Volunteer Spotlight: Jennifer Moumneh

Giving Back as a Family

More than 20 years ago, Jennifer Moumneh first encountered Share Ourselves as a graduate student in Orange County. As part of a group service activity, she spent an afternoon volunteering in the food pantry—sorting items and learning firsthand about the organization’s role in supporting the Costa Mesa and greater Orange County community. At the time, it was a meaningful experience, but one that stayed quietly in the background as life moved forward.

Years later, Share Ourselves re-entered Jennifer’s life in a new and deeply personal way.

As a parent, Jennifer began looking for meaningful opportunities to introduce her children to the value of giving back. She wanted them to experience what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves—to see compassion and service in action. Remembering how rewarding her own volunteer experiences had been, she started searching for family-friendly ways to serve the community and soon found her way back to Share Ourselves.

Jennifer and her children volunteered together at Family Service Night just before Thanksgiving. What stood out most wasn’t just the work itself, but the enthusiasm her children brought to it. While sorting food for Thanksgiving meals, Jennifer watched her kids—especially her youngest—light up with excitement at being able to help. “Seeing my children so engaged made the impact feel incredibly personal,” she shared. “It wasn’t just about the families receiving support—it was about what my kids were learning in that moment.”

That experience sparked a deeper involvement. Jennifer and her family also participated in the Adopt A Family program, where they witnessed the scale and coordination behind one of Share Ourselves’ largest seasonal efforts. Learning that thousands of children and families would be supported through the program was eye-opening. Having previously been involved in a similar—but much smaller—effort through her workplace, Jennifer was struck by the level of care, organization, and teamwork required to make such a large program successful.

“What really stood out to me was how well run everything was,” she said. “You could tell there was a lot of thought behind every detail—and that same care shows up in how many different ways Share Ourselves supports the community.”

Jennifer

As a newer volunteer, Jennifer also appreciates the range of opportunities Share Ourselves offers, especially those that allow families and children to volunteer together. For her, these experiences aren’t just about giving back—they’re about modeling empathy, generosity, and community engagement for her kids.

Reflecting on her journey, Jennifer shared a simple message for anyone considering volunteering for the first time: start small. “You don’t have to commit to a full day or a long-term role,” she said. “Even a few hours can be incredibly meaningful—and you may be surprised by how quickly the time passes and how rewarding it feels.”

For Jennifer and her family, volunteering with Share Ourselves has become more than a one-time experience. It’s a way to connect with their community, support neighbors in need, and build lasting values—together.

Did You Know?

Volunteers power many of Share Ourselves’ programs, helping provide food, healthcare, and critical support to neighbors across Orange County.