This month, we’re excited to spotlight our Volunteer Services department. We sat down with JFS Volunteer Services Manager Marissa Greene to learn about this remarkable team and their work throughout JFS and our communities.

Q:  Tell us about your program.

MG:  JFS’s Volunteer Services engages volunteers in the work of staff and JFS as a whole and provides hands-on care and compassion to vulnerable clients—children, adults, and families. Volunteer Services develops meaningful volunteer opportunities, recruits and trains volunteers, and ensures carefully considered, high-quality volunteer experiences for community members.

The Volunteer Services mission brings support, care, and assistance to JFS clients, staff, and the community through volunteer services. We:

• Work with staff to determine the needs for volunteer involvement.

• Provide support to volunteers who work with and enhance staff achievements.

• Assure high-quality work. 

Q:  What impact does your program make?

MG:  There are three main areas of impact through JFS’s Volunteer Services—community-wide, clients, and staff. Where there are limited resources, volunteers maximize time, compassion, and support.

Community-wide: Volunteer Services is a vehicle for community members to give back and make a difference in people’s lives in the Denver and Boulder areas. Volunteers help spread the word about the critical work being done at JFS.

Clients: JFS’s Volunteer Services matches volunteers with volunteer opportunities that support the mission of JFS to fulfill client needs and improve lives. 

Staff: Volunteers provide skills, experience, and knowledge to support the work of staff, their programs, and services.

Last year, 872 JFS volunteers donated their time, which equaled 21,672 hours of service to help in all areas of the organization—and we could not be more thankful for their efforts! 

Q:  What is the team working on now?

MG:  From friendly visitors to the food pantry crew to food delivery and so much more, Volunteer Services provides skilled volunteers to support the 32+ programs that help individuals and families in need throughout Colorado.

Volunteer Services is working to expand meaningful volunteer opportunities that support the increased number of clients being served within all JFS programs. If you are interested in learning how to get involved, go to or contact volunteer@jewishfamilyservice.org.

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. While we are grateful for volunteers all year round, April is a special time dedicated to demonstrating JFS’s appreciation of the contributions of volunteers. We hosted a special event to honor our volunteers and are planning small gestures to show appreciation and gratitude. These programs will highlight the important work of JFS’s volunteers and staff.

Q:  What’s a fun fact about your team?

MG:  We're all moms, in different stages of parenthood. We all dress alike and don't plan it but sometimes have twinning outfits.

If you would like to use your strengths to make a difference inside of JFS and throughout your community, step up and find ways to make life better for those who rely on JFS, and help us adapt to meet the needs of those facing hardships and challenges, we are positive we have an opportunity for you. Learn more about individual, family, and group volunteer positions and apply today!