Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Greater Kansas City has long been a beneficiary of Jody Gottlieb Ervin’s time, dedication and talent, and the organization has awarded her the Volunteer of the Month award.
A Kansas City native now living in Overland Park, Kansas, Ervin has been a devoted JFS volunteer for more than a decade, beginning shortly after she left the workforce in 2013. But her connection to the organization goes back much further.
“Back in 1995, I reached out to Jewish Family Services for counseling for my young children and myself while going through a divorce,” Ervin said. “Susan Goldstein was our therapist, and her warmth and guidance were amazing. Each session provided much-needed support. JFS was there for my family, and I’ll always have a special place in my heart for the agency.”
Years later, when her children were grown and she had more time to give, Ervin reached out to JFS about volunteering. It wasn’t long before she became a familiar face in the JFS Food Pantry.
“I was there twice a week until I became a ‘Nanna,’” she said with a smile. “Now, I work behind the scenes each week, calling clients to remind them of their appointments. I’m proud to say I’ve been involved since the pantry’s inception. I love the clients and all my fellow volunteers I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years.”
Ervin’s enthusiasm for helping others is present in all her volunteering, including assisting clients as they shop, stocking shelves or delivering meals to homebound individuals. She’s also passed on her passion for service to the next generation.
Each October, Ervin celebrates her birthday by giving back — shopping for Thanksgiving items and donating them to the JFS Food Pantry.
“This month marks eight years since I introduced this tradition to my grandsons, Tommy and Louie Dieker,” she said. “We shop together and deliver together. Children are never too young to learn the value of giving.”
In addition to her work in the Food Pantry, Ervin also volunteers for JFS’s annual Hanukkah Project.
“I’ve volunteered for the Hanukkah Project since it began,” she said. “I’ve shopped, organized gifts, wrapped them and helped distribute them. It’s a wonderful project, and I look forward to helping each year — fulfilling the clients’ wish lists.”
Jo Hickey, director of volunteers and pantry partnerships at JFS, praised Ervin’s ongoing commitment.
“As families have grown and lives have evolved, so has Jody’s involvement with JFS,” Hickey said. “She has never been too busy to make time for JFS as part of her and her family’s commitment to the community.”
Ervin’s generosity extends beyond JFS. She also volunteers with Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity, finding joy and fulfillment in serving others.
“It’s truly a blessing to be able to give back to the community that was there for my children and me,” Ervin said. “Giving back makes all the difference in the world. It’s a wonderful way to meet new people, feel more connected and model positive behavior for the next generation.”
JFS offers a variety of volunteer opportunities to fit any schedule. More information is available at jfskc.org/volunteer.
