5 Questions for JCFS Volunteer Michelle Friedman

When not volunteering with JCFS or other organizations, Michelle loves to dote on her three grandchildren.

Michelle Friedman recently began volunteering with JCFS Family Commons after school, inclusive recreation program.  Family Commons allows children with special needs to take classes with their typically developing siblings, such as sports, tae kwon do, cooking, study hall, dance, theater, and more.  Classes for parents, such as yoga, knitting and Zumba, are offered for parents to learn something new at the same time, or just take a couple of hours on their own.

How do you feel you make a difference by volunteering?

As a blind woman, I hope that by being involved with people that I can inspire people to overcome the challenges they may face in life and demonstrate that all of us have different abilities.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering?

I enjoy connecting with other people, and if that connection makes even a small impact on someone's life somewhere along the road that is very gratifying.

What is your favorite inspirational quote, and why?

 "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye."

-Antoine de Saint Exupery

 What's important about people isn't the color of their skin, whether they have a disability, how they dress or wear their hair.  What's really important are the things you can't see, a person's thoughts, their kindnesses their heart...

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy ceramics- I’m not very good at it but I love to play with clay and knitting, though I stick to blankets scarves and hats.  Most recently I have been taking sailing lessons and would love to make that a hobby!

What did you wish I would have asked you?  Tell us now!

What are my other volunteer experiences beside JCFS?  I've been active for many years on various boards of Jewish day schools, Jewish day camp and other Jewish organizations like Shalva and the Federation women's board and am just starting to volunteer with hospice patients.

Volunteering with JCFS is a worthwhile and enriching experience, allowing volunteers to give back you make a positive change within the community. Volunteers are an essential part of JCFS.  We match your skills, availability and passions with our volunteer opportunities. Our projects range from once a year, once a week, from the city to the suburbs.  Learn more on our website, email us or call us at 773.467.3746.