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Service Trips
Our service trips, ranging from 3 days to a week, are more than just opportunities for volunteerism, they are transformative experiences that cultivate a sense of community while strengthening the spirit of service. Whether responding to natural disasters in New York, New Jersey, New Orleans, or Houston, the visceral impact of witnessing the aftermath and actively contributing to rebuilding homes and restoring wetlands leaves a lasting impression on both youth and adults. The 19 organized service trips by VVMA staff have exemplified a "work hard, play hard" ethos, ensuring a rewarding and enjoyable experience that makes a tangible difference in the lives of those facing adversity.
Come join us or partner with us to create a trip for your community
Contact Barry Glass at barry@volunteerventuresma.org to learn more.
Check out our recent trips!
Our 2025 Trip to New Orleans
Read about our trip
Nine teenagers from Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley joined VVMA for an unforgettable service trip to New Orleans during the February 2025 school vacation—a week defined by meaningful work, learning, and fun! Partnering with Common Ground Relief, we supported wetlands restoration efforts by working in a nursery and planting young cypress trees in the bayou to help prevent erosion. We also volunteered with Glass Half Full, an innovative organization that transforms recycled glass into sand used to grow plants for coastal restoration.
Beyond our service, participants immersed themselves in the vibrant culture of New Orleans, enjoying activities like bowling and dancing at Rock ‘n Bowl, visiting the National World War II Museum and the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, strolling along the Mississippi waterfront, and taking a jazz cruise aboard the Creole Queen. With the city gearing up for Mardi Gras, the group celebrated a unique “ShabbatiGras” at the historic Touro Synagogue, complete with front-row views of the St. Charles parade route. It was a truly impactful and memorable experience!
Our 2024 Trip to New Orleans
Volunteer Ventures and JLOFT (Jewish Learning Opportunities for Teens) partnered to offer service trips to teens from the Greater Boston area. We returned from our second trip to New Orleans, organized in collaboration with Youth Rebuilding New Orleans who set up our service projects and hosted us. Toegther we rebuilt fences and railings for an elderly couple, bagged recycled glass to help in coastal barrier reclamation, and planted trees.
While our days were busy working our evenings were filled with cultural and educational activities: walking the Mississippi riverfront; attending a New Orleans – Los Angeles basketball game; a tour of the Museum Of The Southern Jewish Experience; enjoying bowling and Cajun music at Rock ‘n Bowl, and a sunset jazz riverboat cruise to name a few. It was a trip that left us gratified by the amazing work we accomplished and the unforgettable experiences of the life and people of New Orleans. We can’t wait to go there again next year!
Our 2023 Trip to Houston
After four days of applying and sanding joint compound, installing insulation and drywall, hanging cabinets, repairing wood, and painting walls, trim and ceilings, Mr. Carter’s home is giant steps forward in being ready for him to return home. For two years after the Storm Uri, he has not been able to live in the house, and his day of return is closer.
The before and after pictures tell the story of the hard work and great care that the parent-teen teams put into their days. Hats off to this crew for taking the time to roll up their sleeves and make a difference in such an important way – to repair a person’s home. And thank you to the SBP Houston crew – Project Leaders Morris and Lamar who guided us through the work with focus, support, patience and humor.
We hope you enjoy the pictures of our after-work activities, too. We work hard and play hard, get to meet and know new people, build connections across communities, and send messages of optimism and hope for the future!