the Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility
The Edlavitch DCJCC’s Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility (MCCSR) offers both hands-on volunteer opportunities as well as learning about systemic inequality in our communities. At the core of our work is Judaism’s sacred mandate to create justice and repair the world.
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. Come by yourself, with a friend, or bring a group of colleagues!
In order to affect true change, we must also correct the systemic injustices prevalent in many sectors of our society, so come learn with us about the root causes of inequality and how to bring about change on a systemic level. We focus on four main topics: racial equity, affordable housing, food security, and refugee/asylum seeker/immigrant justice.
While we are neither a social service agency nor an advocacy organization, we hope to empower you and provide you with the tools to go out and make our city a more just, inclusive, and livable place for all.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities and Events
Join Handmade for the Homeless for our special December session – THE BIG COUNT!
What: We have been working hard all year to create hundreds of beautiful warm winter items to benefit those experiencing poverty and homelessness in the DC area, and now it’s time to inventory the end result. If you have finished items at home, this is the deadline to get them into this year’s count so please bring them with you!
Where: We will meet inside the Edlavitch DC JCC located at 1529 Sixteenth Street NW.
When: The event is on Sunday, December 4th from 9:00AM-12:30PM.
REGISTER: Please click the red “Register” button to sign up for this free event!
If you have any questions about this event contact Chana at chanaengel@gmail.com.
MASK & VACCINATION POLICY: Effective March 21, 2022, masking will be optional within the EDCJCC, except for in Goldman Theater and Cafritz Hall, as well as in any other program deemed necessary by the seating layout. The organizers of Handmade for the Homeless request that you wear a mask.
For more information, visit edcjcc.org/covidsafety.
Do you need any additional accommodations for this event? If so, please contact msmith@edcjcc.org
What: Help us wrap hundreds of gifts that will go out to clients we serve on Christmas Day through our December 25th Day of Service. With your help, we can ensure that everyone receives something special and warm this holiday season! No gift-wrapping skills required, since we use bags and stickers instead of traditional wrapping paper for most of our gifts. Children are welcome!
Where: This event will take place the JCC building.
When: Thursday, December 15, 7:00-8:30pm
Registration: Participation is free but registration is required. Please click on the red “Register” icon in order to proceed to registration.
Thank you in advance for making our December 25th Day of Service even more special for those we serve!
What: Help us wrap hundreds of gifts that will go out to clients we serve on Christmas Day through our December 25th Day of Service. With your help, we can ensure that everyone receives something special and warm this holiday season! No gift-wrapping skills required, since we use bags and stickers instead of traditional wrapping paper for most of our gifts. Children are welcome!
Where: This event will take place inside the JCC building.
When: Sunday, December 18, 10:00AM-12:00PM
Registration: Participation is free but registration is required. Please click on the red “Register” icon in order to proceed to registration.
Thank you in advance for making our December 25th Day of Service even more special for those we serve!
The Edlavitch DCJCC embraces inclusion in all its programs and activities. We welcome and encourage the participation of all people, regardless of their background, sexual orientation, abilities, or religion, including interfaith couples and families.