They assemble birthday bags and create cards to bring joy to CJE residents, many of whom don’t have family to share those special occasions.
Some volunteers regularly bring their Certified Therapy Pets to CJE residences for an afternoon, to provide amusement and companionship for clients. Some assist at Adult Day Services and Holocaust Community Services. And still others work in CJE’s Home-Delivered Meals program, putting meals together and delivering them in all sorts of weather and conditions
There are approximately 175 regular volunteers, with hundreds more who help occasionally or with a particular project. They all receive training and undergo a background check before participating.
Ready to get involved?
CJE is always open to meeting new volunteers. If you would to give back and make a difference, either by yourself, with your family, or a group, please visit https://cje.net/waystohelp/volunteer/ to learn more and fill out the volunteer application.
Our support groups provide a welcoming and confidential space to share experiences and learn from others who are navigating similar situations. Each group is led by skilled facilitators with expertise in supporting older adults and is offered at no cost. With over a dozen groups on offer, we’d like to highlight these three. Click for more information on each.
Because of you:
