Bridging Different Communities Together
The JCC’s Volunteer Hub was created to bring people together, not only within the Jewish community, but the broader one as well – regardless of faith. This concept of inclusion and partnership recently came to life when a connection was made between an Iowa-based Catholic mission group and the JCC.
It all began in February when the group’s leader reached out about a potential trip to Milwaukee. Their goal was simple – they wanted to help a community. The group, composed of 80 young people from their different Iowan communities, expressed interest in volunteering at the J. The participants, along with their leader, wanted to work alongside people from all walks of life. It seemed like a perfect match!
One team of seven (five high schoolers, a college student, and an adult) spent two full days at the Albert & Ann Deshur JCC Rainbow Day Camp, working the fields at Bonim Farms. Upon their return, they shared that they worked “super hard in the summer heat” but found the work extremely rewarding.
Another team headed to the Jewish Community Pantry to sort donations of clothing, household items, diapers, and books waiting for new homes. The Pantry was hosting one its summer Metcalfe Park Health Fairs that day, and the mission volunteers helped set everything up and ensured the day ran smoothly.
The most meaningful part of the day, however, was the impact the group had on a man named Scottie. A former Pantry client and staffer, Scottie came to the Pantry every week, ready to work and help families in his community. He had not been able to work at the Pantry in recent years due to health challenges. Scottie’s orthopedic surgery had to be delayed while he waited for his landlord to install a necessary railing.
Thanks to the mission’s youth, Scottie now has a railing, and more. Boards of rotted wood were replaced and a fresh coat of paint brightened everything up. Thanks to their time, efforts, and generosity, Scottie’s home is now safer and better equipped for his post-surgical recovery. The mission group completed their “mission” here in Milwaukee, and thanks to them many are now living better lives because of people who simply wanted to make a difference.
Are you interested in becoming involved with the JCC Volunteer Hub?
Click here to learn more and discover current & upcoming opportunities.
