06/03/2019
Volunteer of the Month: Meet Maury Greenstein
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IMPACT! is a volunteer initiative designed for Jewish community members 50+ looking to use their skills, passion, and leadership to make a difference in people's lives through hands-on volunteer opportunities.
Find out how Maury Greenstein is making an IMPACT! by volunteering.
Q – What volunteer opportunities have you been a part of?
A – After I stopped working, a friend of mine gave me advice about what to do with my time. Since then, I have been volunteering at my congregation, B’nai Jeshurun and help out as an usher for Shabbat services. Then, a group of synagogue friends began visiting nursing homes where I enjoy visiting with the residents on Fridays to bring grape juice and challah. Another program I became involved with is Able Boosters on Thursdays, which is a small group of community members with macular degeneration held at the Mandel JCC’s Lunch Plus program; I lead exercise activities and art projects. For a time, I also volunteered through the Jewish Federation’s Community Options program at with residents of apartment buildings, where I led an 8-week program called Matter of Balance. You can also often see me at Federation’s Cemetery Cleanups in the spring and fall.
Q – How did you start volunteering at the Federation's Cemetery Cleanups?
A – I heard about the Cemetery Cleanups through friends that were going to volunteer. Somehow I was asked to help out as a parking attendant. Someone gave me an orange vest and the rest is history. I like the fact that so many people come out to clean the cemeteries. It is important for me to pay tribute to those that came before me who no longer have the ability to say thank you for caring for these important pieces of land in our community.
Q – Why is it important for you to volunteer in and around the community?
A – It gives me a good feeling to help others. When I volunteer on Friday afternoons at The Greens, the residents look forward to my visits. I talk with them about the Kinsman Cowboys and other trivia about Cleveland from days gone by. At Able Boosters, I like kibitzing about current topics with the participants while I cut their food and generally help them. I really enjoy helping others and keeping busy plus it gets me off the couch!
Save the Date when you can join Maury and volunteer at the Annual Fall Cemetery Cleanup on Sunday, September 15 from 9:30 – 11:30 am.
For additional volunteer opportunities or more information on how you can make an IMPACT!, contact Susan Hyman at 216-593-2887 or shyman@jcfcleve.org.
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