JFSLA Joins Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel’s Valley Day of Service 

On April 30th, JFSLA participated in the Annual Valley Day of Service, hosted by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel at Pierce College. Hundreds of volunteers, community members, and elected local officials joined Assemblymember Gabriel to volunteer with community organizations in the Valley and learn more about their services and the work they do in the community. 

JFSLA was among the 50 community organizations that were present that day. Volunteers helped transport and sort over 500 pounds of donated food items collected during the event to JFSLA’s SOVA Valley pantry. In addition, the event helped introduce JFSLA services to hundreds of community members and other agencies present. 

Joyce Williams, Director of Volunteers & Training, was at the JFSLA table greeting those who approached the booth wanting to learn more about JFSLA services. “Many had questions about volunteering or wanted more information about our services for themselves, a neighbor, or family member,” said Joyce. “I was very surprised at how many people stopped by our table and the various questions asked. These events are important because they help JFSLA be known in the community, recruit volunteers, and network with other community organizations.” 

JFSLA Board Members Nina Tassler and Tami Kagan-Abrams also attended the event and met elected officials that have strong connections with JFSLA, such as Assemblymember Gabriel who helped JFSLA receive state funding for the purchase of the JFS SOVA Valley building in 2021. Immediate Past Board Chair Tassler, Kagan-Abrams, Williams, and Nancy Volpert, Senior Director of Public Policy and Community Engagement, thanked Assemblymember Gabriel for his support on behalf of JFSLA.

Other elected officials that stopped by the JFSLA table were State Senator Caroline Menjivar and Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. The event helped build connections with staff from other organizations such as LA Family Housing and AARP. LA Mayor Karen Bass briefly attended the event and gave a speech thanking volunteers and organizations for creating a positive impact in the community. 

“Events like this one allow JFSLA to engage with community members, local elected officials, and other providers to work together to improve Los Angeles,” said Nancy Volpert. “It was such fun participating in this Day of Service. We thank Assemblymember Gabriel for inviting us.”