Together in Service: JFSLA Honors Volunteers
On June 11, Jewish Family Service LA hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Event at the JFS Gunther-Hirsh Family Center. The event honors outstanding volunteers and celebrates the impact JFSLA volunteers make across the agency.
“Volunteers are integral to this agency, and I hope they see JFSLA as a place that reflects their own values and where they can feel proud to be part of our mission to create a safer, kinder Los Angeles,” said Joyce Williams, JFSLA Director of Volunteers and Training. “In light of the hardships our city has experienced recently, it was especially meaningful for everyone to pause and focus on togetherness and community.”
Among the attendees was longtime volunteer and Board member Charlotte Kamenir, who, just shy of her 101st birthday, delivered a heartfelt message to this year’s honorees. Charlotte began volunteering with JFSLA in the early 1980s as a social work assistant. Her decades of frontline service and leadership exemplify the profound impact of volunteerism. The Charlotte Kamenir Volunteer of Distinction Award, one of the honors presented at the event, was created to honor Charlotte’s legacy.
“Charlotte Kamenir is always a highlight,” said Joyce. “Her volunteer story serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful impact often starts with just one act of kindness.” Charlotte received a standing ovation and congratulated all the honorees before presenting the honor to Emily Brennen-Lord.
In a full-circle moment, Emily has stepped into the same role Charlotte once held as a JFSLA social work assistant. Emily supports older adults at the West Hollywood Comprehensive Service Center by assisting them with essential services, including applications for Medicare, CalFresh, and other government benefits. Emily is also a JFSLA Volunteer Ambassador, helping to raise awareness about our services through community outreach.
“When I found out I was being recognized, I was truly speechless. Recognition was never something I expected. It is not why I volunteer,” said Emily Brennen-Lord. “But after learning about the significance of the award, and then meeting Charlotte Kamenir, I understood how meaningful this honor really is. Charlotte is an inspiration, and I hope to carry forward the spirit of her work.”
The Leadership Award was presented to Helene Altman, who has volunteered with JFSLA’s SOVA Community Food & Resource Program’s Valley food pantry for over a decade. She helps pack and distribute food and finds joy in connecting with clients and working alongside dedicated fellow volunteers. In 2018, Helene expanded her involvement by joining JFSLA’s Special Needs Life Skills Program, which she discovered through her work with SOVA. She now supports both in-person and virtual activities, joins participants on day trips, and contributes to the Supported Volunteer Program, a vocational initiative for individuals with special needs and disabilities. Helene is also part of JFSLA’s Volunteer Ambassador Program and will be volunteering for JFS Hope.
“It was such a memorable day. Honestly, it felt a bit surreal,” said Helene Altman.
The Special Recognition Award was presented to Caroline Nagy, a dedicated volunteer with the SOVA Community Food & Resource Program’s pop-up pantry for unhoused clients at Plummer Park in West Hollywood. Starting as a volunteer in 2022, Caroline has been a warm and welcoming presence, helping the site evolve into a safe, supportive space for individuals experiencing homelessness. What began as a small effort serving 6 to 8 participants has grown to reach nearly 50 people each week. In addition to her work at the pop-up, Caroline has also volunteered at JFSLA’s senior meal sites and the SOVA West Food Pantry.
“I was raised in a Catholic home by parents who embraced an interfaith view of humanity. The message ‘Love One Another’ was instilled in me early on, and it continues to guide me,” said Caroline. “Volunteering at JFSLA’s SOVA pantry is a constant reminder of how deeply connected we are in this community, and how important it is to care for, support, and truly love one another.”
The event ended on a high note, celebrating the power of community in action. Volunteers had the opportunity to learn more about JFSLA’s wide range of programs and connect with staff and Board members who share their passion for service. As more Angelenos face rising costs, housing instability, and potential cuts to vital services, the need for volunteers continues to grow.
“Throughout the event, I kept thinking about how inspiring and humble our volunteers are,” Joyce shared. “They downplay all they do, but their impact is undeniable. It reminded me of the Margaret Mead quote: ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.’”
