Tiffany Harris completed an internship at Jewish Family Service (JFS), a non-profit social service organization. She assisted with various projects, including working in the food bank and helping to plan events. She observed JFS's structure and communication strengths and weaknesses. She learned personal and professional lessons from her experiences and identified areas for self-improvement.

1. Tiffany Harris Organizational Communication Dr. Mara Adelman

2. (JFS) Jewish Family Service Mission Video “Portraits of Hope” Values Structure Exciting projects at JFS Communication strengths & weaknesses Recommendations Personal & Professional Lessons Areas in which I can improve Overall experience

3. Jewish Family Service (JFS) A private, non-profit social service organization that helps to ensure the survival and strength of our Jewish and Gentile community by identifying needs and offering programs and services which incorporate Jewish culture and principles.

4. Values adhering to the highest levels of professional standards and social work principles offering services within a climate of caring, trust and respect for human dignity and diversity Seeking and valuing collaborative efforts with and between the Board, supporters, volunteers and other community agencies and resources creating innovative programs that reflect the changing needs of the communities served emphasizing efficient, flexible, fiscally responsible management respecting the organization’s founding principles to assist our community as its highest priority, and to do so consistent with Jewish values

5. Structure Chief Executive Officer, Ken Weinberg consults with The Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer, Claudia Berman and Chief Financial Officer, Vita Moreti consult with him. The Management Team sets organizational priorities. They are in charge of making decisions and consulting with staff and program directors. The Management Team presents data to the CEO and eventually The Board. The CEO can approve proposals, but The Board has the final say. Eight Department directors: Multi-Ethnic Service Centers, Volunteer Opportunities, Emergency Services, Food Bank Program, Aging & Adult Programs, Youth & Children’s Services, Family Life Education, Counseling Services Department directors have monthly meetings with the Management Team, and oversee their employees, volunteers, and interns.

6. Exciting projects at JFS Working in the food bank, I conducted surveys, helped sort, and distribute food and supplies to low-income individuals and families.

7. Exciting projects at JFS I sorted food alongside J-serve

8. Exciting projects at JFS I helped prepare, set up and facilitate events and workshops.

9. Exciting projects at JFS I learned about how the organization helps new Americans with resettlement services.

10. Exciting projects at JFS At the all staff meeting, I met all of the employees, volunteers and interns at JFS’ main office.

11. Exciting projects at JFS I worked alongside my mentor at the volunteer information table at JFS’ annual Community of Caring Luncheon.

12. Exciting projects at JFS My mentor invited me to attend a staff party in celebration of the Jewish holiday Shavuot.

13. Major communication strengths Marketing Department In charge of PR, advertising, and market research In charge of designing and creating brochures, posters, newsletters, any direct mail materials and publications designed to bring about a greater clientele and promote awareness of the organization. Grant Writers Perform comprehensive research Find grant opportunities Create written proposals Document the concept and content of the proposal Build JFS’ prospect and Donor base Allows JFS to apply for multiple grants at one time Program directors can focus more on programming and less on finding funding

14. Communication weakness Offices and departments are spread out and somewhat disconnected

15. Ways to improve communication and bridge the geographical gap between offices and departments Collaborate more often and more effectively Visit each other's offices more often Be interested, keep in contact, and make a greater effort to meet regularly When sending information: call and explain details of the information  create a personal link Program directors: Inform staff about their work and be mindful to whom they send information Board Members and staff: Build a more comfortable atmosphere by reserving more time and money for meetings, breakfasts, luncheons, Etc. Comfortable people  more likely to trust each other, share ideas and information Only send newsletters when there is enough news to discuss Use Google Docs or a similar program that would allow staff members to collaborate and share documents in real time. Use AOL or MSN instant messaging

16. Personal & Professional Lessons Personal Tasks with various diverse groups  I could overcome my shyness and petty fears. Professional Came from performing the tasks set by my mentor and functioning as an intern Strengthened my written and visual communication skills The organization can benefit from the creativity of students and interns

17. Areas in which I can improve I do not handle stress very well. I will always get a project done, but often times at the expense of my health and sanity. Need to be more organized Stay calm and focused on projects Need to be more on top of planning meetings and other events around my work and school schedule

18. Overall experience My overall experience was very positive. I witnessed first hand the philosophy, process, and context of Jewish communal service for leadership in our community all the while becoming sensitized to the many dimensions of social, political, and religious issues facing diverse groups in our community.

19. The End Shalom, Lehitra'ot or Lehit