Jewish United Fund Uptown Cafe

The JUF Uptown Cafe is one of Chicago's first kosher anti-hunger programs for the needy. In addition to providing hot meals in a restaurant-style setting, the JUF Uptown Cafe program brings dignity and hope to people in need. The JUF Uptown Cafe feeds Jews and non-Jews alike and is open three days a week for dinner and on Sundays for brunch.

JUF Uptown Cafe Volunteers serve food and converse with guests at their tables. Volunteers are encouraged to enjoy a meal with guests, as many diners are socially isolated and in need of person-to-person contact.

Volunteers ages 12 and over are welcome but, if under 16, must be accompanied by an adult.

Volunteers are needed to serve dinner on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and brunch on Sunday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The JUF Uptown Cafe is volunteer driven and depends on its volunteers to run smoothly. When volunteers do not show up it limits the number of clients the Cafe can serve.

If your schedule changes and you are no longer available for your shift, please contact TOV immediately at 312-357-4762 or TOV@juf.org.  Any last minute changes outside of normal business hours should be directed to the Cafe's front desk at 773-275-0866.

The shift begins promptly at the scheduled time with a mandatory orientation. Please know, if you arrive more than 15 minutes late without prior notice, you will be turned away. This is to ensure volunteers are clear about Cafe rules and volunteer responsibilities.

VOLUNTEER SHIFTS ARE TWO HOURS LONG. PLEASE PLAN ON BEING THERE FOR THE DURATION OF YOUR SHIFT.

Please note, the Cafe cannot accept walk-ins. All volunteers must be registered in advance.