Had a dr appt. scheduled for 11/17, which is tomorrow. Working with them to get a ride. Never heard anything back from them. Left messages 3 times week asking to please call me back. No one did. Had to cancel my appt.
I started volunteering in Port Jervis 6 years ago, and it has been the most beautiful experience for me. I've always been very dedicated naturally, so to find a program that could emulate my interests was amazing. Doing the simple things that other people find difficult (shopping, driving, doctors office...) makes it a beautiful experience. I was able to bring celebrations such as birthday clubs and holiday events to the elderly. This brought joy to these people.
I have found that by giving to the community, I get the most satisfaction back. My experience has been watching the forlorn faces suddenly turn to laughter. Very rewarding for me.
As a 911 survivor I had ti give back to all of the wonderful people and that recipient would be my community. It is so rewarding to give from the heart my precious time to others that are in need. It is a delight, I meet wonderful people, go places new and learn everyday something new.
JFS has helped me help others in a way I could never do without them. This organization has such special people as staff and as volunteers. They give to the community in so many ways.
My original reason for joining was that my wife wanted me out the house. I have found that volunteering and helping others has enriched my life by my communicating with others about their lives and needs. I hope that when it comes my time, I hope that a program like this will be available to me.
As a board member I have been able to see first hand the good work JFS does. I've had many people ask me how to get help from the agency knowing my involvement. We enjoy an exemplary reputation.
I have served on the Board of Jewish Family Service for 17 years. JFS started as a committee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County. We extend a helping hand to all residents of Orange County regardless of religious affiliation. Our programs include affordable counseling, case management for developmentally delayed, case management that finds services to meet the needs of seniors who wish to stay in their homes, friendly visits and reassurance telephone calls, the Roots program for Developmentally Delayed adults, a summer camp and family activities for Jewish special needs children, providing transportation to people so they can get to their medical appointments and too many other programs to list. The services are provided by a dedicated group of staff and volunteers and fill an important role in our community. I am proud to be a part of this wonderful organization.
JFS was the most inviting and wonderful place to volunteer. As a retiree, I was able to provide transportation for many seniors who needed to get to doctors' appointments. I was also able to participate in the Friendly Visitor Program, wherein I spent several hours each week with a senior. We often went shopping, got our nails done, had lunch: all sorts of fun things. As I result I continue to be in close contact with "my senior" and her family, often attending church with them. All the staff were always welcoming and the office atmosphere was wonderful. after volunteering in the office, I was able to use my curriculum development skills to write the volunteer training program for Friendly Visitor Services.
I am relatively new to JFS but have been involved in a number of other nonprofits and community service organizations over the years. The competence and administrative efficiency of this agency is impressive. The range and depth of the services they provide is inspiring. The biggest hurdle that I see for JFS right now is that not enough people know that the life-enhancing care that they offer is just a phone call away. It's a privilege to be associated with JFS; they bring light to despair.
My children and I have volunteered for the Roots program and found it unbelievably rewarding. It is great seeing how the participants find such joy in their projects and how they love interacting with the volunteers. The staff at JFS is very dedicated to their jobs and to their community. Orange County New York is lucky to have such an organization.
I have been involved with Jewish Family Service for the past 7 years. I had been the only caretaker for my elderly parents after moving them up to Orange County so I could be near them. As they became older, and more needy, it was difficult for me to continue to bring them to Dr. appointments and do weekly shopping for them , as I worked full time. I found Jewish Family Service.! They stepped in and drove both parents to their Dr appointments; did their weekly shopping, and became a friendly visitor. I was so grateful for their help, I now had time to take care of my own needs. As a result, I became a volunteer and then a donor. I am still involved with Jewish Family Service, and always give thanks to all the wonderful volunteers I have come across. This review gives me a chance to thank all those involved.
After major surgery last year the Town of Newburgh Seniors program, administered by JFS provided support - even someone shopped for my groceries. And yes, I felt a great sense of respect from the volunteers. No one treated me as 'needy' - even though they were meeting my needs. Thanks Jewish Family Services.
I have transported some elderly to doctor's appoitments. These people have all been so grateful for the ride and the company and warmly expressed their thankfulness to me and to JFS for the service. All have said, " I don't know what I'd do without your help."
I hear SO many great stories around Ornage County regarding ALL JFS does for the community. I am a friendly visitor volunteer and really enjoy each elderly person I make visits to. I am currently visiting a young 94 year old who is a pleasure to be with and has all of his mental faculties so I have great conversations with him. He feels greatful as well that we were paired up !
Jewish Family Service is staffed with really competent and compassionate individuals who are constantly looking to help people with all kinds of needs: developmentally disabled adults, seniors, shut-ins, children with special needs, families in crisis, individuals with cancer and a host of others. It is the best social services agency in our county.