We were fortunate to have Leah Uridge join JFS in March 2018 as an AmeriCorps Vista for a one-year full-time position. As pantry coordinator, Leah will help develop our goals to expand nutrition programming and community partnership.

Leah has always loved volunteering and giving back to her community. As a recent college graduate, she decided that she wanted to get experience in the non-profit world,

“I’m looking most forward to getting to know the staff at JFS better and helping to expand pantry operations.”

She enjoys baking and volunteering at her local animal shelter (primarily spending time with the dogs).

Jo Hickey, JFS Food Pantry Director, shares, “We are very fortunate to be a part of the AmeriCorps VISTA program as it helps us expand our services to more clients and we look forward to having Leah on the food pantry team at JFS.”

AmeriCorps VISTA is in partnership with Wichita State University, and provides Leah with training and support. According to their website:

“AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members bring their passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that help eradicate poverty.

The most pressing challenges we face as a nation require the most courageous and creative people to address them. An AmeriCorps VISTA member serves as a catalyst for change, living and working alongside community members to advance local solutions.”

Having a dedicated Vista volunteer and various school interns throughout the year means that we are able to make a bigger impact for the community,” says Taly Friedman, JFS Director of Volunteer Engagement, “We couldn’t do our work without them!”

To find out where you can help, contact Volunteer Engagement at 913-730-1410 or volunteer@jfskc.org.