PALs Spotlight

PAL Snapshot

Brad Ivers with his little PAL at the group's Chanukah bowling party.

Brad Ivers has volunteered with Jewish Family & Career Services' PAL program, which pairs an adult volunteer with a child from a single-parent household, since October. Ivers tells Julep what motivated him to get involved, how he has learned from the experience, and a little about his buddy.

Why did you get involved with PAL?

I was looking to give back my time and feel as though I was making an impact on someone else's life.

What can you tell us about your PAL?

My PAL is a very intelligent, energetic, loving and fun 7-year-old. He is surrounded by a great family and lots of friends. He very quickly made me part of his family.

What do you two do together?

We have gone to the movies, bowling, played video games, played sports, board games, and just talked about life.

What have you gained from this?

A greater sense of worth, knowledge from my PAL and a lot of smiles.

If you are interested in becoming a PAL or learning more about the program, contact Erika Lang at (770) 677-9310 or erikalang@jfcs-atlanta.org.

PAL volunteers must be at least 21, Jewish, not have young children of their own, and commit to a least a year with two visits a month and a weekly phone call with their buddy. Volunteers also must pass a criminal background check.

Jewish children ages 6 to 15 from single-parent families are accepted into the program. With a waiting list of young boys, male volunteers are especially needed.