JFCS Looking for Young Professionals for Updated Committee

Jewish Family and Children’s Service is actively looking for young professionals to join its Professional Leadership Group (PLG) beginning this spring as it kicks off the latest cohort of its popular program aimed at individuals aged 25-40.

For nearly a decade the group has provided young professionals with the opportunity to learn about one of the leading social service nonprofits in the community while getting some valuable leadership experience in the process. The PLG boasts nearly 50 alumni since it launched in 2017, many of whom have gone on to additional leadership roles at JFCS and other nonprofit organizations.

“The purpose of the PLG is to engage and mobilize young professionals to support JFCS in its mission, with a primary focus on fundraising, community outreach, and fostering leadership development,” says Len Gutman, Vice President of Philanthropic Services for JFCS. “It’s a unique opportunity to see how a large nonprofit organization works on the inside and at the same time group members will gain real world experience they can use in their careers and future community work.”

Participants will also gain increased knowledge of the social service & healthcare needs in our community, opportunities for mentorship and/or coaching, and the chance to network with other young civic-minded professionals.

The PLG is getting a slight structural update moving forward to provide participants with more opportunities to engage with JFCS staff and leadership. Members will be asked to commit to four meetings per year and will serve two-year terms, with no more than three consecutive terms. Participants will also have the chance to tour JFCS facilities while serving in the group including the organization’s integrated health clinics, the Real World Job Development center, and domestic violence shelter Sojourner Center.

There is no cost to join the committee, but participants will be asked to help raise money for JFCS through any combination of direct donations, gifts secured from third parties (i.e. companies, foundations, individuals), or by encouraging others to buy tickets or sponsorships for existing JFCS fundraising events such as its annual Brighter Tomorrow Luncheon. The PLG will also work together to plan and host a smaller annual fundraising event.

JFCS is an 88-year-old social service organization that provides behavioral health, healthcare and social services to individuals of all ages, faiths and backgrounds.

This article was originally published in the Jewish News. For more information about the PLG or to fill out an application, click here or contact Len Gutman at Len.Gutman@jfcsaz.org.