Jewish Family Service of MetroWest held the annual Kenneth Glass Volunteer Appreciation Event on May 13, 2025, at The Woodland in Maplewood, recognizing and celebrating the dedication of more than 200 volunteers whose compassionate service has touched thousands of lives throughout the past year.
This year’s event was generously underwritten by Merle Glass in honor of her late husband, Kenneth Glass z”l.
The event opened with remarks from Taylor Ruszczyk, Director of Volunteer Services, who shared heartfelt thanks with the volunteers in attendance. “Over the last year, our group of more than 200 volunteers helped 2,847 people in the community through 5,564 hours of dedicated service,” Ruszczyk said. “But your impact is more than numbers. It’s immeasurable and has shaped our community for the better.”
The event spotlighted the wide-reaching effects of JFS programs:
- Reading Buddies reached nearly 900 students, creating lasting relationships and fostering literacy and a love of reading.
- Listen to Children volunteers supported a dozen students with meaningful, one-on-one emotional support.
- SHIP Medicare counselors guided 1,700 beneficiaries through complex healthcare decisions with care and expertise.
- Friendly Visiting, Tessie’s Touch, Shop & Drop, and Caregiver Respite programs addressed social isolation and provided crucial support to homebound seniors and their caregivers.
- Holiday meal delivery brought nourishment and companionship to more than 150 Holocaust survivors and isolated older adults.
- Chai Café and Café Europa continued to offer vital connections for Holocaust survivors with the support of long-standing volunteer partnerships.
- Additionally, 50 JFS volunteers contributed to nearly a dozen partner agencies, supporting homeless families, seniors, students, and hospital patients across the region.
Ruszczyk also acknowledged the passionate staff behind the scenes: Julie Cramer-Le, Brittany Bynum, Mei Lepowsky Moyer, Kathy Mikula, and intern Sneha Kumar, who together ensured the programs thrived.
In the spirit of gratitude and community, the event reaffirmed JFS’ commitment to volunteerism as a cornerstone of its mission. “You improve the lives of so many through your selfless service,” Ruszczyk concluded. “We are thrilled to celebrate the work you do.”
For more information about JFS volunteer programs, visit www.jfsmetrowest.org.
Check out all the pics from the event here
