Jewish Family Service’s Refugee Resettlement program welcomes refugees from across the world who have been forced to flee their homes due threats of persecution, war, or violence. Once refugees arrive in the United States, our dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to provide them with the necessary support in order to assist them on their journey towards self-sufficiency and assimilation. Due to the fact that these individuals and families were forced to flee their home countries, the majority of them have few contacts—if any—in the United States, making our staff and volunteers crucial to the success of newly arrived refugees and integral to their overall support systems. From assisting refugees with finding employment, to learning English, and navigating the school and healthcare systems, our team is there every step of the way—with the goal of empowering them to thrive in their new home.
The success of our program participants would not be possible without the dedication of our incredible volunteers. One volunteer in particular, Honoka Oba, has gone above and beyond as a Digital Literacy volunteer by empowering refugees with the skills to navigate various digital mediums. Through our program, Honoka prepares refugees for independence by focusing on the digital skills associated with searching for employment, as well as financial management. By providing classes and resources to refugees and asylees, Honoka is addressing the gap in digital literacy skills that remains prevalent within refugee and asylee communities. Honoka leads classes for both Dari-speaking and Spanish-speaking adults in San Diego and Pittsburgh in partnership with JFCS Pittsburgh. During these classes, Honoka teaches refugees and asylees digital skills and online safety precautions that are critical for academic, professional, and personal purposes (including but not limited to scams, identity theft, fraud, viruses, malware, and cyber-bullying).
Due to Honoka’s amazing work as a Digital Literacy instructor, students enrolled in the program are actively engaged and have built their confidence in mastering digital literacy topics such as digital safety, online employment programs, learning English from home, and so much more. Honoka has truly embodied the message of Moving Forward Together by showing unparalleled dedication to strengthening digital skills in refugee and asylee communities—a skill crucial to becoming successful in the ever-changing digital landscape. Thank you, Honoka!
Jewish Family Service of San Diego’s Jack and Loraine Stern Awards are presented annually to volunteers who make a significant contribution to JFS and the communities we serve. At JFS, we recognize that the contributions of our volunteers—whether it be their time, efforts, or expertise—help make our work possible and, as such, deserve to be celebrated. Although we couldn’t be together in person to present the 2020 awards, we were able to meet virtually with each winner and hear their story! This was our opportunity to both share our gratitude and learn more about what motivates them to give back to their community. We hope you will be inspired by your fellow volunteers, who—like yourself—are making a commendable impact in our community. Click here to check out their stories!
Thank you to each and every one of our volunteers who continue to improve the lives of our clients and fellow neighbors every single day. You make a difference!
Vita Tax Preparation Volunteer: Are you looking to learn a new skill and give back in the new year? Well look no further! We are currently recruiting volunteers to provide free tax preparation assistance to members of our community. No experience necessary and training will be provided!
As a VITA Virtual Tax Preparation Volunteer, you will work one-on-one with clients over Zoom (from our campus in San Diego) to help them navigate the ins and outs of tax preparation. We will provide you with training that results in your certification as a volunteer income tax preparer. This detailed training involves a self-directed online curriculum. This is an excellent opportunity to gain skills in tax preparation while providing invaluable help to families and individuals in need of your expertise. For more information regarding the role, including the time commitment, please click here.
Desert Vista Volunteer Opportunities: Did you know that JFS provides services in the Palm Springs area? Desert Vista is a permanent supportive housing program that houses individuals, youth, and families who are chronically homeless and have a disability. Through our housing program, we provide our clients the resources they need for basic living such as furniture, blankets, kitchen utensils, and more. Along with our permanent supportive housing program, we also provide outreach services for homeless individuals and families in our community.
If you or anyone you know in the Palm Springs area is interested in volunteering, please check out the following opportunities: Desert Outreach, Donation Sort, and the Donation Pick-Up!
Volunteering Safely During the Pandemic:
Our team is closely monitoring and responding to COVID-19 updates in our County to ensure that our essential services are conducted safely for volunteers, clients, and staff. Temperature and wellness checks, PPE, and social distancing protocols are required at all times while on campus, and only essential volunteers and staff are permitted on site each day.
Travel Advisory:
On November 13th, California issued a travel advisory stating anyone traveling out of the state should self-quarantine for 14 days upon return. We are asking that volunteers follow these self-quarantine guidelines, as well. Therefore, if you are planning to travel out of state, we would ask that you wait at least 14 days before returning to an in-person volunteer role at JFS. If you have a shift already scheduled, please make any necessary changes in Galaxy Digital or by reaching out to your program’s volunteer coordinator.
Want to stay in the know about our upcoming events? Stay Connected! Did you know there’s a dedicated space on Galaxy Digital to see all of our upcoming trainings and events? We love to provide our volunteers with on-going opportunities for personal and professional development, as well as connection to our agency-wide activities. To stay up to date, click on “Events” on the side bar of your Galaxy dashboard.
In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, join Jewish Family Service of San Diego and Jewish Federation of San Diego County as we explore the unique and dynamic needs of the 500 Holocaust Survivors who call our community home. The recent pandemic and stay-at-home orders have only deepened the needs of this vulnerable population, especially as they trigger memories of isolation and helplessness. After enduring one of the darkest periods in human history, our community has a responsibility and a commitment to ensure Survivors age with dignity. Join our discussion to learn more about what we can do individually and as a community.
Calling all new volunteers!
Did you join our incredible team of change-making volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic? Are you new to JFS and craving connection with fellow volunteers and more information about our overall agency? Or are you a returning volunteer who wants to brush up on their JFS expertise? If so, you’re in luck! Our Community and Volunteer Engagement team will be hosting a live Volunteer Orientation on Wednesday, February 3rd at 2:00pm to review our JFS mission, programs, history, impact, and response to COVID-19.
If you are interested in attending, please click here to RSVP.
Carole Yellen
Senior Director
Katrina Bruins
Supervisor
Maya Allen
Coordinator
Maria Cuevas
Coordinator
Daria Tomsky
Teens & Jewish Community
Cheyenne Arroyo
Training
Tina Wehbe
Strategic Partnerships, Program Assistant
Questions? Please contact us at [email protected] or (858) 637-3050.
