March Volunteer of the Month
Terry L., March Volunteer of the Month.
We are excited to introduce Terry L., our March Volunteer of the Month. Terry volunteers to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Staff member Alexa F. and the entire disabilities team nominated Terry, sharing, "Terry is a new but extraordinarily impactful volunteer for all of our Disability Services programs. Terry is always ready to help in any way she is needed. She has been a buddy to some of our JDA Best Buddies group who attend programs without buddies, walking and talking with them at the Boulder Jewish Festival, the Disability Month Celebration, and at the Phamaly Theater production of 'A Chorus Line.' She has quickly made an impact on ACE as well. She is kind, compassionate, and warm to all of our group, and is always prepared with nametags."
Read more about Terry's volunteer impact below:
Q: Tell us about yourself and your background.
TL: I grew up in New York City in a Conservative Jewish home. I became an "army brat" for 5 years and traveled with my family when my father was stationed in Europe during the 1950s before returning to NY. After marrying, my late husband and I spent 30 years on Long Island and then 6 years in California. I've been in Colorado for 24 years. Two of my children live here and one daughter remained in NYC. I have three grandsons, ages 18 – 25. I was a mainframe computer programmer for about 15 years at a time of transition to PCs. Volunteering has long been part of my activities, whether with art museums, religious organizations, or other civic associations.
Q: What volunteer role do you have with JFS, and what roles have you had with JFS?
TL: In my short time with JFS, I've assisted with the ACE, Best Buddies, Job Fair, and vocational programs. I'd be hard-pressed to pick a favorite, as they have all been rewarding and enjoyable.
Q: What motivated you to begin volunteering with JFS?
TL: As a retired, widowed senior who recently downsized from a large home and yard, I was deeply concerned about the phenomenon of "closing doors" at this point in my life. Approximately 2 years ago, I decided to return to active volunteering, which had brought me so much pleasure in the past. As my familiarity with JFS had only involved donations to the Food Pantry, I did some research into its other services, called them directly, and requested an interview. Not only did the variety of program and volunteer opportunities amaze me, the friendliness, enthusiasm, and encouragement that I encountered convinced me that I had found an organization with so many "open doors" that I felt committed to its mission.
Q: What's your favorite part about volunteering with JFS, and how has being a JFS volunteer impacted your life?
TL: The best part of working with JFS has been the opportunities to meet, greet, and work with the dedicated JFS staff, its warm and welcoming participants, their devoted families, and the many "strangers" I've encountered. Volunteering with JFS has helped to fill numerous empty spaces on my "life calendar" with purpose, variety, joy, and so much satisfaction.
Q: Do you have a memorable story about your JFS volunteer experience to share? If so, please share below.
TL: About one month ago, one of the young women in the ACE program told me that her birthday would be celebrated in February, and I was invited to attend the ACE celebration. After an especially warm welcome from the ACE staff, participants, and "birthday girl," my happiness was beyond measure. I also had the opportunity to attend a performance of "A Chorus Line" with the Best Buddies program, performed by the Phamaly ensemble. Not only does the show itself address the many challenges faced by the characters auditioning before the show's director, it was performed by a troop, each of whom is facing their own personal challenges, and I was accompanied by a group facing its own individual challenges. Perhaps this is the consolidation of life itself.
Q: What would you say to someone considering volunteering with JFS?
TL: JFS has been welcoming, inclusive, and so appreciative of its volunteers. The quality and variety of its programs are truly outstanding. I look forward to each and every program in which I can participate and believe that anyone interested in doing the same will find great personal satisfaction and reward.
Are you interested in volunteering? Learn more and sign up today.