Ophir Barone
Ophir Barone, 27, a corporate strategist for JPMorgan Chase, began volunteering through UJA-Federation of New York in 2006. Since then, he has steadily expanded his degree of involvement.
With an interest in engaging other young people in philanthropy, Barone started in the Observership program, first at Hillel at Baruch College and then at UJA-Federation in 2007, serving as a nonvoting member of the board.
“The ultimate reason I’m involved is connected to an incredible sense of good fortune.” — Ophir Barone
Currently, he mentors for others in the Observership program. Also, as a member of the Commission on the Jewish People, Barone is on the Loan Fund Task Force. He says it offers a “cool opportunity” to learn about and help the Israeli economy through a program that supports economic development.
“The ultimate reason I’m involved with UJA-Federation,” Barone says, is connected to an “incredible sense of good fortune,” and the recognition that others may not have been given the same opportunities.
Helene Shandell
In 2007, retired Manhattan executive Helene Shandell began volunteering at F.E.G.S. Health and Human Services System — a UJA-Federation of New York beneficiary agency — where she quickly became a leading force in its Suited for Work program.
At the Hudson Street headquarters, Shandell meets with F.E.G.S. welfare-to-work and disadvantaged clients. She helps them search through new men’s and women’s clothing donated by stores and manufacturers to “find a new outfit they will enjoy wearing,” explains Karen Zuckerman, assistant vice president of volunteers and student internships at F.E.G.S.
“The job market has been very bad, and many don’t have the proper clothes,” says Shandell. “But everyone is entitled to a suit and tie to present themselves well at an interview.”
Shandell “always has a smile on her face and treats all of our clients with respect,” notes Zuckerman. She “is patient, kind, warm, and compassionate.”
Shandell looks forward to the added responsibility of coordinating volunteers on this project and to recruiting others. “I’ve had a very good life,” she says. “I want to give back.” ♦
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