Marvelous Mensch

Barbara Vandroff Nykerk

Jacksonville

Barbara Vandroff Nykerk was born and raised in New Rochelle, N.Y. Barbara and her husband Richard, moved to Jacksonville, FL in 1964. Before moving to Jacksonville, they lived in Spotswood, N.J. for 10 years. They have been married for 54 years and have two sons, Michael (Rose) of California and Jeffrey (Nancy) of Jacksonville. They have two granddaughters, Rachel and Natalie Nykerk of Jacksonville... Barbara has two brothers, Stanley and Arnold Vandroff, both living in Ponte Vedra Beach (Jacksonville).

Barbara has been a volunteer at River Garden Hebrew Home for more than 4 years serving in the gift shop. Her kindness and devotion to her volunteer work makes her a valuable member of our volunteer team. Barbara is a giving woman who spends a great deal of time doing community service. She has received numerous service awards.

She is also a volunteer at the Jewish Community Alliance (Jewish Community Center) and received The Special Services Award in 2002 for volunteering and Fund Raising. Barbara and Richard were selected as 2008 FACES for their outstanding volunteer commitment to the Jewish Community Alliance. Every year United Way of Northeast Florida selects people who have been helped by United Way funded programs to serve as living examples of their work together to better the community. These FACES as they call them, show the donors how their gifts are helping change lives. Barbara and Richard were honored by United Way's Community Campaign Kickoff, September 25, 2008.

Barbara is a member and board member for the River Garden Hebrew Home Women's Auxiliary. She is Sisterhood Vice President of Membership at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple), Temple Membership and Fund Raising Committees. Barbara received the President's Award in 2006 for Volunteering and Fund Raising.

Barbara and Richard have been volunteers for the Florida Community College Artist Series for the past 15 years.

Barbara also has a monthly Lifecycles column in the Jacksonville Jewish News called What's New? And is also the Advertising Representative for the Jacksonville Jewish News. She is on the committee for Shalom Jacksonville which welcomes newcomers to the greater Jacksonville area.