NEW TO AUSTIN

We’ve Been Waiting for You!

We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant, warm and growing community! Please connect with a Shalom Austin staff person below to learn more about the program areas that align with your interests.

Jewish Austin Newcomers Guide

CONNECT WITH US

Alachua Nazarenko

Education & Engagement Director

(512) 735-8052

Email Me

Young Families & PJ Library
Young Adults (21-40)
Adult Education
Leadership Development

Rachel Wimberley

Arts & Culture and Adults 60+ Programs Director

(512) 735-8086

Email Me

Adults 60+
Arts & Culture

Arielle Levy

Women’s Philanthropy and Volunteer Director

(512) 735-8090

Email Me

Women’s Philanthropy
Volunteer Opportunities
Israel Engagement
Travel Experiences

Rachel VanScoyoc

Jewish Family Service Office Manager

(512) 250-1044 x10

Email Me

Jewish Family Service
Individual & Family Therapy
Case Management

Heather Brands

Aquatics and Fitness Manager

(512) 735-8222

Email Me

JCC Membership
Sports & Fitness

Robyn Burch

Rapoport Center Administrative Assistant

(512) 735-8050

Email Me

JCamps
Early childhood program
Youth & Teen
BBYO

What are your interests?

Let Us Know!

If you have general questions about being new to town, feel free to reach out to any of these Shalom Austin professionals.
For specific information on congregations and community resources, click here.

HERE WE ARE: AUSTIN VIRTUAL TOUR!

In collaboration with Partnership2Gether, Shalom Austin will be sharing highlights of our wonderful city and, primarily, our Jewish community through our “tour guides” Sandy Dochen, Julie Franklin, and Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Give to the Food Pantry or Help Pack and Deliver Bags

Food insecurity is growing in Austin. The Jewish community and our neighbors need your support. Organize a food drive, help us stock the Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service Food Pantry or prepare bags for clients in need. Monthly volunteer opportunities are available. Our food pantry is going to begin a fresh food program and we would love your help with donations and delivery.

Senior adults gather around a table for Shabbat

Celebrate Shabbat and Jewish Holidays with Isolated Community Members

Celebrate with seniors and vulnerable members of our community by joining other volunteers to lead programs, in–person and online, in order to bring extra joy to these special occasions. Other holiday opportunities include writing postcards, making phone calls, and helping with deliveries.

Be a Friendly Caller or Visitor

Connect meaningfully with seniors or isolated community members by volunteering to be a Friendly Caller or Friendly Visitor and sharing a happy smile and conversation. You can make phone calls to those looking for connection or if you are comfortable, we are now coordinating in person visits as well.

Shalom Austin and JFS partner with many organizations in town to offer volunteering opportunities together with your new Jewish friends.
Join our new Shalom Austin Volunteer Facebook Group to learn about volunteering opportunities within our community and beyond.
To be added to the volunteer list, email volunteer@shalomaustin.org

Volunteer Facebook Group