Community Stories: Sandi Matz, Franklin

When your children leave home, it’s easy to feel lost. I, on the other hand, found my stride and my purpose as a volunteer.

My friend invited me to an event presented by the National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan (@ncjwinc). The following year, I was spearheading the same event. I have been involved on several committees since that time and was honored to serve a three-year term as president. There is such a need in our community and there are so many ways to get involved. I tell people to use the skills and interests they already have to make a difference. I enjoy baking, so I bake bread for a local pantry. In the past, I worked as a medical librarian. I absolutely loved it and I l still love books, which led me to become the associate chair of the Jewish Book Fair and a volunteer at Bookstock.

What I appreciate most about NCJW|MI and some of the other groups I’m involved with is that we’re Jewish organizations but we’re not just helping Jewish people – we’re helping wherever there’s a need. At the NCJW resale store, for example, the funds from everything we sell goes right back into programs for the community. It’s rewarding to know I’m making our community better and making a difference in people’s lives.

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