The Aryeh Sherman Volunteer of the Year Award was created the year Aryeh Sherman (JFCS former President & CEO) retired in 2017. Aryeh always said that volunteers were the backbone of any organization that thought of itself as a community resource.
This year’s four outstanding volunteers, nominated by staff in different departments, are:
Ronna Scaratow, for her service to AgeWell Rides, offering seniors rides to appointments, activities and events so that they can retain their independence and stay engaged in the community;
Randi Cohen, for her 30-year experience in human resources which, since she retired four years ago, she has devoted to helping clients of the JFCS Career Development Center prepare for successful job interviews;
Mimi and Jack Halpern, dedicated volunteers and supporters of JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry since it opened, believing that no one should go hungry in our community; and
Beth Corning, who volunteers as a refugee family mentor, and has shown her “adopted” family and anyone who cares about helping people who have left war, violence and trauma behind try to start a new life, how we human beings can rise above our fears and prejudices and foster dignity and justice for all.
And the 2019 Volunteer of the Year is: Mimi and Jack Halpern! This is just a small token of our appreciation for their sustained commitment to fighting hunger in this community, to making sure kosher families have this resource, and their contribution to the dignity and accepting atmosphere JFCS strives to maintain for our clients every day.
In their name, we also thank the other three nominees, and every volunteer who comes to JFCS to make a meaningful difference in so many lives, including ours. Thank you to the more than 1,500 volunteers who gave their time and spirit to JFCS over the last year!
Take a look at our video of the four Volunteer of the Year 2019 nominees – enjoy!
Photo: JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry director Matthew Bolton with Mimi and Jack Halpern
Photos: Erica Dietz, ericadietzphotography.com