About the Morris Cafritz Center for
Community Service

The Edlavitch DCJCC’s Morris Cafritz Center for Community Service organizes
high-impact volunteer programs that address unmet needs in the Washington, DC
area.

In seeking to make our city a more just, inclusive, and livable place, we provide
a way for the Jewish community to connect to our most sacred mandate of            repairing the world.

While our programs are meant to be low-barrier and engaging to all, we are
fiercely committed to upholding the dignity of those we serve by only providing
services that are truly needed.

Our volunteer opportunities are designed to be family-friendly, flexible, and
accessible whether you can commit one hour a month or a few hours a week.
We offer our volunteers the opportunity to build lasting relationships with
agencies and clients over the span of years, or volunteer once and try a different
project the next time.  

We have succeeded if our participants leave with a sense of the great need
that exists in our city and the motivation and desire to join with us to continue
repairing the world.

 Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities and Events

Good Deeds Day

Sunday, April 29, 2018, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Join the EDCJCC and the entire DC Jewish community, along with almost 2.5 million volunteers from around the world, for this annual Day of Service. Projects will include preparing PB&J sandwiches, assembling toiletry kits, making costumes for Only Make Believe, and making instant soup kits. Two off-site volunteer opportunities include preparing meals at DC Central Kitchen and Martha's Table. All projects at the EDCJCC are family friendly.

Hunger Action at the EDCJCC

Thursday, May 3, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Join us at the EDCJCC to mix, chop, and prepare food for homeless shelters and other agencies serving those in need in the DC area.

Hunger Action at DC Central Kitchen

Sunday, May 6, 8:45 AM - 12:00 PM

Join us to volunteer on site at DC Central Kitchen. Tasks include chopping vegetables, sorting fresh produce, mixing salads, portioning meals, and preparing and cooking food.

HIAS/Freedom for Immigrants Letter Writing Program

Monday, May 7, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Participate in a monthly HIAS program offering compassion and solidarity to asylum seekers in detention through a formal letter writing program with individuals who have requested correspondence, helping them access hope and connection. HIAS is the global Jewish nonprofit that protects and resettles refugees.

Be the Change: An Activism Workshop

Wednesday, May 16, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

In an ever-changing world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by both local and global issues. This training will break down the basics of activism, including strategies for effective storytelling, lobbying, and digital media, plus tips for planning or participating in a rally. Gain concrete skills, learn from experienced activists, and connect with others who want to make positive change in our community. A vegetarian dinner will be served.

This event is in partnership with 6th and I.

Beans, Basil, and Bees: A Family Gardening Workshop

Sunday, June 3, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Want to learn about starting your very own container garden, dig in the dirt and learn about composting, and meet some urban beekeepers who are helping our city retain its native bee populations? Join us for this family-focused event with workshops run by Love and Carrots, Compost Cab and Capitol Bee Care. Enjoy garden-themed snacks and take home your own container garden starter kit!

Group volunteer opportunities

Bring your office, youth group, book club, or group of friends to volunteer with us! We will create a customized volunteer opportunity to fit your needs that is meaningful, flexible, and inspiring.