In recent years, Jewish Family Services (JFS) has created a path to turn dedicated young volunteers into emerging leaders, committee members and ultimately board leaders.
JFS’ affinity group for young professionals, Emerging Leaders, can serve as a pipeline for volunteers to engage in larger opportunities for community impact.
In 2026, Emily Neuberger will join the JFS Board of Directors. Neuberger first became involved through Emerging Leaders. As co-chair, she helped coordinate holiday gifts for more than 300 individuals and families and led volunteer efforts for JFS’ Hanukkah Project.
“What makes JFS special is the way it invites young people to show up and support their community,” Neuberger said. “I began as a volunteer, learned even more about the organization and its mission through Emerging Leaders, and now I have the opportunity to serve on JFS’ board while helping to grow future young leaders.”
Emerging Leaders aims to help participants develop skills in building community relationships, empowering young leaders to volunteer in their communities and embodying the Jewish value of tikkun olam, taking action to improve the world.
“Emily’s journey is exactly what we envision,” JFS CEO Angela DeWilde said. “We want people to see that volunteering at JFS is not only an act of service, but also a pathway to leadership in the Jewish community.”
As JFS prepares to celebrate its 125th anniversary in May 2026, the agency’s future depends on volunteers ready to lead projects, join committees and shape the organization’s path forward.
More about Emerging Leaders and volunteer opportunities at JFS is available at jfskc.org.
