Service in Action with the Marjorie & Robert Kohn Pledge 13 Program
Earlier in 2021, JFCS relaunched the Marjorie & Robert Kohn Pledge 13 Program. Through the program, JFCS offers bar and bat mitzvah students an opportunity to participate in meaningful service projects, allowing them to live our their Jewish values, as part of the preparation leading up to their bar/bat mitzvah celebration. Students can participate in a number of activities and are encouraged to select projects that hold special meaning or interest to them.
One student, Nora, expressed an interest in conservation and the environment and is currently volunteering every week at the Louisville Nature Center. The Center, which aims to teach people about the natural world and provide a place where people can enjoy nature, gives her an opportunity to participate in hands-on projects that connect to her interest in conservation. Right now she is helping maintain the grounds of a new play area and along the walking trails and, soon, she will help to spread mulch. The Louisville Nature Center has weekend opportunities that can be completed independently when the building is closed as well as after-school projects making it easy for our Pledge 13 students to find an opportunity that meets their scheduling needs.
Two other students, twins Ari and Kate, saw their older siblings volunteer at New Roots for their Pledge 13 projects and decided to follow suit. They volunteer at the Fresh Stop Market packing and distributing produce to the shareholders. Ari said that he likes volunteering there because “there’s a lack of fresh food and New Roots helps people get it.”
If you know someone interested in completing service hours in advance of their B’nai mitzvah celebration, we would love to hear from you! Contact us at volunteer@jfcslouisville.org to learn more about the Marjorie & Robert Kohn Pledge 13 Program today!