Briggett Marquina, one of JFS Orlando’s newest volunteers.
Between babysitting for Family Stabilization Program (FSP) workshops and volunteering in the Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry, Briggett Marquina pulls double duty as a JFS Orlando volunteer. When she’s not volunteering, she’s studying Clinical Psychology at UCF to become a child psychologist, going to the gym, or playing with her dog, Saige. Briggett is also an army veteran and served two nine-month deployments to Kuwait. Her selflessness and desire to make a meaningful impact could not be more evident in all that she does.
Briggett first began volunteering with JFS in February 2020 and so far has enjoyed it. “I heard about JFS through my hair dresser. Not only does the staff make you feel welcomed but also the experience here is most definitely worthwhile.” The meaning and value of her volunteer work is clear. When she babysits for FSP workshops, she is giving struggling parents a chance to learn the vital skills they need to stabilize their families. When she volunteers in the Pantry, she is directly giving individuals the food they need to survive.
Whichever program Briggett comes in to help with on any given day, she is giving up her time to help those most in need in our community. She does it, not only because it’s the kind thing to do, but because she understands their situation. “I love knowing that I am giving a hand to those in need. I come from a very humble home with a foreign single mom who doesn’t speak the language and I know first-hand what it’s like to know your children are fed and well taken care of through my wonderful mom’s struggles.” One particularly meaningful moment that has stood out to Briggett from volunteering with JFS was when she was working in the Pantry. “I had the pleasure of speaking to an older Hispanic lady who asked me if I spoke Spanish. When I told her yes, the sense of relief I saw in her was very rewarding.”
Thank you, Briggett, for giving of your time and for being that source of relief for many of the people JFS Orlando serves. We’re so glad to have you on the JFS Volunteer Team!
Interested in helping your community by volunteering with JFS? Roles include helping out in the Pantry and behind-the-scenes office assistance. To sign up, contact us at 407-644-7593 ext. 249 or Audrey.Cohen@JFSorlando.org.