Blog

We are excited to introduce our December Volunteer of the Month, Alan Y., who volunteers with our adaptive bike program during the summer months, helping people with disabilities increase mobility, enjoy the benefits of improved physical and mental health, build social connections, work on bike and safety skills and have fun in their community. When not volunteering as an adaptive bike companion, Alan volunteers at JFS Altius Farms and with our Arts and Community Exploration program, helping with honey bottling.

The end of the year can be difficult, from holiday stress and mixed emotions, to dwindling daylight and cold nights. Many of us struggle to be kind to ourselves in the best of times, let alone when we’re facing extra stressors, but learning to be kind to ourselves is one of the best tools for building our resilience and overall wellbeing. 

This month, we’re excited to spotlight our JFS Boulder program. We sat down with Melissa Mascareñas, Director of JFS Boulder, to learn about this remarkable team and their work throughout JFS and our communities.

Together, we made a difference in the communities we serve this Thanksgiving! Thanks to our partners, volunteers, donors, and staff, we shared the warmth of the holiday with our neighbors who might otherwise not enjoy a traditional meal, including homebound older adults. 

Our JFS Boulder team is committed to helping those in need throughout our community. Every day, Stuart Feinhor, MA, MAHL, MFA, Programs Coordinator, Care Manager fills an important gap in providing services to help our clients, like Mary Beth, become connected, self-sufficient, and thrive. 

The JFS disability benefits counseling services offers a personalized approach to helping individuals with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance navigate government-funded programs. The process can be tricky, but this service provides relief for clients like Mark who need assistance. 

Volunteer of the Month, Edie W.

We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Ridwell to access gently used items such as pots and pans, dishes, winter jackets and more for our resettlement clients.

This month, we’re excited to spotlight our Jay and Rose Phillips Aging Care & Connection (ACC) department. We sat down with JFS Director of Aging Care & Connections Rachel Rotach to learn about this remarkable team and their work throughout JFS and our communities.

Not a day goes by without our JFS volunteers making a difference throughout the Boulder area. Their impact is especially significant during times such as the High Holidays when our older adult neighbors may need a reminder that being a part of a community means that people come together to show they care.