Family & Teen Opportunities

Jewish Family Service of Dallas has a variety of opportunities for families and teens to participate meaningfully in our mission while earning service hours and learning about our giving back. Teens can join the Student Impact Board to lead projects and support community events, or apply for our Klein Student Internship for hands-on experiences at local area nonprofits.

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Family Volunteer Opportunities

JFS Dallas offers meaningful ways for kids and families to volunteer together. Children ages 12 and older can help in the JFS Food Pantry with a parent or take part in the Food Pantry Experience. Families of all ages are welcome to join our Family Day events or participate in remote volunteer projects—like packing snack bags, hygiene kits, or birthday cake kits, or hosting a community drive.

  • Sign up for one of our upcoming family days
  • Mitzvah Menu
  • Family Bingo Card
Learn More
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High School Volunteer & Leadership Opportunities

JFS Dallas Student Impact Board

The Student Impact Board is an ongoing leadership and volunteer opportunity for high school students who want to make a meaningful difference in their community through JFS Dallas.

Members work together to plan and support service projects, fundraising efforts, and special events that strengthen JFS Dallas programs. From organizing donation drives to assisting with community initiatives, students take an active role in addressing real needs while building leadership, teamwork, and project management skills.

The Student Impact Board empowers students to turn their passion for service into action — and to grow as leaders while doing it.

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FAQs

  • Who is eligible to join the Student Impact Board (SIB)?

    You must be a high school student between the ages of 14–18.

  • What are the requirements?

    After the application, interview, and acceptance, members must attend an orientation, submit the $25 membership fee, and complete a Commitment Form. Members must participate in at least 5 of the 9 projects or events, and attend 5 of the 9 meetings held during the term.

  • What is a “Give/Get” requirement?

    Members are expected to raise or contribute $100 annually through one or more of the following:

    • Securing donations or sponsorships from employers, sponsors, or other supporters
    • Providing in-kind items such as gift cards or products for drives to meet organizational needs

  • Will I receive volunteer credit?

    Yes, you will earn 14+ community service hours that count toward school requirements.

  • Do I have to be on an event team?

    Yes, each student must serve on the event team for one event per term, and you’ll be able to choose which event you want to support.

  • How long is the commitment?

    Members commit to a one-year term beginning on their orientation date. Events will align with the academic calendar, occurring from August to May.​

Onboarding Schedule

  • Q1

    • Application Period: December 1–15​
    • Interviews: December 16–31​
    • Confirmation/Selection: January 1–7​

  • Q2

    • Application Period: March 1–15​
    • Interviews: March 16–31
    • Confirmation/Selection: April 1–7​

  • Q3

    • Application Period: June 1–15​
    • Interviews: June 16–30​
    • Confirmation/Selection: July 1–7​

  • Q4

    • Application Period: September 1–15​
    • Interviews: September 16–30​
    • Confirmation/Selection: October 1–7​
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Rabbi Gerald J. Klein Highschool Internship

Since 2009, Jewish Family Service of Dallas has offered teens in the Dallas Metroplex the chance to intern at various local nonprofit organizations. This initiative stands as a lasting tribute to Rabbi Gerald J. Klein of Temple Emanu-El in Dallas, honoring his 50-year commitment to social justice. The program provides hands-on learning, invaluable training, and meaningful experiences, educating teens about nonprofit agencies and their missions.

For more details about the Rabbi Gerald J. Klein Internship, please reach out to the Community Engagement Team at volunteers@jfsdallas.org.

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How It Works

High school students are paired with a Dallas-area nonprofit for a 180-hour summer internship. During this experience, students can expect to:

 

  • Gain insights into job and college readiness with guidance from professional coaches.
  • Explore various roles within nonprofit organizations to broaden their perspective.
  • Enhance personal communication skills by sharing experiences and learning from peers.
  • Widen their understanding of the needs of the clients served by each Host Agency.
  • Acquire valuable hands-on training, fostering the development of workplace skills.
  • Have the opportunity to make new friends and build connections within the internship community.

FAQs

  • Who can apply?

    High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in a Dallas-area school are eligible. Applicants must be 16 years old by June 1 to apply.

  • How are applicants selected?

    Selection is merit-based only; factors such as religion, race, or ethnicity are not considered.

  • When does the application open?

    Applications open Monday, January 15, 2026.

  • What is the deadline?

    All applications are due by Friday, March 12, 2026.

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Important Dates

Mark your calendar for these key milestones in the Klein Summer Internship Program.

 

Interview Scheduling

  • Sunday, March 22, 2026
    •  After submitting your application, expect to receive an email with a 30-minute interview slot.

Meet & Greet 

  • Thursday, April 16, 2026
    • Successful candidates will attend an in-person Meet & Greet with Internship Coordinators from their top-choice agencies. You’ll finalize your preferences, agencies will share their selections, and JFS Dallas will make final matches.

Notification of Selection 

  • Friday, April 24, 2026
    • You’ll receive an email regarding your internship status.. Please note that not all applicants will be selected for an internship.
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Past Internship Host Agencies

  • ALS Association of Texas 
  • Color Me Empowered
  • Community Homes for Adults 
  • Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden 
  • Dallas Jewish Historical Society 
  • Dallas SPARK! 
  • Equest 
  • Jewish Family Service Food Pantry 
  • Metrocrest Services 
  • National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. 
  • Network of Community Ministries 
  • PLAN of North Texas 
  • Ronald McDonald House of Dallas 
  • The Legacy Senior Communities 
  • The Warren Center Wesley-Rankin Community Center 
  • Vogel Alcove