April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and this month, we’re proud to celebrate Reneé Videlefsky, Vice President of Community Relations for the National Council of Jewish Women Atlanta (NCJW). Reneé has been a dedicated volunteer with New American Pathways for the past three years, and she truly sees her role as a “career volunteer.” As our featured Thought Leader, Reneé reflects on her volunteer journey, her work supporting families during the Afghan humanitarian crisis, and how she helped forge a valuable partnership with Webb Bridge Middle School—one of New AP’s key volunteer and donor partners.
Reneé was inspired to volunteer and support the refugee community when the Afghan humanitarian crisis occurred, bringing an influx of refugees to Atlanta. She wanted to do her part in helping to welcome and provide for them.
One of her most memorable volunteer projects with New American Pathways was a Baby Shower held for over 80 Afghan expectant and new mothers. Reneé and her fellow NCJW members collected and distributed newborn and baby items in a playful, party atmosphere. It was especially rewarding because one of the missions of NCJW is to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families.
Reneé helped establish a partnership with Webb Bridge Middle School, where the sixth-grade class collected over 3,000 essential items, including soccer balls, for refugees served by New AP. Later, they also collected and wrapped gifts for 73 Ukrainian families.
Another impactful project NCJW has undertaken is providing welcome baskets. Upon learning that they could coincide their welcome baskets with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, NCJW decided to prepare Ramadan Welcome Baskets specifically for Muslim families, including items needed for cooking traditional meals.
Reneé says, “It is the hope of my synagogue, NCJW, and myself that these acts of compassion and kindness bridge any divide that may exist between different cultures, foster friendships and understanding, and find commonality in the desire to care for our families.” She adds that, “In Judaism, we are expected to practice ‘tikkun olam,’ or ‘repair the world’ — which includes volunteering, donating money or resources, and advocating for social justice. Helping refugees certainly falls within this practice.”
As a Board member at Congregation Or Hadash and NCJW, Reneé feels fortunate to pursue her passions for serving refugees, literacy, and food insecurity. She encourages others to volunteer, saying, “You will feel good! The relationships and appreciation I receive are more rewarding than anything the recipients get from me.”
New American Pathways would like to thank Reneé and NCJW for their tremendous support and representation of volunteers and the community. If you’re inspired by Reneé’s story and want to make a difference, consider becoming a volunteer with New American Pathways!
Email volunteercoordinator@newamericanpathways.org to get involved today!