The CHAI Works Day Program creates meaningful and fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities to lead productive and integrated lives in their communities and to increase feelings of self-worth and confidence. This is done through employment, volunteering, health and wellness, recreation, enrichment, and community experiences.
The program is looking for compassionate, responsible volunteers with special interests/talents/skills to share with and teach participants. Volunteers would facilitate groups (with the assistance of program staff) either once or on a recurring basis.
Groups can be facilitated at either 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. or 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Possible group topics include:
- Singing/chorus
- Drama
- Budgeting/money skills
- Book group
- Healthy cooking
- Gardening
Volunteer Requirements
- Have daytime, weekday availability
- Commit to volunteering weekly for a minimum of six months
- At least 21 years of age (although children can accompany their parents)
- Provide a minimum of two references
- Attend required interview and training
- Undergo a CORI check
How to Apply
If you are interested in volunteering as a CHAI Works Group Facilitator, please fill out this program-specific application form.
The CHAI Works Day Program creates meaningful and fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities to lead productive and integrated lives in their communities and to increase feelings of self-worth and confidence. This is done through employment, volunteering, health and wellness, recreation, enrichment, and community experiences.
The program is looking for compassionate, responsible, dedicated volunteers to provide additional support to program staff and develop relationships with participants on a regular, ongoing basis in community settings throughout Greater Boston.
Volunteers may commit to a block of time one day or more during the week (Monday - Friday) during regular program hours (e.g. every Monday from 9:00 a.m. - noon or every Tuesday and Thursday noon - 3:00 p.m.)
The ideal candidate will have an interest in supporting people with disabilities as they learn life skills and develop relationships in the community. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old.
Volunteer Requirements
- Have daytime, weekday availability
- Commit to volunteering weekly for a minimum of six months
- At least 21 years of age (although children can accompany their parents)
- Provide a minimum of two references
- Attend required interview and training
- Undergo a CORI check
How to Apply
If you are interested in volunteering as a CHAI Works Weekly Program Volunteer, please fill out this program-specific
application form.
The JF&CS CHAI Supported Housing programs offer a range of options for adults with disabilities who want to live as independently as possible while enjoying community involvement and pursuing individual goals.
Volunteers plan out an activity to do with residents based on the volunteers’ skills and interests at one of the JF&CS supported residences in Greater Boston and the surrounding towns.
Possible ideas include:
- Music/sing-along evening
- Games night
- Crafts
This role takes place weekday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Volunteer Requirements
- Commit to volunteering once a week for at least six months
- Be 21 or older
- Have weekday evening availability
- Provide a minimum of two references
- Attend required interview and training
- Undergo a CORI check
How to Apply
If you are interested in volunteering for the CHAI program as an Activities Volunteer, please fill out this program-specific
application form.
The JF&CS CHAI Supported Housing programs offer a range of options for adults with disabilities who want to live as independently as possible while enjoying community involvement and pursuing individual goals.
Cooking volunteers plan out simple, tasty, and healthy meals to cook and share with 7 to 14 residents and staff at one of the JF&CS supported residences in Greater Boston and the surrounding towns.
This role takes place weekday evenings from 5:00-7:00 p.m. (allowing for about an hour’s meal prep/cooking and then eating around 6:30 p.m.).
Volunteers can send staff a list of ingredients ahead of volunteering so that the ingredients can be purchased.
Volunteer Requirements
- Commit to volunteering once a week for at least six months
- Be 21 or older
- Have weekday evening availability
- Provide a minimum of two references
- Attend required interview and training
- Undergo a CORI check
How to Apply
If you are interested in volunteering for the CHAI Residential program as a Cooking Volunteer, please fill out this program-specific application form.
JF&CS makes it possible for people with disabilities to enjoy the Jewish tradition of welcoming Shabbat.
We are looking for a responsible, dedicated volunteer to facilitate a Friday night Shabbat candle lighting ceremony (candle lighting, Kiddush, and Motzi) from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. in a JF&CS CHAI residence. The ideal candidate will have an interest in helping people with disabilities celebrate their Jewish faith.
The volunteer may choose to facilitate this service at one of the JF&CS supported residences in Greater Boston and the surrounding towns.
Training, supplies, and ongoing support will be provided.
This position requires one hour per Friday and volunteers may choose one or more Fridays per month.
Volunteer Requirements
- Have an interest in helping people with disabilities celebrate their Jewish faith
- Facilitate at least one Shabbat dinner each month
- Have Friday evening availability
- At least 21 years of age (although children can accompany their parents)
- Provide a minimum of two references
- Attend required interview and training
- Undergo a CORI check
How to Apply
If you are interested in volunteering as a CHAI Residential Shabbat Facilitator, please fill out this program-specific application form.
JF&CS makes it possible for people with disabilities to enjoy the Jewish tradition of welcoming Shabbat. CHAI (Community Housing for Adult Independence) is the only Jewish residential program in Greater Boston for adults with disabilities.
One Friday night per month, JF&CS hosts a community Shabbat dinner at JF&CS Headquarters in Waltham for CHAI program participants. Twice per year the Shabbat dinner is replaced with a Saturday Shabbaton and brunch.
We are looking for compassionate, responsible event volunteers to help set up, serve dinner, socialize during the event, and assist with clean up.
Friday event hours: 4:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday event hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Volunteer Requirements
- Have an interest in helping people with disabilities celebrate their Jewish faith
- Have Friday evening or Saturday daytime availability
- At least 21 years of age
- Provide a minimum of two references
- Attend required interview and training
- Undergo a CORI check
How to Apply
If you are interested in volunteering as a Chaverim Chaim Shabbat Meal Helper, please fill out this program-specific
application form.
The HALO Swim and Sing program offers therapeutic recreation and socialization for individuals (ages 7-35) with moderate to severe neurological disabilities while providing three hours of weekly respite for their parents and caregivers.
The program is looking for dedicated, compassionate volunteers to work one-on-one with individuals during interactive music therapy and then swimming. During music therapy, participants, staff, and volunteers play instruments, sing along, and move around with a certified music therapist. Music is followed by a free swim when participants, staff, and volunteers have fun relaxing in a shallow pool.
The program is held in Newton on Sundays from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and in Stoughton on Sundays from 3.15 – 6:15 p.m. Volunteers can choose which location they prefer.
Volunteer Requirements
- Commit to attending a minimum of 15 sessions a year (held on Sundays, during the day)
- Attend an initial interview and training
- At least 18 years old
- Provide a minimum of two references
- Undergo a CORI check
How to Apply
If you are interested in volunteering as a HALO Swim and Sing Respite volunteer, please fill out this program-specific application form.
Kids Connection Corner (KCC) provides a fun, recreational, family support program for youth (ages 7-14) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.
The program is seeking volunteers who have a passion for working with children with ASD. Volunteers will work on a team to provide opportunities for socialization, life skills development, and creative activities for youth while giving family members much-needed time to themselves. Our goal is to promote optimal health by strengthening support networks for these children and their caregivers.
Volunteers should possess high energy and creative talents to make the program stimulating. The volunteer may help support and facilitate events with parents such as workshops and networking.
The program runs in Newton on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Volunteer Requirements
- Commit to attending a minimum of a school calendar year
- Attend an initial interview and training
- At least 18 years old
- Provide a minimum of two references
- Undergo a CORI check
- Demonstrate excellent communications skills
- High school degree required
How to Apply
If you are interested in volunteering for KCC, please fill out this JF&CS volunteer application form.