JFS Volunteer Voice - May 2025

Spring is finally here, and with it comes a fresh start, longer days, and that little extra pep in our step. Our Volunteers also bring new energy, warmth, and life to Jewish Family Service every time they show up for our community.

Whether you’re delivering groceries, checking in on a neighbor, helping at an event, or just lending a hand wherever it’s needed—you make a difference. We can’t thank you enough for all the ways you give your time and heart.

Here’s to a season full of sunshine, connection, and continued kindness.

Volunteer Spotlight

Meet Laura Karel

Laura is a volunteer at the Balboa Avenue Older Adult Center (BAOAC). Recently, Laura and her daughter Katy were featured in a video that was screened at the JFS Heart & Soul Gala.

Watch Video >>

What inspired you to volunteer at JFS?

“I started volunteering at JFS when my eldest daughter Jade was preparing for her Bat Mitzvah. She chose JFS to volunteer at in order to earn her 18 mitzvah hours. My youngest daughter, Katy, wanted to volunteer too. Due to her young age, I was required to attend with her. I fell in love with the Balboa Avenue Older Adult Center (BAOAC) from the start and have been coming twice a week in my days off from work ever since.”

What is your favorite part about being a JFS Volunteer?

“My favorite thing about volunteering at JFS BAOAC is the people! The seniors that we work with and spend time with are amazing! Their personalities are a ray of sunshine. They are funny, silly, witty, smart, kind, loving, and more! We laugh together, we’ve cry together, dance together, sing together, and spend a lot of memorable time together. It’s the best!”

What have you learned from your volunteering experience so far?

“I’ve learned so much from my time at JFS. It has been a real eye opener. There is still so much life left to live and fun times to be had once you retire and reach a certain age. Also, having any level of memory loss doesn’t stop this group! We are a wild bunch! The lives they’ve lived and the stories they’ve told about their families, careers, upbringing are nothing short of amazing! I am constantly in awe of them all! Getting to know this group of amazing seniors has been such an honor. We truly enjoy spending our time together!”

Challah Bakes Benefitting Lieber’s Corner Market

Did you know that JFS and the Center for Jewish Care offer a unique opportunity to make sure Jewish San Diegans experiencing hunger have access to challah for Shabbat?

You and your group will learn about food insecurity and nutrition assistance available at JFS while you braid challah together. This meaningful experience is perfect for birthday parties, mitzvah projects, teambuilding, and volunteer groups. Once baked, your challahs will be available for shoppers at the Lieber’s Corner Market which you’ll see first-hand during a behind-the-scenes tour of our Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus. The cost is $18 per person, ideal for 10-30 people max. Ready to schedule your challah bake? Click the button below to email our team, and we’ll get back to you shortly to confirm a date.

Schedule a Challah Bake

When Safe Parking Feels Like Home

JFS is grateful for Ohr Shalom Synagogue’s social action committee who committed to hosting birthday parties for our Safe Parking guests in the Balboa Safe Parking Lot. Once a month, they donate and serve dinner and always include a fun birthday surprise like a pinata or cupcakes. The guests eagerly look forward to seeing Ohr Shalom’s smiling faces and celebrating each other’s birthdays.

Host a Safe Parking Dinner

Join us in spreading kindness and compassion throughout our community by hosting a dinner for Safe Parking Program participants. You’ll experience hands-on the meaningful difference your donation makes as you and your group provide vital nutrition assistance to your neighbors.

Learn More