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