About the Morris Cafritz Center for Community Service
The Edlavitch DCJCC’s Morris Cafritz Center for Community Service (MCCCS) 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
Join us at a family shelter to help families experiencing homelessness celebrate Easter! There will be food, games, arts and crafts, and lots of fun. We just need your enthusiasm!
Volunteers must be at least 14 years old to participate, no exceptions please.
.This event requires pre-registration as the number of spots are limited – please register in advance. Thanks!
If you have any questions, contact Sonya Weisburd at 202-777-3269 or sonyaw@edcjcc.org.
Join us for part 2 of our Anacostia River series to learn more about the river’s ecological and environmental challenges, and then get in and do some cleaning up to make it safer for all to enjoy. We will meet on Kingman Island to pick up trash and debris and then take a boat tour with the Anacostia Riverkeeper staff to learn more about the river and the communities on its banks.
We will provide everything you need to do the trash clean-up but please wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes. Please also only wear clothing you do not mind getting dirty. We recommend that you bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat as well.
Children of all ages are welcome but children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
If you have any questions please email Sonya.
In partnership with Avodah: The Jewish Service Corps, Tzedek DC, Operation Understanding DC, Jews United for Justice, and the Capital Jewish Museum.
Join us for an information session to learn more about the Inclusion Community Service Camp. Teens of all abilities will work directly with the EDCJCC’s Morris Cafritz Center for Community Service and Inclusion & Disability professionals, making this service camp accessible to all. Service opportunities will include food preparation and distribution, shelter repair, community clean-ups, and more. Campers earn up to 30 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours per week.
Transportation is available from Montgomery County.
High School Week (rising grades 9-12): July 8 – July 12
Middle School Week (rising grades 6-8): July 15 – 19
DC Central Kitchen prepares over 5,000 meals a day, 365 days a year, for low-income residents and those experiencing homelessness.
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. RSVP 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 Sonya at sonyaw@edcjcc.org.
Behrend Builders will painting the hallways and classrooms at a job training facility for individuals with disabilities. The facility is part of the Kennedy Institute of Catholic Charities and helps individuals with autism; intellectual, emotional, and /or learning disabilities; and traumatic brain injuries learn employment skills and find employment. The address will be provided days prior to event.
No prior experience in painting is necessary, and all materials and supplies will be provided.
Please note all volunteers must be 14 and over to participate, no exceptions. The address of the project will be provided upon registration.
We request a $20 tax-deductible program fee to help us cover the costs of supplies. If this is prohibitive to your participation please email Randy Bacon at randyb@edcjcc.org.
Join fellow knitters and crocheters to make handmade goodies for a great cause! Our goal is to contribute as many warm winter items as possible to distribute to individuals experiencing homelessness in the DC area.
All levels of knitters and crocheters are welcome. Don’t know how to knit or crochet? We’ll teach you!
Please note, during the renovation of the Edlavitch DCJCC main building, Handmade for the Homeless will be meeting in our townhouse space located at 1534 16th Street, NW, directly across the street from the EDCJCC.
What should I bring?
Please bring your own needles/crochet hooks. If you are not already working on a warm winter item and are looking for a great project or just starting out, please bring:
- #8 or #10 knitting needles (circular or straight) or a size H crochet hook
- Patterns you’re working on or want to start
What do you supply?
We provide lots of beautiful yarn, several patterns including hat patterns using #17 needles or a size N crochet hook, and experienced knitters and crocheters to teach anyone who would like to learn how to knit or crochet.
If you can’t join us in person, join us in spirit by knitting or crocheting:
- Hats
- Scarves
- Gloves and Mittens
- Socks or slippers
- Other items to keep people warm during the cold winter months
Knitted items and yarn donations can be dropped off at the EDCJCC. Contact Sonya at sonyaw@edcjcc.org to make arrangements. Thank you!
Want to know more or join our virtual community? Like us on Facebook!
If you have any questions about this event contact Chana at chanaengel@gmail.com.
DC Central Kitchen prepares over 5,000 meals a day, 365 days a year, for low-income residents and those experiencing homelessness.
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. RSVP 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 Sonya at sonyaw@edcjcc.org.
Join fellow knitters and crocheters to make handmade goodies for a great cause! Our goal is to contribute as many warm winter items as possible to distribute to individuals experiencing homelessness in the DC area.
All levels of knitters and crocheters are welcome. Don’t know how to knit or crochet? We’ll teach you!
Please note, during the renovation of the Edlavitch DCJCC main building, Handmade for the Homeless will be meeting in our townhouse space located at 1534 16th Street, NW, directly across the street from the EDCJCC.
What should I bring?
Please bring your own needles/crochet hooks. If you are not already working on a warm winter item and are looking for a great project or just starting out, please bring:
- #8 or #10 knitting needles (circular or straight) or a size H crochet hook
- Patterns you’re working on or want to start
What do you supply?
We provide lots of beautiful yarn, several patterns including hat patterns using #17 needles or a size N crochet hook, and experienced knitters and crocheters to teach anyone who would like to learn how to knit or crochet.
If you can’t join us in person, join us in spirit by knitting or crocheting:
- Hats
- Scarves
- Gloves and Mittens
- Socks or slippers
- Other items to keep people warm during the cold winter months
Knitted items and yarn donations can be dropped off at the EDCJCC. Contact Sonya at sonyaw@edcjcc.org to make arrangements. Thank you!
Want to know more or join our virtual community? Like us on Facebook!
If you have any questions about this event contact Chana at chanaengel@gmail.com.
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, just opened a new short-term family housing site, The Triumph, where they are supporting 50 families experiencing homelessness in Ward 8.
Come out to serve dinner and spend time with families staying at The Triumph! Games and activities will be provided, and children excited to make new friends will be waiting.
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 Sonya Weisburd at 202-777-3269 or sonyaw@edcjcc.org.
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.