Volunteers Uplift the Los Angeles Community
By Joyce Williams, JFSLA Director of Volunteers & Training
Jewish Family Service LA (JFSLA) has been a cornerstone of support for individuals and families across Los Angeles for over 170 years. A key part of this impact is the family of JFSLA volunteers—compassionate, dedicated individuals who bring their time, energy, and unique talents to every corner of the organization.
Whether serving meals and offering companionship to seniors, teaching activities at senior centers, assisting families in domestic violence shelters, supporting clients at SOVA food pantries, or helping deliver essential social services, volunteers are vital to JFSLA’s work.
Volunteers are often the first point of contact for someone facing challenges—whether it’s a reassuring voice on JFS Hope’s domestic violence crisis line or a welcoming face at a SOVA food pantry. Volunteers help build trust, provide comfort, and often create the connections that bring people back, or inspire them to share our services with others. Many also speak other languages, such as Russian or Spanish, which help bridge communication gaps and make our services more accessible. With the aid of volunteers, we’re able to expand our services. At our senior and multipurpose centers, volunteers help lead activities like knitting, tech help, and group discussions—activities that would not otherwise be possible. In February alone, JFSLA volunteers contributed over 2,800 service hours—equivalent to nearly 17 full-time staff members.
There are countless examples of volunteers making a difference. One inspiring example is Melanie Nikravesh, who began volunteering in 2014 and quickly became a regular Sunday volunteer at the SOVA West food pantry. Over the years, she’s formed meaningful connections with clients and has become a familiar, friendly face. Her kindness hasn’t gone unnoticed—she’s received thank-you cards, small gifts, and heartfelt stories from clients who were able to host holiday dinners thanks to SOVA’s food support. Small, consistent acts of kindness truly leave a lasting impact.
While every volunteer role is important, programs like Telechek and CONNECT depend especially on their support. These volunteers work mostly with seniors, many of whom are isolated and deeply appreciate the connection. Telechek volunteers make regular phone calls to check in with seniors—sometimes offering the only conversation a client has all day. If concerns come up, they’re shared with social workers for follow-up. CONNECT volunteers help seniors with errands like medical appointments, grocery shopping, or offering friendly visits. For seniors facing loneliness, these simple acts can make a life-changing difference.
Volunteering doesn’t just benefit the community—it also enriches the lives of those who serve. Many volunteers report personal growth, from learning new skills to building greater empathy and patience. A UCLA student who volunteered at a senior meal site shared, “I learned to slow down, listen, and respect the independence of the seniors. Just showing up each week made a real difference.”
Volunteers also build meaningful relationships with each other. Many form friendships that extend beyond their shifts. For retirees or those between jobs, volunteering can bring structure, purpose, and a renewed sense of belonging.
JFSLA offers volunteer opportunities to fit different interests, schedules, and skills. Remote roles like Telechek let you volunteer from home, while in-person activities like food distribution and senior meal services are also available. Creative volunteers can lead arts and crafts classes or provide tech support at our senior and multipurpose centers. The CONNECT program is great for building one-on-one relationships with seniors, and there are also volunteer roles for short-term events or holiday programs that are perfect for those with limited time. JFSLA helps match each volunteer with the right role based on their availability and interests.
JFSLA volunteers inspire us every day. Their kindness helps us support more people and make a real difference across Los Angeles. As we look to the future, volunteers will continue to play a vital role in our work.
If you’re interested in volunteering, visit jfsla.org/volunteer to begin your application. We’re currently looking for volunteers for programs like CONNECT, gym attendants, and senior meal sites.
