Meet Marissa Comin! Marissa has been part of the TOV team since 2010. As TOV's Assistant Director, she is responsible for a variety of programming including Good Deeds Day and MLK Day, and she serves as a volunteer concierge helping to customize individual and group projects.

Marissa's favorite TOV program is Good Deeds Day. She loves it so much that in 2018, she brought her then-six-week-old son to participate, jump-starting his tikkun olam journey and making him the youngest TOV volunteer ever! Marissa feels fortunate to partner with an ever-growing list of incredible non-profits throughout Chicagoland in order to make giving back easily accessible for volunteers of all ages!

Meet Ali Boorstein! Ali joined TOV in 2015. As TOV’s program associate, Ali mainly oversees one-time volunteer opportunities, young adult and young family programming, and TOV Reads. Ali told us why she loves being part of the team. “Whenever I tell someone that I work for TOV I am always smiling with pride. Before working here, I feel like I forgot to stop and appreciate certain privileges I took for granted in my life. Working with TOV has opened my eyes to the amount of hunger, homelessness, abuse, and other serious issues that are immensely present in Chicago and around the world. I've learned how important it is to me to use the resources I’m fortunate enough to have to help others who are not as fortunate. I feel lucky to have a job that allows me to inspire others to feel the same. I excitedly come to work every day with the feeling that I’m doing my part to make the world a better place. To me, that's what life should be about. Another one of many reasons I love working for TOV is because of the people I’ve met. They are people who willingly volunteer their free time to do good for others. They are kind, patient, and have the biggest hearts. These type of people have inspired me and motivated me to be my best self over the last 3 years. I love what TOV does for others, and I love how TOV has helped shape my own life in a positive way.”

Have you ever wondered who the people behind the scenes are?

Meet Yael Brunwasser! Yael joined TOV in 2010. As TOV’s Director, Yael oversees corporate engagement, JUF’s Community Legal Services, the Uptown Cafe and disaster relief. When not in the office, Yael loves live music, African dance, world travel and is passionate about uplifting women and girls. Yael has recently discovered a love for podcasts and spiritual growth. She also has a weakness for affogato.

Ever wonder who the people behind the scenes are?

Meet Maya Garcia! Maya joined TOV in August, 2015. As TOV’s Administrative Assistant, Maya is the voice you hear when you call the TOV Hotline or schedule a date at the JUF Uptown Café. When Maya’s not in the office, she enjoys creating soul art, writing, singing/songwriting, live music, traveling, advocating for women’s and children’s rights, and participating in art shows and poetry contests.