Community Engagement

For over 130 years, NCJW/CLE volunteers have served across Greater Cleveland — in schools, libraries, senior centers, and neighborhoods — meeting diverse needs with compassion, creativity, and action.

community and education page photograph

Explore our ongoing community programs

Volunteers knit blankets, hats, scarves, teddy bears, and more to bring warmth, love, and comfort to hospital patients, veterans, seniors, and others in need. Weekly knitting sessions also provide fellowship and creativity for participants.

Two traveling musical groups that perform Broadway-style songs and uplifting music for residents of nursing homes, senior housing, and independent living facilities — spreading joy through live entertainment.

Volunteers at the Jewish Family Service Association bring Jewish holiday celebrations to clients with special needs. Each program includes a festive meal, themed activities, and heartfelt connections.

Dedicated to promoting early reading success, this initiative includes:

  • Reading Buddies, where volunteers read one-on-one with 4th graders
  • Building Bridges with Books, where we stock and monitor Little Free Libraries throughout the region

An annual winter collection drive that gathers coats, gloves, hats, and scarves for Clevelanders facing cold-weather hardship.

SWYW collects and distributes clothing, school supplies, and hygiene products to children in need or crisis, via school and agency social workers. Volunteers shop an in-house store to fill custom orders by size and gender, adding toiletries and supplies as needed.