The Journey of a nonprofit worker is one of resilience, impact and growth!
Jandery’s journey is the pinnacle of all three, as she rose from her first position at Feeding Westchester, nine years ago, to her current role as Director of Volunteer Services.
Her story begins back in college, before she even started working for Feeding Westchester. It was there that she first learned about the organization’s mission. At the time, her job was to connect students with volunteer opportunities—Feeding Westchester being one of them.
Jandery first committed herself to nourishing her neighbors in her initial role as a coordinator. As her dedication grew, so did her job titles—first Associate, then Manager, and now Director—all within the Volunteer Services Department. As she puts it, “It’s definitely awesome to see how much I clearly love the Volunteer Department.” Jandery’s journey is undoubtedly one of growth!
But what keeps her coming back? For Jandery, a big part of it is the volunteers. She shared, “I love the passion that they come with. I love the energy, and it’s just honestly humbling to see how our volunteers— even though they’re not front-facing—love what they do.” This passion is what motivates her most. Some volunteers, she notes, have been with Feeding Westchester longer than she has, and that inspires her every day. “If they can show up for our community, then I definitely can.”
Of all the titles Jandery has earned, the one she cherishes most is that of leader—guiding her team and volunteers with both passion and care. When asked about the responsibility that comes with her leadership role, Jandery speaks about Josh, her partner in Volunteer Services. “I just want to make sure that he feels comfortable, that he knows I’m here for him, that I’m supporting him.” As the Director, Jandery leads this two-person team, and it’s clear she takes this role to heart.
In her role, Jandery has experienced many incredible moments that reaffirm the impact of her work. One of those moments came when Pace University—her alma mater—established a Mobile Food Pantry on campus. As she shared, “Even though I wasn’t a part of initiating that, it’s still great to see all of the impact that we do throughout the community.”
Jandery’s devotion to her community is undeniable. When asked about the importance of helping neighbors in Westchester, she had much to share. “Although we’re in an affluent county, you always see—especially at Mobile Food Pantries—how many people come out to receive food,” she explained. Her experience highlights how common perceptions often overlook the real need within the community. She also reflected on the personal impact of her work, saying, “You’re there to help them. It’s obviously very heartwarming to see that you are making a difference.”
Jandery reflects on the diversity of volunteers she has worked with over the years, describing it as one of the most rewarding aspects of her role. “We’ve had volunteers from all walks of life. We’ve had students here. We’ve had schools here. You name it, we’ve had it,” she says. Though, it’s Jandery who makes sure each of these backgrounds are included and welcomed at Feeding Westchester. Jandery uses creative methods and intentionality to prioritize an inclusive environment. She has a true talent for bringing people together to work collaboratively. And her leadership…is nothing short of exceptional. Jandery’s personal touch makes sure that each volunteer is warmly welcomed and supported. As a result, volunteers feel a great connection to Feeding Westchester that makes them genuinely excited to come back.
At the core of her efforts is the acknowledgement of the importance of a Feeding Westchester volunteer. This is not something Jandery just recognizes, but deeply values.
As a nonprofit professional, Jandery has encountered countless learning experiences throughout her journey. Reflecting on the collaborative nature of the field, she shared, “You get to meet so many people in the nonprofit space, and networking—especially in Westchester—there are so many nonprofits, but for some reason, we all work together.” For those hoping to grow in the nonprofit world, she offers this advice: “It’s a great space to start and continue your journey.”
Jandery’s journey is still unfolding, as she remains a vital part of Feeding Westchester’s growth. Her passion over the years has led her to reach out to our neighbors—wherever the need is greatest.
