Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/718539
54 August 25 • 2016 T his summer, I participated in the Jeanette and Oscar Cook Jewish Occupational Intern Program (JOIN), where college students are given the opportu- nity to work at a Jewish agency in Metro- politan Detroit. The program provides Jewish students with a professional work experience and a chance to "try out" possible careers and introduces participants to leadership roles within the community. My placement at JARC, made possible by the Tony Richman JOIN Scholarship Fund, has allowed me to do this — and more. The two programs I have been involved in are the Summer LinkUp program and the RRR program. At LinkUp, a collaboration between JARC and JVS, young adults gain valuable work experience and also get out into the com- munity. Every Thursday, I traveled with them to such places as the Oakland County Fair, Paradise Park and a cooking class from Qual- ity Kosher Catering. Our cooking class was a fantastic way for the young adults to master some basic kitchen skills and leave with newfound confidence and pride in these skills. Each week at LinkUp brings something new and exciting, and allows participants to form meaningful relationships with each other and with their community. At the Rosen Family RRR (relationships, relaxation and recreation) Program, adults gather at a JARC home for activities, social- izing and outings. I always looked forward to my Tuesdays at RRR because I love getting to know the people we serve, and I have learned so much from them. I have a newfound appreciation for life and have learned the importance of patience, acceptance, laughter and love. Through my experience at RRR and LinkUp, I have discovered the true beauty of JARC and how important this organization is to those they serve — and to the greater community. I also planned a third-party fundraiser for the organization. The event was hosted by Potbelly Sandwich Shop, with 25 percent of proceeds going to JARC. The event was a huge success, drawing more than 100 people. There was a JARC presence there, and those unfamiliar with JARC were able to learn about the services they provide. As part of the JOIN program, interns also got to choose one of the participating agen- cies to volunteer at during our "Volunteer Week." Those who chose JARC helped out at a barbecue at one of JARC's homes. The barbecue hosted 25 individuals and was a fun way for the JOIN interns to become more fa- miliar with JARC's mission while also getting to know more of the individuals JARC serves. We played bingo, enjoyed some delicious food and had great conversations. The feed- back JARC received from participating interns was very positive. "I know I want to come back and continue to be involved with JARC. I'm so glad I had the chance to volunteer," said intern Meagan Soffin. My internship at JARC has allowed me to explore my professional interests, strengthen my abilities and improve my weaknesses. It has shown me the ins and outs of nonprofit work and allowed me to network in a field I may choose to pursue. I was mentored by my outstanding supervisor Lindsey Fox-Wagner, along with several other inspiring profession- als, who opened my eyes to the opportunities for involvement in the Jewish nonprofit world. The relationships and experiences I have gained here are invaluable, and I could not be more appreciative and honored to have been given this experience. @ Molly Klein of West Bloomfield is a junior at the University of Michigan. for college students by college students JOIN interns help at the JARC barbecue: Joseph Benaderet and Rachel Morof, both of West Bloomfield, Lea Boreland of Novi, Meagan Soffin of Oak Park and Molly Klein of West Bloomfield. JOINing JARC Internship allows student to gain experience and understand the community. Molly Klein } jewish@edu writer Being first time parents, Jbaby provided us with a wealth of information and the support of a new community to succeed in parenting. It gave us the opportunity to connect with other young couples and learn what resources are available in the area. CONNECTING JEWISH FAMILIES FROM BUMP TO BIRTH AND BEYOND... For more information contact Mikki Frank frank@jfmd.org or 248.645.7845 Alana, Leonid & Livia Shamban " " Go to Facebook to join our group today! Register today for our Fall Prenatal Class starting November 8th 2016! www.jewishdetroit.org/prenatal 2090070 2113100 Did you think you couldn't afford to belong to a synagogue? 1936460 You set your fi rst year dues level With an offer like this you can't afford not to! Call Steve Fine at the synagogue offi ce at 248-788-0600 for more information 6800 Drake Road | West Bloomfi eld MI 48322 | www.bnaimoshe.org A family of cousins, aunts, uncles, bubbies and zadies you just haven't met yet. Congregation B'nai Moshe - Welcome Home Award-winning Shabbat-centric Hebrew School. Registration is Open. FREE Kindergarten!