Celebrating Parker Jewish Institute's Incredible Summer Volunteers

This summer at the Parker Jewish Institute, volunteers Yulissa Serrano, Joel Fastman, and Hirra Arain made a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, residents, and staff. From June through August 2025, the three volunteers immersed themselves in Parker’s therapeutic activities, adding enthusiasm and warmth to every session.

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Each volunteer showed strong leadership qualities, expertly guiding some of Parker’s most popular activities. Yulissa, a Northeastern University pre-med student, led arts and crafts, and also earned the title of “best manicurist” from our residents. Joel, a student at the University of Texas at Austin, led Parker’s Men’s Club, introducing discussion topics that helped our male patients bond. Hirra, a graduate student preparing for the MCAT exam ahead of med school, led Parker’s mural group project and skillfully blended each artist’s unique vision into a single, cohesive piece of art.

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Parker’s patients and residents expressed their admiration for Yulissa, Joel, and Hirra. All three volunteers said that the love they felt at Parker is something they will always remember, and that the time spent here was instrumental in helping them define their career paths. “I love them!” Yulissa said about the members of the Parker community. “Having conversations with the physicians made me realize I can do this,” she added, reaffirming her commitment to becoming a doctor. 

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Parker wishes all three volunteers’ success in their academic and career pursuits. Their future is bright, and they are always welcome back at Parker!     

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