About the Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility
The Edlavitch DCJCC’s Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility (MCCSR) organizes high-impact volunteer and social justice programs that address unmet needs and the systemic issues that create inequality in our region. 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 holistic understanding of the inequality that exists in our city and the motivation to join us in continuing to repair the world.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities and Events
DC Central Kitchen develops and operates social ventures targeting the cycle of hunger and poverty. Each of our ventures create opportunities for meaningful careers, expand access to healthy food, and test innovative solutions to systemic failures.
Join us to volunteer on site at the DC Central Kitchen. Tasks include chopping vegetables, sorting fresh produce, mixing salads, portioning meals, preparing and cooking food.
To work in the kitchen volunteers must wear long pants, closed-toed shoes – non-slip soles recommended, shirts with sleeves (short sleeves are okay, tank tops are not), and a hat or other head covering. Hairnets are provided if you don’t bring a hat. Midriff shirts are not allowed. Aprons and gloves will be provided.
Volunteers must be at least 12 years old to participate, no exceptions please. Registration required.
If you aren’t feeling well and have any flu or cold-like symptoms we request that you volunteer a different time for the safety of those we serve.
If you have any questions please email Josh at jsherman@edcjcc.org.
Please join us for February’s Families Serving Together where families and their children can come together to serve our community!
Join us to celebrate and learn about the festival of Tu B’Shevat. The morning will include reading a story, learning about the holiday of Tu B’Shevat, family friendly projects, and doing a service project. Children of all ages are welcome!
We request a $20 per family tax-deductible program fee to help us cover the costs of supplies.
This program is open to children of all ages, but please register everyone who will be participating, including young children, as there is limited space for this program.
If you have any questions please email Josh.
In 2018, 6,904 people in the District experienced homelessness, with 45% of those experiencing homelessness part of family units.
Community of Hope, a long-time partner of the EDCJCC, strives to improve the health and quality of life for low-income, homeless, and underserved families and individuals by providing healthcare, housing with supportive services, educational opportunities, and spiritual support.
Come out to celebrate the February birthdays and spend time with families staying at the Girard Street Apartments! Games, activities, and snacks will be provided. The children will be excited to make new friends.
Please note that volunteers must be at least 14 years old to participate, no exceptions.
This event requires pre-registration as the number of spots are limited – please register in advance. Thanks!
If you have any questions, contact Josh Sherman at 202-777-3259 or jsherman@edcjcc.org.
Join us at the Edlavitch DCJCC to mix, chop, and prepare food for homeless shelters and other agencies serving those in need in the DC area.
No cooking skills are necessary! Individuals of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate.
The food prepared during Hunger Action is donated to Charlie’s Place, who serves breakfast to our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
We request a $7.00 donation to help us cover the costs of ingredients to ensure we are able to provide the highest quality food possible. If you would like to volunteer but are unable to make the donation, please contact Josh at jsherman@edcjcc.org.
If you aren’t feeling well and have any flu or cold-like symptoms we request that you volunteer a different time for the safety of those we serve.
If you have any questions please email Josh at jsherman@edcjcc.org.
REGISTRATION COMING SOON!
Started in Israel, Good Deeds Day is a global day that unites people from 108 countries to do good deeds for the benefit of others and the planet. Join the entire DC Jewish community, along with almost 2.5 million volunteers around the world, for this annual Day of Service at the EDCJCC. Come for a morning of volunteer projects and learning about how we can help make our community a better place for all.
All projects are family friendly.
Find projects from PJ Library, Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School, the Capital Jewish Museum, and many other organizations all in one place at this year’s Good Deeds Day!
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.