In recognition of Judith Evnen and her contributions to the Jewish Family Services (JFS) chaplaincy program, the organization has named her its volunteer of the month.
The want to help others in the spiritual realm drew Evnen to become a Spiritual Care Volunteer (SCV) at JFS last year, serving at Menorah Medical Center.
SCVs provide spiritual support to those experiencing a medical or health crisis and help fulfill the mitzvah of bikur cholim (visiting the sick). As part of JFS’ Jewish Community Chaplaincy program, SCVs complete several training sessions that include HIPAA regulations and opportunities to shadow another SCV.
Volunteering as an SCV was a great connection for Evnen, who moved to Kansas City about 28 years ago. A trained clinical social worker, Evnen initially connected with JFS in Omaha, Nebraska, serving as a therapist. In Kansas City, Evnen continued her work as clinical social worker on the palliative care team at Research Medical Center. That experience helped frame her desire to become a JFS SCV.
“I was new to working in the hospital, but I am comfortable there,” Evnen said. “The conversations and challenges felt important at critical moments in people's lives. Being able to approach those conversations and holding support for whatever came next resonated. I just really liked it and was pleased to find an opportunity to be present in hospital again.”
Now working part time with a local private psychotherapy practice and doing executive coaching, Evnen was able to fit in more volunteer opportunities.
“Understanding how to approach a patient, their families, the hospital and appropriately offer respect or connection from the community is vitally important,” she said. “More important is the opportunity to connect patients with their rabbis, if they wish.”
Jewish Community Chaplain Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick oversees the SCV program at JFS and provides all volunteers with advice and support throughout the year.
“As a new spiritual care volunteer, Judith has faithfully jumped into the waters of Menorah Medical Center, where our highest Jewish patient census is on any given day,” Rabbi Rudnick said. “Focused on connection, primarily by way of community and tradition, Judith uses her professional familiarity with healthcare to effectively offer support for those she visits.”
Evnen’s volunteerism is inspired by her family and is a continuation of their legacy.
“The value of leadership and community involvement is a legacy from my parents and grandparents,” Evnen said. “My siblings each offer examples of this intention. That is inspiring to me.”
Evnen also volunteers with the National Council of Jewish Women and sings with the Kansas City Symphony Chorus. She enjoys baking and spending time with her family, including her adult children, Sam and Emma Benson.
Evnen encourages others to consider giving back as SCV.
“I’d encourage anyone who has a desire to volunteer and enjoys offering warmth, understanding and a connection to being Jewish to consider SCV,” she said. “[If you have] skills in ‘reading the room,’ standing close by during difficult moments, offering a quick smile… and comfort, [then you] should apply. It is true, I get way more than I give every single time.”
More information about volunteering at JFS as a spiritual care volunteer or other volunteer opportunities is available at jfskc.org/volunteer, by emailing or calling (913) 981-8858.