Celebrating the Power of Volunteer Ambassadors

By Joyce M. Williams
Director of Volunteers & Training

Happy Volunteer Appreciation Month! At Jewish Family Service LA, we are deeply grateful for the hundreds of volunteers who support our work across Los Angeles. Their dedication fuels programs that are vital to the well-being of our community. In fact, on average, our volunteers contribute the equivalent of 16 full-time staff every month—an extraordinary testament to their commitment and impact.

A little over a year ago, we launched an exciting extension of this work: the Volunteer Ambassadors program. Designed to expand awareness of JFSLA’s mission, services, and impact, this group helps us show up in places we otherwise couldn’t. From school and synagogue fairs to community events, health fairs, and days of service—often in the evenings and on weekends—our Ambassadors ensure that more Angelenos can learn about who we are and how we serve.

Since March 2025, our Ambassadors have represented
JFSLA at 15 events, with more on the horizon.
At each one, they are connecting people to critical
services, inspiring new volunteers, and
strengthening our presence in the community.

Our 13 Ambassadors were thoughtfully selected from among our most experienced and dedicated volunteers. They represent a wide range of JFSLA programs and bring both knowledge and passion to their role. After being trained in our history, services, and values, they are prepared to speak not only about volunteer opportunities, but also about the breadth of support JFSLA provides across the city.

What makes this program especially powerful is the perspective our Ambassadors bring. While I can speak to the importance of volunteering, there is nothing more compelling than hearing directly from someone on the front lines—someone who welcomes clients at a meal site, supports older adults at a senior center, or has chosen to return week after week because of the impact they see firsthand. Their stories resonate in a way that inspires others to get involved.

They also go above and beyond in ways that often go unseen. Our Ambassadors coordinate logistics, transport materials, set up and break down event tables, and adapt to whatever challenges arise—whether that means navigating long distances from parking lots or managing outdoor conditions. At one event, they even helped redirect surplus food to our SOVA food pantry, turning an unexpected moment into meaningful support for our clients.

While we don’t always see immediate outcomes, we know the ripple effect is real—like the volunteer who discovered JFSLA at a community event and is now serving weekly at SOVA.

On a personal level, this program has been especially meaningful to me. With more than 600 volunteers across the agency, I don’t always have the opportunity to connect with everyone directly. The Ambassador program has allowed me to build relationships with some of our most dedicated volunteers and see firsthand why they are so valued by staff and clients alike.

I am continually inspired by their passion and their commitment to improving the lives of Angelenos. They embody our values not only during their volunteer shifts, but in every interaction they have on behalf of JFSLA. They have also helped us grow, offering thoughtful feedback on how we can better engage the community and strengthen our outreach.

I would be remiss not to highlight a few individuals who have gone above and beyond. Michael Ullman of SOVA Van Nuys once personally transported a car full of donated groceries to ensure they reached those in need. Emily Brennen Lord has been a consistent and knowledgeable presence at community events in West Hollywood, drawing on her experience as a volunteer at our West Hollywood Comprehensive Service Center. Their dedication reflects the very best of what this program represents.

As we continue to grow, we are eager to expand our reach—particularly in the Valley and West Los Angeles. If you know of community events where JFSLA could have a presence, I would love to hear from you. Whether at a synagogue, church, college, or neighborhood gathering, these opportunities allow us to share our work and connect with those who may benefit from or contribute to our services.

To our Volunteer Ambassadors—and to all our volunteers—thank you. You are truly the heart of JFSLA.