We are excited to introduce our September Volunteer of the Month, Ellen S., who volunteers as a Community Table Lunch Companion, helping provide nutritious lunches to older adults who benefit from sharing a community meal with their peers.

Staff member’s shared:

“Ellen works so hard and is so knowledgeable about the Community Table Program. She shows up with a smile and is always jumping to help someone. She knows the clients of the program and makes conversation with everyone. She helps train new volunteers and always makes sure that everyone is served with dignity and kindness.”

Read more about Ellen's volunteer impact below: 

Q: Tell us about yourself and your background.

ES: I have had some great family and career moments. I am married going on 50 years, have two great daughters and son-in-laws and four grandkids who are the best! I have been a newspaper reporter covering some major events, had a business in creative copy and printing then took over our family business learning new skills in the insurance medical examining field. Bought a second beach rental place on the Gulf and Retired in 2020 . Now enjoy travel, hiking, reading, theatre, babysitting, working at preschool when a sub is needed and spending time at our beach home away from home.

Q: What volunteer role(s) do you have with JFS, and what roles have you had with JFS?

ES: I have volunteered at the JFS pantry , delivered lunch, and now most often serving senior lunch at the Jewish Community Center (JCC).

Q: What motivated you to begin volunteering with JFS, and how long have you been volunteering with JFS?

ES: Love interacting with people and wanted to be connected to the Jewish community in some way to help.

Q: What's your favorite part about volunteering with JFS, and how has being a JFS volunteer impacted your life?

ES: Love talking to the seniors that I know by name that regularly come about many things including gardening, politics, food, travel and mahjong and they know me as well by name.

Q: Do you have a memorable story about your JFS volunteer experience to share? If so, please share below.

ES: One of the sweet seniors invited me to help fill a foursome in their mahjong game so I stayed for a few hours after we finished lunch! Another brought me seeds for my garden and a vase with flowers.

Q: What would you say to someone considering volunteering with JFS?

ES: It is a very rewarding and enjoyable experience to bring a smile to someone's face as well as your own.

Q: Anything else you want to share?

ES: I love working with Molly who always has a smile is a great ambassador of JFS . Also fun with the other volunteers you get to know.

Are you interested in volunteering? Learn more and sign up today.