Connecting Communities. Together.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are a vital part of how we support our clients. Find opportunities to assist those in our community who need a helping hand.

Home » Ways To Help » Volunteer
Volunteer

Help Us Help Others

Volunteers are a vital part of how JFS supports our clients. By giving their time, energy and experience, JFS volunteers provide a helping hand to our staff, isolated seniors and others in our community who may be struggling with difficult circumstances. Our volunteers make such a difference and we recognize the tremendous value that volunteers bring to our community. We also recognize the wonderful feeling that we all get from helping others. Together, we can help you connect to your community.
How to Serve

Volunteer Opportunities

Last year, 191 people volunteered on behalf of Jewish Family Service. Many volunteer opportunities exist so that you can find something that interests you and fits your schedule. We have opportunities that are bi-weekly, monthly or even just once a year.

Helping Hands Program

Offer companionship to home-bound older adults and people with disabilities The goal is to help those who feel isolated enjoy friendship and independent living as long as possible. Volunteer background checks required.

Volunteer

Contact Jamie Maresca to sign-up.

(615) 354-1686 | helpinghands@jfsnashville.org

Chaver Mentor Program

Act as on-going Jewish role model in a child’s life. The Chaver (friend) Mentor program matches an adult with a young person being raised in a non-traditional Jewish home who could use extra support. Volunteer background checks required.

Volunteer
Contact Ashley Franklin to sign-up.

(615) 354-1662 | ashleyfranklin@jfsnashville.org

Hanukkah Gift Program

We need gifts for families in need of extra assistance at Hanukkah so that they are able to celebrate the holiday with dignity. JFS-qualified families submit a wish list of gifts they know their children want or need, and you help us fulfill. Donors and recipients are anonymous.

Volunteer

Contact Contact Toni Jacobsen to sign-up.

(615) 354-1672 | tonijacobsen@jfsnashville.org

Cyber Seniors

Use your computer savvy to help older adults with basic tech assistance.  While this program isn’t a substitue for skilled technical support, you will empower others and enhance the simple ways to remain connected in the 21st century. Volunteer background checks required.

Volunteer

Contact Jamie Maresca to sign-up.

(615) 354-1686 | helpinghands@jfsnashville.org

6

Jacobs Ladder

Can you help older adults perform small tasks that require a ladder (such as changing a light bulb or replacing a smoke detector battery)? We need volunteers who are able to tackle household chores that are just out of reach. Volunteer background checks are required.

Volunteer

Contact Jamie Maresca to sign-up.

(615) 354-1686 | helpinghands@jfsnashville.org

Agency Support

From basic administration skills to legal expertise, it takes a diverse set of professional abilities to keep the JFS office operating. Choose to be a regular contributor or available on-call as needed. No matter your gift, we’ll plug you in to a project suited just for you.

Volunteer
Contact Janet Parr to sign-up.

(615) 356-4234 | info@jfsnashville.org

School Supply Program

Arm Nashville-area kids with enough school supplies to get them through the year and ease the family burden that comes with having to purchase all their student needs to thrive. All donors and recipients are anonymous.

Volunteer
Contact Contact Toni Jacobsen to sign-up.

(615) 354-1672 | tonijacobsen@jfsnashville.org

Religious Programming

Many older adults in assisted living facilities are unable to travel to synagogue or the GJCC for Shabbat services and other Jewish holidays. We need your help in bringing Jewish life, traditions, and experiences directly to them.

Volunteer

Contact Jamie Maresca to sign-up.

(615) 354-1686 | helpinghands@jfsnashville.org

All Services

Our comprehensive social services and programs are designed to enrich the whole person, enhance the whole family, and empower the whole community–no matter your age, race, religion, preference, identity, economic standing, or otherwise.

Explore All →

Counseling Services

Life can be challenging, relationships can be hard, and you may need the extra support that comes with working with a therapist. Our licensed social workers offer counseling for individuals, couples, and families, as well as for children and adolescents.

Individuals  |  Couples  |  Families   |  Children & Teens

Explore All →

Adoption Services

Choosing to adopt a child, or to place a child for adoption, is a life-altering decision. We are a licensed child-placing agency in Tennessee with more than 40 years of experience in adoption services in Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

Birth Parents  |  Adoptive Parents  |  LGBTQ+ Adoptions

Explore All →

Food & Financial Support

Whether you need emergency financial assistance, such as help paying a utility bill or rent for the month, or material assistance by ensuring your children have gifts at the holidays, school supplies, or food supplements, Jewish Family Service offers this critical assistance in a confidential, compassionate manner.

Explore →

Older Adult Programs & Services

We recognize that older adults are true treasures, and we strive to create and maintain a community that values and celebrates them for their wisdom, contributions, and experiences. Our programs and services are an important outlet for our older adults, encouraging them to be social and stimulated.

Explore →

Family & Community Enrichment

Life can be challenging, and knowledge is power. The Jewish Family Service’s Family and Community Enrichment programs serve to empower, protect, and address the ever-changing needs of the entire Nashville community.

Explore →

Who We Are

Passionate providers of comprehensive social services, we are advocates, allies, educators, cheerleaders, and guides who create solutions to problems facing families and individuals of all ages.

More About Us →

jfs-nashville-about-us-thumbnail-2024Our Staff

We are a team of experienced professionals dedicated to treating each person with compassion, care and dignity.

Meet the Team →

jfs-nashville-board-of-directors-thumbnail-2024Board of Directors

A group of people with different backgrounds and perspectives who come together to help Jewish Family Service fulfill its mission and expand its reach.

Meet Our Leadership Team →

Our Impact

We serve the people of Nashville and Middle Tennessee in many different ways. Here are a few of the human stories where JFS programs have made a tangible difference in people’s daily lives.

Read Our Stories →

Items That Tell a Story

We’ve compiled a selection of items that we use frequently at JFS – in some cases every day.

 Check Out the Items →

Ways To Help

The number of ways in which you can help support individuals and families navigate life’s transitions are endless.

Explore All →

Volunteer

Volunteers are a vital part of how we support our clients. Find opportunities to assist those in our community who need a helping hand.

Get Involved →

Make a Donation

Since our founding in 1853, the generous support of our community has made the work of Jewish Family Service possible.

Donate Now →

JFS Central

Press coverage about JFS Nashville’s programing and services, learn about the history of the agency from our past newsletters, and enjoy reading original JFS content like our signature advice column, “Dear Esther.” Stay up to date with the impact we’re making throughout our community.

Explore →

Events & Gatherings

Check out the full calendar of upcoming JFS Nashville events. From community education, support groups, and special engagements alike, find out where you can show up and get connected.

See what’s Going On →

Information & Referral Resources

Connect with our community partners. Our information and referral directory includes local and national resources that can provide additional support for addiction, mental health, and more.

Explore All →

Mental Health Matters

Mental Health Matters is a JFS series that was designed to reduce the stigma of mental health issues by providing education, increasing awareness, and inclusivity. Check out our ongoing resources and past programming.

Check it Out →

Senior Services Directory

Need to know which pharmacies deliver? How to get a ride somewhere? Volunteer opportunities? The senior directory is the go-to resource for anything seniors might need related to the community.

Explore →

Contact Us

How can we help? Send us a message, give us a call, or find us on social media. We usually respond within 1-2 business days.

Get In touch →