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Thank You Ellen Leger!

Ellen Leger will be retiring at the end of December 2021 after 8 years with JFCS as a Volunteer Administrator and Eldercare / Information & Referral Specialist. During her time with AgeWell Pittsburgh and JFCS, Ellen helped to create four volunteer programs: AgeWell Rides (senior transportation) and AgeWell Visits (home visits), Care Shared (respite care by CCAC students); and AgeWell Reads (home delivered library books to seniors). As well, she managed joint volunteer programs with the Area Agency on Aging – Senior Companions; and Travelers Aid. She provided training to over 184 volunteers, and enrolled over 510 seniors in her programs. On the AgeWell Pittsburgh information line Ellen provided referrals for services to older adults – to hundreds of clients each year.

To augment her volunteer programs Ellen developed the Pre-School Art Program to send hand-made birthday cards to all senior participants that were made by local Jewish Preschools; coordinated with GIFT program to deliver Thanksgiving baskets to seniors; trained and managed Diller Teens who visited and delivered Hanukkah baskets to older adults.

During COVID-19, Ellen coordinated the delivery of JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry food to over 200 clients who were not able to pick up on their own. She was also a core member of Team Engage – the comprehensive volunteer administration project, learned basics of Better Impact software and helped to coordinate and deliver the annual Volunteer Appreciation party or rewards. In 2019 Ellen studied for and was awarded the CVA Certificate of Volunteer Administration. Later that year she was nominated as the EVIE Volunteer Administrator of the year by the VASP Volunteer Administrators of Southwestern PA, where she acted as Treasurer for 2 years.

Ellen started working for JFCS as a volunteer herself – with Caregiver Connection for several months in 2013 providing office and administrative help. Ellen’s retirement plans include spending more time with her husband Dan and their family, working in her garden, walking her dog, reading, going to the JCC and traveling to visit family in the UK, Austria and friends throughout the USA. She has enjoyed every minute of her 3rd career – with JFCS – AgeWell Pittsburgh and plans to continue to her connection to JFCS! Ellen looks forward to seeing all of her JFCS – AgeWell Pittsburgh friends out and about in the community.

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