Meet Amy and Jenna Resnik

December 2, 2024 | People in Our Neighborhood

Amy and Jenna Resnik are proof that giving back can be a meaningful—and fun—tradition. They’ve been involved with Mitzvah Day since Jenna was in preschool! When the pandemic hit, they jumped into the “Bunches of Lunches” program, combining their love for helping others with Amy’s passion for reducing food insecurity. This year, they’re bringing that same energy to Mitzvah Month, serving meals at Hannah More Family Shelter. Ready to be inspired by their story and maybe even start a family tradition of your own? Keep reading!

 

How did you begin volunteering with the Jewish Connection Network?

We started volunteering with Jewish Connection Network when it launched Mitzvah Day, which quickly became an annual tradition for our family. Each year, we chose age-appropriate activities for Jenna, who has been participating since she was a preschooler. In March of 2020, we learned about the Bunches of Lunches initiative. Jenna, at that time a high school senior, was looking for creative ways to continue her commitment to giving back through community service at a time when the pandemic was keeping everyone apart.

As a registered dietician, I (Amy) am passionate about finding ways to reduce food and nutrition insecurity, so this was a great fit. We have continued to participate in “Bunches of Lunches” ever since. When Jenna is away at school, the Resnik family grandchildren often assist in her place.

 

What inspired you to get involved with Hannah More Family Shelter as part of Mitzvah Month?

This year, Jenna and I will be participating in Mitzvah Month by serving lunch at the Hannah More Family Shelter. Once again, this service opportunity is a way to give back by expanding food access, so it sparked our interest right away. Plus, we get to directly interact with local members of our community and hopefully brighten someone else’s day around the holidays.

 

What would you to say to other families who are considering volunteering with our nonprofit partners during Mitzvah Month?

We would absolutely encourage others to participate during Mitzvah Month or year-round! Many activities can be done from home or in small groups, and there are a variety of organizations and activity levels to choose from. Families can choose what works best for them and feels most comfortable.

It is a fun and worthwhile way of connecting with the community around you and a great way to spend time with family and friends during the holidays while also benefiting those you might not know. Overall, it is a win-win—helpful for those who benefit from the activities and such a good feeling for those who volunteer.

 

What are some other ways you and your family like to give back?

Over the years, our family has been involved in many service projects. Jenna and I are lifetime Girl Scouts, and Chuck (my husband) co-founded the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, a foundation that has educated millions of school-aged children about STEM since 1986. Jenna has participated in several community service clubs in college and continues to do so in medical school.

 

How do you like to spend your free time?

We enjoy reading, cooking, going for walks around our neighborhood, and spending time with family and friends.