At times, Robert Simmons has volunteered for JFS as many as four days a week. His favorite JFS experiences have been meeting people in his cooking classes and interacting with them at the JFS Health Fairs.

Robert grew up in the southern area of Kansas City and after graduating from high school, he moved to Atlanta, where he attended Morehouse College and the Georgia Institute of Technology. After working six years in Atlanta and Detroit, Robert returned to Kansas City, where he trained at Fred Pryor Seminars, and he eventually worked as a trainer for the company.

“I worked as a trainer with several local companies and organizations,” said Robert Simmons. “After traveling extensively and having a young daughter, I decided to find travel-free employment.”

Robert found a new opportunity as a Career Transition Specialist at Job Corps. He helped young people transition from Job Corps into the next chapter of their lives. While he was satisfied working at Job Corps, Robert received some unexpected news.

“One day, I was informed that due to a reorganization, they were eliminating my position,” said Robert.

Robert turned to Jewish Family Services for assistance.

“JFS offered me case management, a pantry, and cooking class,” said Robert. “I wanted to give back since JFS had been so helpful to me.”

“Robert Simmons has been a delightful volunteer serving as a Health Fair volunteer, a neighborhood market greeter, and at an off-site food distribution center,” said Vicki Johansen, JFS’s Volunteer Engagement Coordinator. “He is very personable and well-liked by everyone.”

While he volunteered at two other organizations before the pandemic, Robert revealed why he continues to come back and volunteer at JFS. “JFS is a wonderful experience for volunteering because people are kind, caring, and resourceful,” said Robert.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the volunteer engagement team at (913) 730-1410 or volunteer@jfskc.org.