Opportunities From: Shalom Austin

Patio Pals is a friendly visiting program (that can be done virtually or by phone, too) that offers companionship to socially isolated community members-typically, Adult 60+ who live alone. Patio Pal volunteers are paired up with their Pals based on shared interests (and commute time). The volunteer and the community member (or the case manager of that individual) will determine the setting and the frequency of the visits. 

Responding to this opportunity will add you to the pool of volunteers for the Patio Pals program. Once you respond to this opportunity, be on the lookout for an email from Joan. 

Mah-jongg Mavens is an on-demand mobile mah-jongg program in which volunteers facilitate the game for a resident or group of residents at different retirement living communities. Volunteers have the option of sticking to one place of residence or rotating throughout the different locations. 

Responding to this opportunity will add you to the pool of volunteers for the Mah-jongg Mavens program. Once you respond to this opportunity, be on the lookout for an email from Joan. 

Kabbalat Shabbat in Retirement Living Communities (in partnership with The Shuk) is a volunteer led program with an intergenerational focus. While a Shabbat program is provided, volunteers have the option of creating their own program that best fits their style. Kabbalat Shabbat takes place once a month and with the goal of making recurring visits at the same retirement living community. The Kabbalat Shabbat boxes are supplied (and replenished) by Shalom Austin JFS and The Shuk and contain candlesticks, candles, matches, grape juice, cups, and Shabbat program printouts.

Responding to this opportunity will add you to the pool of volunteers for the Kabbalat Shabbat program. Once you respond to this opportunity, be on the lookout for an email from Joan. 

Join our Ozrim (helpers) team and volunteer for a few hours a week or more to help teachers in a classroom. It is a very special way to contribute your time and loving arms in service to our community.

*Ozrim are never left alone with a class of children.

*All the training you need to feel comfortable in the classroom.

*Volunteers are background checked

RAISE is an employment preparation and social skills training program, through Shalom Austin JFS, for adults with disabilities who are seeking employment but face challenges finding and retaining work. Volunteer job coaches are paired with employees for a three-hour work shift, once a week. Shalom Austin JFS is currently seeking volunteer job coaches to serve as weekly coaches or to be a substitute coach on an as needed basis. To apply to be a participant or to submit a volunteer job coach interest form, please follow this link: https://shalomaustin.org/jfs-raise/

Create a Shabbat or Holiday gift box for a Jewish patient in a local hospital, retirement community residents, or servicemen/women. Every week, Rabbi Amy Cohen, Community Chaplain at Shalom Austin, visits hosptail patients and brings them a beautifully decorated Shabbat box. Additional recipients of these boxes include, Jewish soldiers, Jewish residents in retirement communities, and homebound older adults throughout Austin. This is a wonderful way for volunteers to contribute to the mitzvah of Bikur Cholim (visiting/comforting the sick) and Kehilla (community). 

The boxes and instructions for the assembly and decoration will be provided. 

This is a great idea for a B'Mitzvah project, a team building work event, and more.

Register here, and we will get you started on the next steps.