AUGUST 4 • 2022 | 23

with AmeriCorps VISTA 
Life Remodeled as a youth 
coordinator.
“It was clear to me how 
different resources were 
spread amongst current 
populations,” she said. “For 
example, I helped a lot of the 
kids with their homework 
and helped them get enrolled 
in a free golf program. Being 
able to be next door to 
the school, we could show 
students opportunities they 
wouldn’t have even heard of.”
Cunnien says she was 
grateful to give her time, 
share her skills and build 
relationships with the 
students. 
 She worked with Yad Ezra 
in the garden as a Giving 
Gardens assistant, where 
she was on the other end, 
leading volunteer shifts and 
teaching kids and adults 
about farming.
“A couple months in with 
Yad Ezra, I then transitioned 
to working for Hazon 

Detroit, (a Bloomfield 
Township-based Jewish 
nonprofit organization 
that focuses on 
environmental 
awareness) as their 
seal of sustainability 
program manager.”
Now, Cunnien helps 
to put more gardens 
and other sustainable 
projects into action. 
She says giving her 
time has always been 
important to her 
because she was aware 
of everything she was given 
growing up.
“I have been born into 
this privilege, and I feel it’s 
important to use my time for 
the benefit of others. And 
also, it makes me feel good.”
Cunnien encourages others 
to give their time by looking 
at what skills you have and 
seeing how you can use it to 
serve someone else. 
“I’m still learning. There’s 
so much to learn about 

farming, but it’s one of the 
things that some people 
would say I specialize in 
so I use it. Everyone has 
such different skills and 
experiences. So, start there 
and ask yourself, what are 
you good at doing?”
If you’re interested in 
learning more about some 
of the sustainable projects 
Cunnien is involved in, she 
is looking for volunteers to 
help with the sixth annual 

Michigan Jewish Food 
Festival, presented by Hazon 
Detroit on Sunday, Aug. 21. 
“Our volunteer team is 
critical to the success of this 
impactful community event,” 
added Cunnien. 

To find more information about the 

Michigan Jewish Food Festival, visit 

hazon.org/mjff. If you would like to 

nominate someone to be the next vol-

unteer of the week, send a nomination 

with a short paragraph telling us why 

to rsweet@thejewishnews.com.

Ellie Simon, 
Erica Meyers and 
Julia Cunnien 
volunteering at 
Keep Growing 
Detroit. 

Julia Cunnien 
repainting the 
welcome sign at 
Alpha House.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JULIA CUNNIEN

