JARC Florida
For Jill Tompkins, Volunteering Is A Family Affair
Usually children follow in their parents’ footsteps, but, for Jill Tompkins, it was the other way around. It wasn’t until after her son Justin started volunteering at JARC Florida that Tompkins became involved with the nonprofit’s drama program.
Soon, she was chairing functions and on various committees. Two years ago, she was asked to be on the agency’s board of directors.
“JARC is my happy place,” says Tompkins, whose husband, Jeffrey, a financial planner, is on the finance committee and recently was appointed to the board. “I have never felt so warm and welcomed and loved. It has changed my world outlook on volunteering.”
JARC was created in the mid-1980s to respond to the needs of families with adult children who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its programs include residential homes, apartments, community case management and employment training. Many of JARC’s clients come for its daily programs, such as drama and fitness classes, both of which Tompkins contributes to.
“We have a great work program that has developed over the last few years,” she says. “It gives these adults a sense of purpose. Too often, we isolate those with challenges. JARC clients have somewhere to go and know that people love them.”
Clients receive job training and are hired by businesses including area country clubs, The Cheesecake Factory, Marshall’s, Burlington Coat Factory and more.
The Tompkins family doesn’t just talk the talk. They have made a lifetime financial commitment to JARC as Legacy members.
“It’s been mind-altering,” she says about working with JARC. “I have everything. My children have everything. We have a great life. Volunteering with JARC opened my eyes, my children’s eyes, my husband’s eyes to this population. I never understood it all before. But, working with JARC, I do.”
JARC Florida is located at 21160 95th Ave. S., Boca Raton. For more information, call 561-558-2550 or visit jarcfl.org.
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