Glenn Farber was nominated this past July by Stephanie L. Keith from Jewish Family Service (JFS) of San Diego as Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Volunteer of the Month.  Farber serves as a volunteer for two different programs within Jewish Family Service:  JFS Fix-It Service and JFS On the Go.  In support of JFS Fix-It Service, Farber’s primary responsibilities are to respond to work request inquiries in a timely manner and to provide minor home safety modifications (including installing bathroom safety bars, doorbells, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors).  He also conducts home and fall prevention inspections and reports additional client needs or concerns to the program coordinator.  On behalf of JFS On the Go’s Rides & Smiles program, Farber uses his personal vehicle to provide transportation for older adults (age 60 or older) residing in Eastern San Diego to medical appointments and other personal needs.

Farber has volunteered with JFS Fix-It Service since 2007, providing almost 900 volunteer hours and performing more than 850 home modifications.  Farber has volunteered as an On the Go/Rides & Smiles driver since 2010 and has provided older adults in East county more than 225 rides to medical facilities (including dialysis, mental health and physical therapy), hair salons, fitness classes, grocery stores, places of worship and other destinations.  Farber’s volunteer services have positively impacted the lives of hundreds of older adults b y increasing their independence, community connection, mobility and dignity.  Farber also performs effective outreach by carrying informational media for JFS programs and those of other agencies servicing East County in his vehicle, allowing him to provide appropriate and timely referrals to potential clients or their caregivers.

“Glenn consistently goes above and beyond in his volunteer duties to allow older adults in East County to remain safe, independent and social,” said Keith. “His outstanding knowledge of JFS programs allows him to identify clients who are not currently receiving services to obtain assistance by making appropriate referrals to multiple parts of the agency.”

In addition to volunteering with JFS, Farber also volunteers one day a week on patrol with the San Diego Police Department’s Senior Volunteer Patrol, visiting the elderly as part of the YANA (You Are Not Alone) Program, and volunteers for the Burn Institute delivering and installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Farber’s dedication to volunteering has made a difference in the San Diego community. July 15, 2014 was proclaimed Glenn Farber Day in San Diego by the City Council. Councilman Scott Sherman presented Farber with the proclamation honoring his outstanding volunteer service throughout San Diego.

The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is one of many opportunities offered by the County of San Diego for older adults to help out and volunteer in their communities. There are a variety of locations and roles for older adults who wish to volunteer. For more information on the RSVP Program click here or call 858-505-6399.