These days, 60 is the new 40, and UJA-Federation of New York’s Engage Jewish Service Corps at JCC Manhattan is empowering volunteers in their 50s, 60s, and beyond to use their life-long skill-sets, expertise, passion, and leadership to address issues they care about deeply—poverty, hunger, joblessness, the isolated elderly, treatment of people with special needs, and more.
“We are redefining work, retirement, community, and aging. As baby boomers work longer, create new notions of community, and use skills and experience to re-envision volunteerism, we are participating in one of the most dramatic shifts in our history.” says Lola Greene, an Engage volunteer.
The program has created a tight-knit community of volunteers.
“So many people like myself are looking for a place not only to share their professional skills, but to find a sense of community and social network that tends to disappear once they are no longer full-time employed,” says Margie Stern, Engage volunteer.
Participants choose opportunities that fit their interests and availability or create opportunities of their own. Volunteers also join together in regular community-building gatherings that include discussion, reflection, and analysis, which provide an opportunity to learn about related societal issues and facilitate connections between the volunteering, learning, and overall life experiences.
“Engage has truly fulfilled both of my needs—the desire to continue employing my professional skills, and the development of a new network of personal friends—two important benefits at this stage of my life,” Margie adds.
Get involved and join the Engage community at their next free info session on Monday, May 4, from 6-7 pm at JCC Manhattan (334 Amsterdam Avenue at 76th Street). Click here to register or contact Rabbi Brian Fink, Director of Engage, at bfink@jccmanhattan.org or 646.505.4408 with questions or for more information.
Interested, but I work. What about meetings later than 6? And everyone’s blood sugar will be much happier after dinner.
How can I participate if I can’t attend meeting?
Please contact Rabbi Brian Fink at bfink@jccmanhattan.org to learn more about Engage and what opportunities might fit better with your schedule. Thanks for your interest!