If you’ve dropped by the offices of Jewish Family Services, you might have caught a glimpse of Rebekah Foote. With a smile on her face, Rebekah is hard at work, head buried in files or at the computer helping JFS with database clean-up and record reconciliation. Since 2021, Foote has provided back-end office support to complete valuable projects that sometimes get overlooked in the busy day-to-day of client services.
Foote, who had been a volunteer with the Kansas City Zoo, found that many volunteer opportunities had dwindled during the pandemic. Foote began searching for something new when she spotted a request for support services from JFS on NextDoor.
“It sounded like something I would enjoy doing and was very close to my house, so I answered the ad,” Foote said. “What was billed as a one-month project took more like six, but I have stayed on ever since.”
JFS staff are happy Foote stayed, too.
“Rebekah’s skills and attention to detail has been such an asset to the quality of our program files and accuracy of data entry,” Rachel Ohlhausen, JFS Director of Program Operations. “Rebekah is friendly and efficient and feels like a member of our team. We also enjoy it when she brings in Johnny, her small dog, who has separation anxiety. Johnny can often be found asleep at Rebekah’s feet and makes the staff in the office smile.”
A native of Texas, Foote had been working in landscape design when she moved to Kansas City in 1987. Once in Kansas City, Foote spent 20 years in the telecommunications industry. Ultimately, she returned to school earning a master’s degree in development of natural resources which led to the Missouri Department of Conservation teaching children about nature.
Volunteering has been part of Foote’s DNA. She spent time volunteering with the American Red Cross as well as the Kansas City Zoo where she did data entry about animal behavior and habits.
These days when she’s not helping JFS get its files in tip-top shape, Foote also volunteers with Visitation Catholic Church and One City Café.
“I feel volunteering is an important part of a full life,” Foote said. “When I’m not volunteering, I enjoy weaving, gardening and just being outside.”
Foote believes in the mission of JFS, but there’s more that keeps her engaged as a volunteer with the organization.
“It’s the people that I work for and with that keeps me coming back,” she said. “It was almost embarrassing to be told so often how much my work was appreciated. That plus the fact that everyone seems so genuinely happy in their work. It makes me look forward to coming in every week.”
Foote encourages anyone who is looking for volunteer opportunities to consider JFS.
“It is very easy to volunteer at JFS,” Foote said. “The hours and people are flexible and a pleasure to be around. If you are looking for a low stress way to be a contributing member of our city, this is a great place to be.”
If you are interested in JFS volunteer opportunities, check out www.jfskc.org/volunteer/ or please email volunteer@jfskc.org.
