The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley gives community corporations the opportunity to help local nonprofits complete sustainable projects to further their missions and better serve their clients through the annual Volunteer Challenge. Local nonprofits submit applications for Lehigh Valley corporations to review that include enhancing grounds and buildings, leading fundraising efforts, and administrative projects.
This year, JFS Volunteer Coordinator Jennifer Oxfeld submitted an application for a project to renovate the waiting room and create additional storage space for the Community Food Pantry. “Following the pandemic JFS was thrilled to welcome clients back to the building; however, the waiting room just felt kind of drab,” said Oxfeld. “We wanted our waiting room to feel comfortable and welcoming to our clients when they enter the building for services.”
Mitch Hanna, marketing manager for Alvin H. Butz, Inc. said, “We read the description of the waiting room project and quickly realized how well it paired well with the capabilities of our firm. Through our research, we recognized that our corporate mission aligned with JFS to support and give back to the Allentown community.”
Through collaborative meetings, Alvin H. Butz, Inc. and JFS planned the renovation of the waiting room. The first aspect of the project was the need for a closet. JFS had been using a corner of the waiting room for the storage of non-perishable foods, with only a screen to cover the area. The Butz team included Wendy Silfies, project manager, John Dillman, construction superintendent, and Brianna Moyer, marketing assistant. The team came up with a solution of a permanent closet with two metal doors and interior shelving to provide adequate storage space for these items.
Butz partnered with Charles Dectis Painting, Inc. who graciously provided their time and guidance for finalizing paint colors, finish, and the donation of all painting supplies to complete the project.
JFS brought in long-time community supporter Sara-Jane Bub to collaborate on how to create a waiting room that would feel warm and inviting for clients. Paint colors, brighter lights, and new waiting room furniture were all considered as the project progressed.
Brianna Moyer, the primary liaison for JFS, was charged with the overall coordination of the project. She worked closely with Jan Behler, Dectis Painting, and rallied a dozen Butz employees who volunteered to prep and paint the waiting room. “I’ve loved the community involvement aspect of the project and the opportunity to engage with my coworkers,” says Moyer. “I feel good knowing the new JFS waiting room will have a lasting impact for the staff and clients of JFS.”