-- Volunteers --

Boost your “Feel Good” Hormone:

Volunteer at The William Breman Jewish Home

Here’s a little something you may not know: Researchers have discovered that someone who does something nice for someone else (aka “a mitzvah”) experiences a rise in the level of serotonin in their system.  Get it? It’s not just limited to the person on the receiving end. 

Take a few hours out of your busy schedule and offer your TIME, TALENTS and FRIENDLY FACE to our valued and deserving residents at The Jewish Home!  It won’t cost you a penny, but it will be worth millions!

We have time slots to fit even the busiest schedules. Plus, you don’t need

a special degree or certificate to volunteer. Just a lot of enthusiasm and

a desire to help.

OPPORTUNITIES:

Auxiliary Member – The Auxiliary is committed to enhancing the lives of the residents of the Home. Members of the Auxiliary provide “hands-on” assistance at numerous resident activities, conduct special programs for the residents, and organize major fundraising activities to benefit the Home.

Friendly Visitor – Become a friend to an elderly resident. Spend time making someone smile by: visiting their room, playing cards and other games, reading, writing letters, or taking strolls together in our courtyard.  Make a friend and enrich their lives. (Weekdays, Evenings or Weekends)

Cultural Arts – Do you have a special talent you’d like to share?  We are always seeking singers, dancers, musicians, storytellers, etc.

(Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends)

Recreational Activities – Assist with or run recreational activities for our residents, including programs in music, dance, exercise, sports, games, entertainment, discussion groups or crafts.  Just name it - they’d enjoy it! (Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends)

Adopt a Grandparent – Parents and their children befriend a senior at The Jewish Home and do activities together such as reading, art, storytelling, crafts, etc. Having this one-on-one quality time together makes it a win-win for everyone!  (Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends)

Manicurists – Volunteers give manicures to seniors while making friendly conversation (Wednesday and Thursday mornings 10-12 noon)

Ceramics – Help residents make/paint ceramics.  (Monday afternoons)

Music & Cocktails – Volunteers enjoy festive cabaret style entertainment with residents, socialize and serve refreshments. Families’ welcome. Wheelchair assistance is needed to and from the auditorium or the courtyard.

(Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:00pm-4:30pm)

Monthly Birthday Party – Wheelchair assistance, plus enjoy lively entertainment in the auditorium. Socialize, dance and serve refreshments, including birthday cake. Families are always welcome!

(Last Tuesday of the month at 3:00pm)                  

Friday Evening or Saturday Morning Shabbat Services – Help our residents welcome the Sabbath by escorting them to services, assisting during the service and during the Oneg, singing and serving snacks following the service.

(Friday evening at Zaban Tower, Saturday morning in the Chapel)

A Taste of Shabbat – Help lead an interactive Shabbat experience in the auditorium. We welcome people with creative ideas and musical instruments. The program includes an Oneg and sing-a-long. Volunteers also needed to provide wheelchair assistance and to socialize with residents. (Every other Saturday afternoon 3:00pm-4:30pm)

Special Events – Celebrate the holidays. Come alone, bring your family or a group. Sing holiday songs and/or bring a smile. No prior experience necessary! Just give us a call.  (Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends)

Juice Cart – Provide juices and socialization to the residents on each floor. Pay friendly visits while serving snacks to everyone.

(Monday-Friday, 10:00-12 noon)

“Tea Time” – Provide coffee, tea and snacks to the residents in our Garden Room. A perfect opportunity for some social time!

(Monday-Friday, 3:00pm-4:30pm)

Challah Braiding - Help our residents braid the traditional Jewish bread, which is eaten on the Jewish Sabbath and holidays. 

(Fridays at 2:30pm)

Cookie Baking is on Tuesdays at 10:30am

Simcha Club - Transport residents to and from rooms, and help keep residents engaged in games. Enjoy the camaraderie during the activity.

(Wednesday AMs, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday @ 3pm)

Computer Advisors  – Assist residents in computer and database needs including skype.. Basic computer, Email and Internet literacy are needed.(Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends)

 Gardening – Got a green thumb? Start a horticultural therapy project in the Home. (Weekdays and Weekends)

Bowling – Help set up the bowling game, escort residents to and from bowling area. Have fun!  (Weekdays and Weekends)

Bingo – Got a loud voice? Call the numbers or help residents move the markers on their boards.  It’s FUN entertainment for families and other groups.

It’s our favorite game!  (Wednesday Evenings and Sundays at 3pm)

Games – Run or assist with a weekly card or board game with a small group

of residents (Poker, Gin Rummy, Bridge, Scrabble, Mah Jongg, etc)

(Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends)

Do you speak a bissel of Yiddish? A little Hebrew or Russian?

Seeking Yiddish, Hebrew and Russian speakers to kibbitz with our residents, who enjoy a conversation in their mother tongue. Pick a mutually convenient time and come on over!

Art Therapy – Calling all artists! Do you have a creative skill you’d like to share with our residents?  Pick a date/time and we’ll make it happen!

Traditions – Come in and talk about Jewish holidays, rituals, history, etc.

Bring ritual items and other visuals, music, videos, etc.

Playgroup with a Purpose – Once a month, we get to “play with the babies”.  Everyone loves watching our young friends while they are entertained with songs and toys. After the sing-along, we share snacks, give out hugs and have friendly visits with the residents.

Pet Therapy – Do you have a family dog that loves people? Our residents miss the pets they once had. A “pet visit” works wonders for our residents, you and your pet as well.   (Weekdays and Weekends)

Please call Volunteer Services Office: 404-351-8410 ext. 246 or email volunteer@wbjhome.org

ZabanTower Volunteer Opportunities

There are also opportunities to volunteer with residents that live on both the independent and on the Assisted Living floors of The Zaban Tower.  Here is a list of activities that we offer or you can create your activity using a favorite hobby or special event for our residents!

___ Visit with residents and give a hand massage, nail care or manicure

        (Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

___ Lead a men’s group

___ Assist with a bowling game

___ Lead a trivia/discussion group

___ Read aloud stories or poems

___ Lead a word games group

___ Lead a news discussion group

___ Assist with Friday Shabbat services (Resident lead, 5 p.m. Friday)

___ Animal visits

___ Escort residents to and from The Jewish Home events

___ Call BINGO (3 p.m. Friday or set your own time)

___ Lead Cooking & Baking Group

NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities) Volunteer Opportunities

Seniors overwhelmingly say they want to live in their own homes and communities for the remainder of their lives. NORC meets the community needs in a cost effective way to support adults 65+ who want to remain independent and age in place.

Working with neighborhood local programs, NORC offers a variety of services to their members:

• Nutrition and Preventive Health Programs
• Cultural and Educational Programs
• Social Programs - Game Day, Art and Music Classes
• Exercise/Fitness Classes
• Monthly Luncheons
• Yard Work
• Minor Home Repair
• Monthly Luncheons

Volunteers are needed to help with computer useage and troubleshooting, leading discussions / classes, hosting Game Day and luncheons, plus much more!