Meet Our Volunteer - Anna Maria!

Each month we will share a blog post about the Volunteer of the Month featured in our JCC 2017 calendar which features the young adults, most of whom are not Jewish who spend their time volunteering at the JCC to help us rebuild Jewish life in Krakow.

Where are you from?

I come from a small town called Myszków, located close to Krakow. I moved to Krakow almost 9 years ago, and since then this beautiful city has become my home. 

Why did you decide to volunteer at the JCC?

There were so many reasons why I decided to come to the JCC. I wanted to try something new, I wanted to pursue my interest in Jewish culture and history, and I wanted to get more experience and gain new skills that would help me with finding a job after graduating from university. Prior to becoming a volunteer, I had visited the JCC a couple of times and found the atmosphere there to be simply amazing. People were so friendly, they were smiling all the time, and happily chatting with each other. “This is a perfect place for me,” I thought... and I wasn't wrong!

What is your best JCC memory/the person you met/the experience you had?

I could probably write a book about my memories from all of the years I spent at the JCC. I have met so many wonderful people there, people who became my friends and family. Some of my favorite moments were my first Shabbat dinner with the community, my first time participating in Ride For The Living, and the first group of tourists I brought to the JCC courtyard on a walking tour. The best thing about being a member of the JCC family is that I know there are many more wonderful memories to be made! 

What is one of your favorite things at the JCC?

The best thing about our JCC is its great atmosphere. Everyone feels good and at home here! It doesn't matter if you come and talk to our seniors in the Senior Club, spend your time in the office, or just hanging out on the orange couch by the reception desk chatting with whoever comes in, you always feel like you’re a part of the community. The atmosphere at JCC Krakow is one of freedom, comfort, and hope!