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JFCS Doris L. & Theodore B. Meyers Shabbos Friends Program


Carole Snyder grew up visiting senior living facilities with her parents to offer Friday evening Shabbat services to Jewish elders. So, when JFCS mentioned the idea of bringing Shabbat to local seniors, Carole knew she wanted to be involved.

Today, Carole and her daughter, Sara Yamin, continue the family legacy of offering Shabbat joy and community to older Jewish community members through the JFCS Doris L. & Theodore B. Meyers Shabbos Friends Program. Named for Carole’s parents and Sara’s grandparents, the program creates meaningful connections for JFCS volunteers and Jewish seniors living in local assisted living facilities and nursing homes. The time these volunteers and seniors spend together creates a special bond and has forged new friendships over the years.

Since the COVID-19 crisis, regular in-person volunteer visits have been put on hold. For the mother-daughter duo, it is important that the 60 local Jewish seniors who participate in the program know they are not forgotten during the pandemic. The pair, along with other JFCS volunteers, have been making telephone reassurance calls and check-ins regularly. They have also been working closely with the assisted living and nursing home facilities to provide holiday cards and small gifts, like wall calendars, to the seniors. But Carole, Sara, and the Shabbos Friends volunteers are anxious to get back to visiting their senior friends in-person.

JFCS has adapted many of its programs since the beginning of the global pandemic to ensure our clients continue to receive the support they need. Although volunteer opportunities are limited due to the COVID-19 crisis, JFCS looks forward to the day they can fully resume.

JFCS strives to be the place where people can express Jewish values through service and action that make a difference in the Greater Louisville community. The JFCS Doris L. & Theodore B. Meyers Shabbos Friends Program is just one of the programs we offer in support of that goal. If you or your family is interested in volunteering with JFCS, please contact us at volunteer@jfcslouisville.org.