Direct Service Programs
BJ/SPSA Homeless Shelter
Contact: Anne Millman, Jim Melchiorre, and Dava Schub or x340
The Homeless Shelter has been in existence since 1985 and reflects B’nai Jeshurun’s strong commitment to the mitzvah of caring for the most vulnerable stranger in our midst. Sunday through Thursday homeless guests are bussed to us from two midtown drop-in centers run by the NYC Department of Homeless Services. Over 150 volunteers from three congregations (BJ, SPSA, and West Park Presbyterian Church) provide a dignified, welcoming atmosphere for our guests, making this endeavor one of our strongest and most sensitive programs. Needed: Two to three people per night from 7-9 PM to set up beds, serve a small meal, maintain the storage closets, and to interact with the guests. Two additional people each night from 9PM – 7AM to sleep over, supervise, help with a light breakfast, collect linens and put away beds. Volunteers are also needed to either cook for or order in dinner for our shelter guests. A minimum commitment of one evening per month is requested.
BJ Reads…At PS 166
Contact: Ellen Schecter and Sandy Davidson, x 391
BJ Reads offers volunteers the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of elementary school children who are not yet reading at grade level. Our volunteers meet with one child at P.S. 166 for one hour a week on Mondays or Wednesdays for the entire school year. With the steady presence and enthusiasm of our volunteer, our partners’ reading and comprehension skills flourish over the course of the year. Needed: Individuals of all ages to work with children. Minimum commitment is one one-hour session, one morning a week (Mondays or Wednesdays, 9-11AM) from October through June1st. Reading takes place at P.S. 166, 132 West 89th Street. No experience necessary. Training provided.
BJ/Ralph Bunche School Partnership
Contact: Partnership at BJ , x301
The BJ/Ralph Bunche School Partnership is dedicated to helping children attain literacy, to love and value books and reading, and to enhance basic math skills.
Volunteers meet one-on-one with children in Grades 1-3 to support classroom instruction in reading and writing, as well as Grades 3-4 to reinforce math lessons. This partnership is an exciting opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children, one at a time. Needed: Individuals to work with an eager elementary school student: literacy sessions from 8:30-10:30AM on Tuesday or Thursday morning, math sessions to be scheduled in the fall. If you cannot make a regular commitment, please sign up as a sub.
Judith Bernstein Lunch Program
Contact: Ruth Lazarus, Robin Tunick, and Susan Samuels, x338
Join this wonderful, friendly, intergenerational effort by serving lunch to our West Side guests at 88th Street on Thursdays. We care for both body and soul by providing our guests with a meal in a comfortable and respectful atmosphere. Needed: Caring individuals to prepare food, set tables, serve lunch, and clean up on Thursdays from 9AM-2PM. On Wednesday nights, we need individuals to make soup and salad from 5-8PM. Help is always needed. Sign up for an hour each week or each month.