JFCS recruits mensches to share resources

By JEWISH REVIEW

article created on: 2009-02-01T00:00:00

In collaboration with the Jewish Community Task Force, which is forming to deal with the current economic crisis and maximize the resources available to the community, Jewish Family and Child Service recently launched the “Mensches in the Trenches” life skills volunteer program.

The program was created to help connect professional and talented amateur volunteers who are willing to share their skills (pro-bono) with community members who could benefit from those skills during this economic crisis.

Volunteers who have skills, experience or expertise they are willing to share on a limited, pro-bono basis with members of the local Jewish community should long on to the JFCS Web site at jfcs-portland.org or contact JFCS Director of Marketing and Development Chana Andler.

Volunteer information, including name, contact information and a brief description of the skills you have to offer, can be sent to Mensches in the Trenches c/o JFCS, 1130 SW Morrison, Suite 316, Portland OR 97205 attn: Chana Andler; 503-226-7079 ext. 16; or email chana@jfcs-portland.org.

If someone has a request for one of the Mensch’s services, contact Andler who will facilitate the connection/match.

Following are Mensches who have volunteered to help those in need as of Jan. 26:

Marje: Retired teacher. Can help with personal finance, budgetting, shopping. “You name it, I can probably teach it.”

Richard: Teaches ESL to the Russian community. Retired real estate attorney. Can consult on real estate financing, dealing with lendors, forclosures, problem loans, personal finances, budgeting.

Howard: General contractor. Constuction, plumbing, electrical, carpentry.

Rebecca: Sells foreclosure homes. Understands the process foreclosure takes, who to contact, how to work with bank and get loan modification.

Eric: Semi-retired chef. Cooking, shopping, creative (budget) use of ingredients, stretching your food dollar without sacrificing nutrition.

Nathan: Retired professor. Advise people on financing (house, mortgages). Figuring out household problems and finding inexpensive solutions and low-cost repair people.

Gabriel: Nurse. Willing to share any medical/health skills allowable under her licensure.

Tricia: Insurance coordinator and real estate agent. IT expertise. Bill paying/money management, financing knowledge. Also, will assist clients with organizing, decluttering, cooking and shopping. And, can “be the wheels” and do driving on weekends. Particularly drawn to working with seniors.

Alan: Software developer. Computer tutoring, programming, budgeting investing, basic financial skills. Speaks Spanish.

Morningstar: Emergency preparedness specialist. Also, certified tax preparer, experience in personal banking and ESL.