Everyone who has visited Jewish Family Services (JFS) Food Pantry KesherKC Mobile effort has encountered and been greeted by Susan Lebovitz.
"People sincerely appreciate JFS' generosity,” said Lebovitz, who started volunteering with the agency in 2019. She is always willing to pitch in where help is needed, and to honor her efforts, JFS has named her its Volunteer of the Month.
Lebovitz has been a volunteer for most of her life. When she first moved to the Kansas City area 50 years ago, Lebovitz approached volunteering with vigor and as a way to get to know her new neighbors.
“Throughout my years in the KC metro area, I volunteered for a number of organizations,” she said. “After having ‘jobs’ that fit my needs, I discovered the credible, professional field of volunteer management, and that became my career for 25 years."
Lebovitz last worked with SafeHome, Johnson County's (Kansas) only domestic abuse shelter. She says that the work was challenging and rewarding at the same time. In 2019, Lebovitz finished her professional work career but not her willingness to help others.
“I promised myself once I retired, I'd return to hands-on volunteering, and that happened with the JFS KesherKC program,” Lebovitz said.
She came on board with JFS working in the Brookside location of the JFS pantry. Once the pandemic hit, Lebovitz stayed on board but slightly changed her volunteering as JFS adapted to dealing with COVID-19 protocols.
“My in-person volunteering turned to phone calls… lots of phone calls,” she said.
Lebovitz hung on through all the challenges. Since JFS began offering more in-person volunteer opportunities, Lebovitz has been back helping in the pantry as well as at KesherKC Mobile events around the community.
"I love it,” Lebovitz said about her work with the pantry. “People feel so appreciative that the JFS pantry exists.”
JFS is grateful for Lebovitz’ flexibility and joyful approach to her volunteer efforts.
“I appreciate her willingness to step outside her weekly pantry volunteer role and support JFS wherever help is needed,” said Vicky Leitnaker, volunteer engagement manager.
When Lebovitz is not spending time with JFS, she volunteers for other organizations including Growing Futures of Overland Park, Gilda's Club, Congregation Beth Shalom, and Sharsheret.
More information about JFS volunteer opportunities is available at jfskc.org or by contacting (913) 730-1410 or .