By Amy Steinberg
When we think of volunteer opportunities, we often think of serving meals at a soup kitchen, assisting in a child’s classroom, or other in-person volunteering activities that put us face-to-face with those we are directly impacting. Before COVID, volunteers would drive clients to doctors’ appointments or conduct tutoring sessions at JCS offices, libraries, or even clients’ homes. Then the world shut down, and JCS was forced to pivot and find alternative ways for volunteers to continue to help our clients receive the assistance they needed. Some of our programs ended, our friendly visitors became friendly callers, and our tutors had to figure out how to meet and connect online.
This week, April 19-25, is Volunteer Recognition Week, when we wholeheartedly thank our volunteers for their compassion and commitment to supporting our clients and community. In celebrating our volunteers, we want to highlight the power of virtual volunteering through the story of one of our dedicated volunteers, whose experience reminds us that connection and impact are not limited by distance.
For one volunteer, the opportunity to do virtual tutoring dropped in her lap. Already volunteering for several years, helping with parties for individuals with developmental disabilities, when the opportunity to work with one of the clients arose during COVID, it seemed like an ideal fit. Since meeting in person wasn’t yet comfortable, volunteering remotely created a way to stay connected, useful, and engaged. What started as a practical solution soon became a meaningful and lasting commitment.
The volunteer supports the client in improving her literacy skills through regular Zoom meetings. During their virtual meetings, they chat and read one or two books together, with the client doing most of the reading and the volunteer stepping in to help with challenging words. Through these sessions, the client not only practices her skills, but it also helps build confidence and a sense of accomplishment for both the client and volunteer alike, proof that even simple moments can have a powerful impact.
Sometimes, volunteers don’t fully realize the impact they’re making until a small moment arises. When the Zoom sessions were first scheduled with a set end date, the client worried their reading time together would end—and made it clear she didn’t want it to stop. The volunteer assured her that this was just how Zoom worked, and additional dates can always be added. That’s when this volunteer knew their meetings mattered far beyond reading practice. They were building connection, consistency, and trust, and through it all, she gained something meaningful too, a new friend, and she was delighted they were able to share their love of reading together.
The beauty of virtual volunteering is that no matter what the weather is outside or the physical distance between them, making service more accessible can be deeply impactful.
As this volunteer so perfectly puts it, “Virtual volunteering is a way to connect with someone without the logistics of traveling and finding a meeting place. Thanks to technology these connections feel real, personal, and lasting, just as if we were sitting across from each other. While some volunteer roles do require an in-person presence, others—like mentoring, tutoring, and companionship—can thrive in a virtual space.”
So this Volunteer Recognition Week, we celebrate volunteers like the one featured here—and all those who give their time in ways both seen and unseen. Whether in person or online, your commitment makes a difference in the lives of others and strengthens our community.
Thank you for showing up. Thank you for adapting. And thank you for proving, every day, that volunteering—virtual or otherwise—is impactful.
If this story inspires you, there are many ways to get involved and make a meaningful difference. Whether you prefer working directly with clients or supporting behind the scenes, there are flexible opportunities to match your interests, skills, and availability. From tutoring and mentoring to providing companionship or assisting with programs, your time and compassion can have a lasting impact. Learn more and explore current opportunities by visiting the JCS volunteer page: https://jcsbalt.org/volunteer/
Amy Steinberg is a Senior Program Coordinator of Community Engagement at JCS.
Jewish Community Services (JCS) provides programs and services for people of all ages and backgrounds, helping them achieve their goals, enhance their well-being, and maximize their independence. To learn more, visit jcsbalt.org or 410-466-9200.
