About the Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility
The Edlavitch DCJCC’s Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility (MCCSR) 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
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.
Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC) was built in 2005 in DC’s Ward 8 to offer the opportunity for families living east of the Anacostia River to receive world class services directly within the community. Part of THEARC’s campus is a beautiful urban farm that provides families living in Wards 7 and 8 with greater access to healthy, affordable food, urban agriculture education and career opportunities.
Join us to get outside, get some sun, do some farming, and celebrate Shavuot! We will pull out weeds, mulch, harvest, clean up trash, and help in any other way that the farm staff need.
Children of all ages are welcome but children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.
If you have any questions please email Sonya.
Join Behrend Builders as we continue beautifying Casa Ruby.
In honor of Pride Month, we will spend Sunday, June 16th making Casa Ruby a more welcoming home for all who use their services or sleep at the facility. Since December 2018, Behrend Builders has brought over 200 volunteers to Casa Ruby to transform the inside and outside of the facility. During this project, we will finish painting the outside of the building and work on murals.
Please sign up in advance, since we will not be able to accommodate walk-ins. 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 the EDCJCC 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 can participate, but children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
The food prepared during Hunger Action is donated to Charlie’s Place, which provides meals and social services to neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Please note that during the renovation, the EDCJCC’s Hunger Action program will take place at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, located in Dupont Circle not far from the EDCJCC.
We request a $8.00 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 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.