JUF Uptown Cafe
The JUF Uptown Cafe is one of Chicago’s first kosher anti-hunger programs for the needy. In addition to providing hot meals in a restaurant-style setting, the JUF Uptown Cafe program brings dignity and hope to people in need. The JUF Uptown Cafe feeds Jews and non-Jews alike and is open three days a week for dinner and on Sundays for brunch.
Since its inception in 1998, TOV volunteers have served
242,325 kosher meals
to those in need at the JUF Uptown Cafe.
Location
The JUF Uptown Cafe is located at 909 W. Wilson Ave. (between Hazel and Sheridan) in the Dina and Eli Field EZRA Multi-Service Center, Chicago.
Volunteer Responsibilities
JUF Uptown Cafe Volunteers serve food and converse with guests at their tables. Volunteers are encouraged to enjoy a meal with guests, as many diners are socially isolated and in need of person-to-person contact. Volunteers are expected to treat clients with the same courtesy and respect one would expect from dining in a restaurant. Volunteers ages 12 and over are welcome but, if under 16, must be accompanied by an adult.
Volunteer Schedule
Volunteers are needed to serve dinner on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and brunch on Sunday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The JUF Uptown Cafe is volunteer driven and depends on its volunteers to run smoothly. When volunteers do not show up it limits the number of clients the Cafe can serve.
If your schedule changes and you are no longer available for your shift, please contact TOV immediately at 312-357-4762 or [email protected]. Any last minute changes outside of normal business hours should be directed to the Cafe’s front desk at 773‑275‑0866.
The shift begins promptly at the scheduled time with a mandatory orientation. Please know, if you arrive more than 15 minutes late without prior notice, you will be turned away. This is to ensure volunteers are clear about Cafe rules and volunteer responsibilities.
VOLUNTEER SHIFTS ARE TWO HOURS LONG. PLEASE PLAN ON BEING THERE FOR THE DURATION OF YOUR SHIFT.
Please note, the Cafe cannot accept walk-ins. All volunteers must be registered in advance.
On-Call Volunteers
Join our on-call list to volunteer when we have last-minute volunteer cancellations. By agreeing to join our on-call list, it is with the understanding that we rely on a minimum number of volunteers in order to have a meal service. Please only respond to the call if you are truly available and committed to that shift, once you have signed up.
FAQ
If you need more information about the JUF Uptown Cafe, please call or email TOV at [email protected] or 312‑357‑4762.
A: The JUF Uptown Cafe is located at 909 W. Wilson Ave. (between Hazel and Sheridan) in the Dina and Eli Field EZRA Multi-Service Center, Chicago.
A: Free parking is available near the JUF Uptown Cafe. See the parking map for more details.
A: Volunteers should allow extra time before their shifts begin for traffic, weather conditions, and parking. Weekday volunteers please arrive at EZRA and sign in at the front desk by 5:30 p.m. Sunday or holiday volunteers, please arrive no later than 10:30 a.m. to sign in. If you arrive later than 15 minutes after the start of your shift without prior notice, you will be turned away.
A: Please contact the JUF Uptown Cafe’s front desk at 773‑275‑0866, to notify the Cafe. If you arrive later than 15 minutes after the start of your shift without prior notice, the JUF Uptown Cafe staff will not be able to accommodate you.
A: No. Because the Cafe serves a restaurant-style meal with a limited team, it disrupts the flow of the meal service to stop and unlock the volunteer closet before the end of the service. It also doubles up the workload for other volunteers. We therefore kindly ask that volunteers be prepared for and committed to the full two-hour meal service. Please call the TOV Hotline at 312‑357‑4762 or email [email protected] if your plans have changed and you can no longer serve.
A: For cancellations prior to your day of service, please contact TOV via our hotline 312‑357‑4762, or email [email protected]. Please include: your full name, volunteer date and anyone else you are cancelling for.
Day of cancellations after normal business hours: please contact the Cafe directly: 773‑275‑0866.
A: No. For potential safety issues involved with food service, our age limit is strictly 12 years and older. Please do not bring anyone with you who is not already scheduled to volunteer during your shift—this includes anyone who is not intending to volunteer, such as younger children, etc.
A: No, all participants must be registered in advance to volunteer at the JUF Uptown Cafe. If you would like to bring an additional volunteer, please see below for registration instructions.
A: Sign up online now! If you would like to register a group or need more information, call or email TOV at [email protected] or 312‑357‑4762.
A: Individuals may volunteer one Sunday a month and as many weekdays as we are able to confirm. Those who have not yet volunteered during the month will get priority over repeat volunteers if there are limited spaces. Groups may reserve one date per month, and one Sunday per calendar year.
A: For safety reasons, we ask that our volunteers wear closed-toe shoes. Please dress comfortably, and plan on standing for several hours.
A: We can most likely accommodate additional shifts. Please contact TOV when getting ready to sign up for dates.
A: EZRA’s food pantry and hygiene closet are always looking for donations. If you have any items you wish to donate, please refer to the linked food pantry and hygiene closet Amazon wish-lists for suggested donations.
A: The Greater Chicago Food Depository has a volunteer program, whereby you can donate your time served at their facility towards a participating food pantry. EZRA is a GCFD beneficiary. Please see the linked flyer for more details.
Contact: [email protected] | 312‑357‑4762