If you are one of those people who makes New Year’s resolutions, perhaps JFCS can help you get off to a running start.
1. New career
New decade, new job? Is it time you took stock of your career plan and updated it? JFCS Career Development Center is ready to help. Update your resume, write a memorable cover letter, learn how to stand out in an online application, establish a networking circle and more. We’ll help you figure out your real strengths and interests, and you’ll learn how to “package” your application from resume to interview.
2. Self care and mental wellbeing
What are you doing about taking care of yourself in 2020? JFCS and the 10.27 Healing Partnership understand that your personal recovery from trauma takes — as long as it takes. And that the shadow of the shooting at Tree of Life Or L’Simcha may (may, not will) follow you longer than you expected, and/or may cloud your life at different times for years: holidays, birthdays, or any old day.
To that end JFCS is working with the 10.27 Healing Partnership on continuing to provide counseling sessions, therapy and workshops for anyone in the community who feels they need it – for free. So if you need help, don’t put it off. Welcome the New Year with a promise to include self-care on your resolutions list.
3. Giving back and volunteering
Beyond yourself, there is much to do as well.The state of the world and our country reminds us that each one of us is needed if we truly want to make a better world. It’s 2020 and there’s a lot you can do for others.
JFCS can help here too: volunteer! JFCS welcomes volunteers with varied skills and interests. Sort food at JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry. “Adopt” a refugee family, so they can improve their language skills, find the bus routes, and take advantage of the culture and fun Pittsburgh has to offer. Immigrants studying for their citizenship exam could use your help preparing and filling out forms.
You can help local seniors stay independent and engaged in the community. AgeWell Rides, Visits and Reads needs volunteers for transportation, friendly visits, and book deliveries. Our AgeWell volunteers say meeting these seniors has changed their lives. Generations of friends have been made.
Do you have professional skills to share? JFCS volunteers are trained therapists, fundraisers, attorneys, human resources experts, journalists – even athletes (Pittsburgh Marathon is coming!)!
Research confirms that volunteering is good for you too! The sense of well-being and accomplishment, of doing something instead of talking about it on Facebook, and knowing how much you’ve changed people’s lives is as physically satisfying and healthy as it is emotionally fulfilling.
So start 2020 off by making a commitment to do something great for yourself, and for those in need in your community. Call us at 412-422-7200, or visit our website at jfcspgh.org.