The support of volunteers is crucial to the campus. In as little as two hours each month, we can make it easy for you to gain community service experience and play a significant role in the life of a resident. There are numerous volunteer opportunities are available. If you are interested in learning more about any of the following, please contact the director of volunteer services, Keyatta Shade, at 415.469.2229 or kshade@sfcjl.org. For more information, please visit the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living website.

MENTORING EXCHANGE PROGRAM

The Mentoring Exchange Pilot Program is a group activity that promotes intergenerational connection. A team of youth or young adults engages in one-to-one conversations with our older adult residents about their life experiences. Although some questions are written in advance as a guide to help start the dialogue, participants are encouraged to expand upon topics that interest them or that they connect with.  The activity is intended to be a true exchange of ideas. Both the young adult and the older adult are encouraged to engage in a meaningful way with each another, and at times be vulnerable with each another.  At the conclusion of the one-to-one conversations, everyone convenes as a group to discuss the exercise, including the things they were surprised to learn about each other, and how this engage of ideas had a personal effect on them.  This program is proving to make a positive difference in the lives of all participants, both young and old.  If you have a group that is interested in this activity, please contact the director of Volunteer Services at 415.469.2229. Groups speaking English, Russian and Cantonese are preferred at this time.

LIFE ENRICHMENT ASSISTANT

Our life enrichment programs improve the physical, social, emotional, and mental well-being of our residents. Assist life enrichment coordinators with activities such as balloon volleyball, bowling, word games, arts and crafts, musical programming, social events, and discussion groups. These activities are usually held weekdays. Schedules vary.

BINGO CALLER

Bingo, one of our most popular activities, is much more than just a pastime. It keeps residents mentally alert, provides eye-hand coordination, releases tension, and provides socialization. Join the fun and become a bingo caller, or assist residents who have visual or hearing difficulties with their bingo cards. Bingo games are held Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 p.m., and Mondays, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

POKER DEALER

Deal poker to a small group of dedicated players. Games are played Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

COFFEE BAR

Spend a fun and sociable afternoon at our coffee bar, a focal point of activity and lively entertainment (compliments of volunteer musicians) on Tuesdays. Help serve coffee and light refreshments while visiting with residents. The standard volunteer shift is from 2:30-4:00 p.m. You can volunteer as often as every week, or just once a month.

COMPANION

Devote time to visiting with a resident, developing a relationship, listening to and sharing stories over coffee in the café, or soaking up the sun in our tree-filled atrium. Flexible hours.

TECHNOLOGY TUTOR

Help our residents bridge the digital divide, stay connected with family and friends, and linked to the outside world by providing assistance with smart phones and other devices, teaching them e-mail and Internet skills, or helping with other forms of technology. Flexible hours.

CREATIVE ARTS

Work with our resident artists as they create masterpieces in our creative arts program. Volunteer shifts are Sundays through Thursdays, 9:00-11:30 a.m.

GAMES

Play checkers, chess, Scrabble, and other board games with residents, as well as card games such as bridge and gin. Flexible hours.

GARDENING

Do you have a green thumb? From residents’ personal plants in their rooms to our Goodman Building’s outdoor garden, you can partner to make sure plants are nurtured and watered. Flexible hours.

CAFÉ

Join our lively crew of volunteers and staff in the Oy Vey Café. Provide over-the-counter food service to residents and their families and friends. Café hours are Mondays through Fridays, 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and Sundays, 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Shifts are flexible. Volunteers can come in for two hours or more once a week, or once every other week.

GIFT SHOP/BOUTIQUE

Our gift shop/boutique offers great merchandise, unique items, and excellent customer service. In this fun and friendly environment you will assist residents, family members, visitors, and staff with their purchases from start to finish. An added bonus for volunteering here: You get a 20 percent discount on purchases! Gift shop hours are Mondays through Fridays, 7:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Sundays, 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

MUSICIANS AND SINGERS

Studies show that listening to music keeps our brains engaged. Put your talent into play through either an instrument or your voice at our coffee bar or at weekly concerts, or simply share the benefit of music and song with an individual resident. Pianos are available on site. Opportunities to perform are based on availability and interests.

NURSING FLOOR ASSISTANT

Gain an inside look at what a variety of staff do by volunteering at a nursing station. You will interact with nursing staff, social workers, and recreational therapists when you provide a range of services for our residents. Volunteer shifts are Sundays through Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

OUTINGS ESCORT

Accompany residents on planned shopping trips, visits to the symphony or opera, or luncheon outings. Transportation is provided by the facility. Volunteers may also run errands on behalf of residents who are not able to leave the campus. Schedules vary.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Participate in the spiritual life of our residents at weekly and holiday services in our beautiful on-site place of worship. Volunteer shifts are Fridays, 1:00-3:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 9:00-11:30 a.m.

REHABILITATION AIDE

Each day, over 100 residents and patients make use of our rehabilitation program, where we offer physical, occupational, speech, and restorative therapies. Assist patients and residents with transport and gaiting. Volunteer shifts are Mondays through Fridays, 9:00-11:30 a.m., and 1:00-3:30 p.m.

DUAL LANGUAGE-SPEAKING ASSISTANT

Speakers of Russian, Hungarian, Cantonese, Mandarin or Korean can visit individual residents or assist with group life enrichment programs. Flexible hours.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

Design a project using your individual interests and skills, such as leading a discussion group, entertaining residents with your musical abilities, or knitting with a resident.