Tikkun Olam Volunteers (TOV)
Who are Tikkun Olam Volunteers?
Members of our community who are showing the true meaning of tikkun olam by repairing the world one project at a time.
What do Tikkun Olam Volunteers do?
Created for community members looking to become more involved in larger local organizations and actively participate in affecting change, volunteers help with a variety of social-action projects—both Jewish and secular—here in Northeastern New York.
What is TOV working on?
Food insecurity—not new to our community and, if anything, magnified by the pandemic. In 2020, Jewish Federation—with our partners and volunteers—immediately responded to calls for help, supporting those in need of groceries, prepared food or both. Today, TOV continues to concentrate efforts on building volunteer engagement and supporting local initiatives that strive to combat food insecurity here—at home—in the Capital Region.
What about other community needs and opportunities?
TOV is highlighting opportunities offered by our Jewish community partners on a new Volunteer Board in an effort to meet the needs of all our community members, bring a wealth of opportunities for collaboration and doing good, and highlight the amazing work of our local partner organizations and congregations.
Shalom Food Pantry
The Shalom Food Pantry was launched in response to the lingering recession and increased need in the Jewish community in the wider Albany region.
Our mission is to provide healthy food packages to individuals and families who are struggling financially, to help alleviate the costs of their groceries.
60+ Dining
The Sidney Albert Albany JCC Sixty-Plus Dining Program offers kosher lunches to those 60+ years old, plus spouses of eligible individuals, regardless of their age. Meals are prepared in the Albany JCC's meat/parve kitchen. This program is supported by the Albany County Department for Aging and is under the kosher supervision of the Vaad Hakashruth of the Capital District.
Lunch at the JCC
Kosher lunch for seniors Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Call (518) 377-8803 to make your reservation.
https://www.schenectadyjcc.org/adults-seniors/lunch-at-the-jcc/
Home-Delivered Kosher Meals, Grocery Shopping & Delivery
In response to the pandemic, Jewish Family Services partnered with Jewish Federation and the Shalom Food Pantry and launched critical services to help individuals and families hardest hit by the stay-at-home orders. Helping older adults and individuals with vulnerable health issues, as well as families with children became, and remain, our top priority.
Since the, kosher home delivered meals and grocery shopping and delivery remains a core service of JFS.
Beth Emeth's Soup Kitchen & Diane's Farm
Congregation Beth Emeth runs a soup kitchen on Sundays from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at 369 Livingston Avenue (corner of Livingston & Thornton) in Albany. For more than three decades,
volunteers have been preparing hot meals and serving those in need in our community. Volunteers are responsible for preparing, serving, and cleaning up. Individuals, families, congregation committees, and friends are all welcome!
And, at the back end of the parking lot at Beth Emeth is Diane's Farm, a wonderful garden cared for by our congregants. If you have a few hours to spare, please consider signing up to help maintain our Farm -- no experience necessary!
Empty Bowls
One of the main areas of concern for the B'nai Sholom Reform Congregation Social Action Committee over the years has been food insecurity in our community. Food insecurity means a lack of consistent, dependable access to enough food for active, healthy living.
Nurturing the New Mom and Dad
Support a new parent by preparing and/or delivering them a meal. Contact the Ohav Shalom office at info@ohavshalom.org or 518-489-4706, and they will put you in touch with Julie Pollack, our program chair, to get involved!
Street Soldiers Drop-off Location
Capital Region Organizations Combatting Food Insecurity