We are so thankful for our yam-tastic volunteers! Thank you for your continued dedication and support as we uplift our community together. We could not do this important work without you.
We are so thankful for our yam-tastic volunteers! Thank you for your continued dedication and support as we uplift our community together. We could not do this important work without you.
Over the last year, community volunteers from Tierrasanta Village have been volunteering their time every month to help out in the JFS Loonin Family Kitchen. We are grateful for this ongoing partnership and were honored to be invited to their annual Gala.
Mazel tov to Betty, one of our all-star volunteer drivers who was nominated for the North County Philanthropy Council Volunteer Award! Betty has been volunteering with On the Go since 2019 and was celebrated as a volunteer hero at their awards ceremony on November 3, 2023!
Here’s what Betty says about volunteering: “It is rewarding to help those who need assistance, and I have met some very nice and interesting people while being a volunteer driver. What has meant the most to me are the genuine friendships that I have developed from meeting folks who use On the Go.”
Case in point—Betty and one of her regular riders have developed such a strong bond that he even attended the awards ceremony with her!
Every night, JFS operates a Safe Parking lot at the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus. One of our most popular volunteer opportunities in Safe Parking is volunteering to provide and serve meals to our Safe Parking guests.
Earlier this year, a group from St. Columba Catholic Church reached out to JFS to find out how they could get involved in the Safe Parking Program. Utilizing the community kitchen in their church, they came in to serve their first Safe Parking Dinner in May 2023. Since then, they have expanded their monthly donations to three of our Safe Parking lots and have served over 750 meals to our Safe Parking guests. Recently, we had the pleasure of interviewing Sharon and Martin, who are the chair and co-chair of this amazing group.
Q: Tell us more about St. Columba. How did your group get together and decide to get involved in the community?
A: “St. Columba has always been an active member of the local community. Our involvement in various local events inspired us to create a formal group to pursue their passions. Even in the midst of the pandemic, we remained committed to their cause. And with the support of our congregate staff, we initially formed a mighty group of nine individuals.
I have a passion for cooking, and curating healthy, balanced meals that capture the essence of home cooking, while Martin recognized the potential of St. Columba’s group and pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved within their kitchen.”
Q: How has volunteering made an impact in your life?
A: “After visiting the Safe Parking Lot in Mission Valley, St. Columba felt inspired to become even more involved in the community. With an overwhelming community response, we quickly outgrew the kitchen and created new systems to support additional volunteer cooks.
One of St. Columba’s volunteers encouraged her son to join her on a volunteer shift, and he did! In fact, her son was so inspired that the next time he volunteered, he brought along his fellow 7th-grade classmates to help. This simple act of giving back left a lasting impression in all our hearts and minds.”
Q: What has been your favorite part about volunteering with JFS?
A: Martin: “One night, I met a Safe Parking participant who mentioned that he loves spaghetti and hot dogs. So, I made sure to bring hotdogs the next time I was there. When he saw that I brought hot dogs, he was deeply touched by the kind gesture. I always feel a personal connection whenever I drop off food or stay to serve.”
Thank you St. Columba for your generous compassion, kindness, and meal donations! We are proud to have you as a community partner.
To learn more about donating and serving a meal with the Safe Parking Program, click here.
Thank you to everyone who submitted their volunteer action shots! Don’t miss your chance to be featured in our next newsletter or social media post. Send your photos to [email protected].
Hummingbirds are often used as symbols of migration, which is why they adorn the welcome mural at the entrance of the San Diego Rapid Response Migrant Shelter operated by Jewish Family Service. Our guests at the Shelter have made long, tiring, and often perilous journeys to reach the U.S. The mural serves as a symbol of safety and hope for our newly arriving guests. Our Shelter is located independently from the main Joan and Irwin Jacobs Campus on Balboa Avenue. In the spirit of unity, from this issue forward, we will include a Hummingbird Highlights update in the newsletter to share more about this important humanitarian work and how you can help.
The San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN) Migrant Shelter Services, operated by JFS, welcomes an average of 200 – 350 asylum seekers each day (over 161,000 people since October 2018). Due to recent changes at the Shelter, the need for volunteers has increased. We need help with assembling snacks and hygiene kits and delivering them to guests’ rooms; welcoming guests to the travel center; serving food and drinks; and helping to ensure that daily operations in the Shelter run smoothly. Shelter volunteers must commit to at least one shift per week.
If you are a current volunteer, you may already be qualified to volunteer at the Migrant Shelter.
Help assemble and distribute snacks and hygiene kits for Shelter guests.
Assist Shelter guests in navigating the bus or airport surroundings so they can safely board their flight and connect to their sponsor families. If you are available to be on-call for day-of needs, please indicate on-call availability in the notes section when signing up. Last-minute bookings are to be expected and we’d love additional help if you have the flexibility.
Enjoy a free two-week membership at your local Mesa Rim Climbing Center!
Mesa Rim offers Bouldering (climbing without a rope or harness), Yoga Classes, and a Fitness Facility.
Locations in Mira Mesa, Mission Valley, and North County.
In recognition of everything you do to support our daily operations — Sweetgreen is offers every JFS Volunteer a $5 discount promo code!
The restaurant has locations in Carlsbad, La Jolla, Del Mar, and 4S Ranch.
Find out how to unlock your delicious Sweetgreen perks!
The JFS Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus will be closed on the following holidays:
Thanksgiving — Thursday-Friday, November 23-24
Christmas — Monday, December 25
New Year’s Day — Monday, January 1
We’re making it even easier for you to share your ideas. Use our Virtual Suggestion Box to send us all your questions, concerns, and feedback!
We hope to see you at one of our upcoming virtual Volunteer Orientations! Questions about onboarding? Need help with Galaxy Digital? We’re here to help!
Tuesday, November 21 | 11:00am–12:00pm
Access Zoom link >>
Tuesday, December 19 | 11:00am–12:00pm
Access Zoom link >>
Thank you for being a JFS Volunteer!
Every day, volunteers make our impactful work possible. We appreciate your time and dedication to uplifting our community.
Sunni Robertson
Director
Kim Molin
Coordinator
Lauren Strasser Spinosi
Coordinator
Jennifer Labrada Valencia
Coordinator
Anna Davis-Noe
Coordinator
Together we’re building a stronger, healthier, more resilient San Diego.
Questions? Please contact us at [email protected] or (858) 637‑3050.
