Volunteer Spotlight: Barbara

This week is National Volunteer Week. This week-long celebration is about placing a spotlight on inspiring figures whose invaluable seeds of kindness through volunteering are bettering the community and our world in general. We here at JFS Delaware would not be able to fulfill our mission to strengthen individuals, families, and the community without the help of our incredible volunteers. One of those amazing volunteers is Barbara!

Why did you decide to volunteer for JFS?

“I believe in the Jewish view of “Tikkun Olam”, helping to repair the world. Not only was I created to stay healthy and happy, but to do so for others. When I was young, I volunteered at Lankenau Hospital in the Emergency Room for 10 years. I now enjoy doing more than donating money. I like to give of myself.”

What is the best part of volunteering?

“Meeting new people from around the world, who have suffered violence in war, or poverty, and could use a helping hand, gives me pleasure. I am fortunate to have my health, and be retired. So anything I can do to help another I am willing to do. Having been a medical office manager for 25 years, and a teacher for five years, I have the skills to teach English.”

Would you recommend volunteering for JFS? Why?

“I would definitely recommend volunteering for JFS. I see that it is a very well run organization, helps many diverse people, and the Community Relations Manager Vlad Cerbov has been a pleasure to work with. He matched me up with a lovely Ukrainian woman and now we are teacher/student/friend.”

What is a fun fact about you?

“When I was a young mother, many years ago, I took foster children into my home, where they lived for a few years, before going back to their own parents. My own two children learned to share and realized that we are here to help others.”

If you could go anywhere in the world for your next vacation, where would you go? Why?

“I have a son in southern California, so I would love to travel with them to Hawaii, where I’ve never been.”

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

“Teacher.”

What is one food you could eat every day?

“Coffee, Greek yogurt, and fresh fruit.”

What is the last show you binged?

“Extraordinary Attorney Woo.”

What is the best book you ever read?

“Must give two…1. The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown, 2. Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe.”

What are you most thankful for you in your life right now?

“I’ve lived to see five grandchildren grow up, two are married, and one great granddaughter living nearby. I’m living in a fantastic senior community with my brother, and both of us are well and active.”

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Our work is made possible by dedicated volunteers like YOU! Volunteers supplement the professional, clinical care provided by JFS by fostering a sense of community, building relationships, and extending your skills and kindness to older adults, refugees, and other clients of JFS. Click here to apply to be a volunteer for JFS.