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Programs JEVS Care at Home About Support JEVS

Author: Antionette Lee

Orleans Technical College Celebrates 2025 Graduates, Including First-Ever Practical Nursing Class

Posted on by Antionette Lee

More Than 300 Graduates Reflect the Growing Demand for Trades and Healthcare in Philadelphia   

Philadelphia, PA — November 20, 2025 — Orleans Technical College (OTC), a program of JEVS Human Services (JEVS), proudly celebrated the accomplishments of more than 300 graduates from its healthcare and trades programs during its 2025 Graduation Ceremony, held on Wednesday, November 19, at the Philadelphia Ballroom. Nearly 1,000 family members, supporters, and OTC staff packed the venue to cheer them on. 

This year’s ceremony marked a historic milestone as OTC honored the first graduating class of its Practical Nursing (PN) program, which launched in 2024. The addition of this program expands OTC’s more than 50-year legacy of providing hands-on, career-focused training that connects Philadelphians to life-sustaining wages in high-demand industries. 

Pennsylvania is projected to face a shortage of more than 20,000 nurses by 2026, making the graduation of OTC’s first class of practical nursing students especially timely. These new healthcare professionals will help fill critical workforce gaps and expand access to care across the region. 

 The increasing number of OTC graduates reflects both the college’s strong legacy in providing affordable career pathways and the growing popularity of trades and technical education.  

 “This graduation is a celebration of the achievements of our hard-working graduates, as well as the evolution of Orleans Technical College,” said Cynthia Figueroa, President & CEO of JEVS Human Services. “Congratulations, on this important achievement that provides job security, and a lucrative career path that is AI-proof. These are hands-on skills that are needed in this region. OTC continues to meet the moment, with affordable career pathways that prepare students for jobs that are essential to the health and economy of our region and country.” 

 In addition to its healthcare graduates, OTC recognized students completing certifications in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and building maintenance—trades that continue to face strong demand throughout Pennsylvania. These graduates are leaving OTC prepared to enter the workforce and ready to contribute to the region’s housing and infrastructure needs. 

 “Our graduates are a testament to perseverance, skill, and purpose,” said Waleska Maldonado, Chief Program Officer of JEVS Human Services. “Whether they’re building homes, repairing HVAC systems, or providing patient care, they represent the very best of our city’s workforce future.” 

 The graduation capped off a milestone year for Orleans Technical College, with more than 50 years of offering training opportunities and employer partnerships to meet the region’s evolving workforce needs. 

JEVS Human Services Celebrates More Than 7,000 Youth and 50+ Partner Organizations at 2025 C2L-PHL Summer Convening

Posted on by Antionette Lee

This Year’s Program Generated $8.6 million in Stipends and Wages, Reinvested Directly into Philadelphia’s Local Economy   

Philadelphia, PA — October 16, 2025 — JEVS Human Services (JEVS) hosted the Career Connected Learning (C2L-PHL) Provider Convening for Summer 2025 today at the Salvation Army Kroc Center to honor the community-based organizations and partners who made this summer’s success possible. 

This year, C2L-PHL connected more than 7,000 Philadelphia youth to paid summer learning and work experiences, distributing over $8.6 million in stipends and wages that were reinvested directly into the city’s economy. C2L-PHL is Philadelphia’s version of Career Connected Learning. It helps youth develop the knowledge, skills, and mindset they need to enter the workforce, advance in their careers, and community life.  The program is a citywide collaboration funded in part by the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Works, and the School District of Philadelphia, with JEVS serving as the intermediary. 

System partners gathered to celebrate the success of the 2025 C2L-PHL summer at the Provider Convening. Pictured (left to right): Jim Dever (Bank of America Greater Philadelphia), Tiffany Tavarez (Jefferson), Cynthia Figueroa (JEVS Human Services), Debbie O’Brien (Bank of America), Nikki Pumphrey (The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia), Jessica Shapiro (City of Philadelphia), and Patrick Clancy (Philadelphia Works).

“For the second summer in a row, JEVS, C2L-PHL providers, and supporters have shown what’s possible when we invest in our young people,” said Cynthia Figueroa, President & CEO of JEVS Human Services. “This program is about more than just summer jobs — it’s about building pathways to opportunity, giving youth the confidence and connections they need to succeed in life. We’re grateful to every provider, partner, funder, business, and family member who shared in this success and made this life-changing work possible.” 

Waleska Maldonado, Chief Program Officer at JEVS Human Services, added, “The success of C2L-PHL is a direct reflection of the dedication of our providers, system partners, and funders. Their commitment ensures that thousands of young people gain hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and exposure to future careers that can shape the trajectory of their lives. JEVS is grateful for the entire network that supports in uplifting the young people in our city.” 

“The City of Philadelphia invests in C2L-PHL because we firmly believe in every young person’s promise to become our city’s next generation of trailblazing leaders,” said Vanessa Garrett Harley, Chief Deputy Mayor for Social Impact and Strategic Initiatives. “C2L-PHL shows that when we align our systems and center young people in our decision-making, we create lasting change that benefits families and communities across Philadelphia.” 

Panelists discuss “Preparing Young People for the World of Work” at the 2025 C2L-PHL Provider Convening. Pictured (left to right): Kim McCaffrey (JEVS Human Services, moderator), Kinsha Sidibe (former C2L-PHL participant and financial coach, Niche Clinic), Nikki Pumphrey (Chamber of Commerce Greater Philadelphia), Tiffany Tavarez (Jefferson), and Debbie O’Brien (Bank of America).

During the event, more than 100 attendees reflected on program highlights, shared best practices, and celebrated the collective impact of more than 50 community-based organizations who provided job placements, training, and mentorship throughout the summer. 

“Congratulations to JEVS for successfully expanding the Career Connected Learning program in 2025 to directly address issues that are fundamentally connected to economic mobility. In the past year alone, the program provided 7,000 young people across our region with access to workforce development, skills-building, networking opportunities, and personal financial management,” said Jim Dever, President, Bank of America of Greater Philadelphia. “Bank of America shares JEVS’s focus to empower Philadelphia’s young people because everyone in our community deserves opportunities to succeed.” 

“Introducing young people to the world of work is one of the most important investments in Philadelphia’s future,” said H. Patrick Clancy, president and CEO of Philadelphia Works. “We’ve seen firsthand how early work experiences build confidence and skills, and our commitment is to ensure every young person in Philadelphia has access to opportunities that lead to stable, rewarding careers with real potential for growth.” 

Cynthia Figueroa, JEVS President & CEO, Recognized in The Chronicle of Philanthropy for Leading Through Challenging Times

Posted on by Antionette Lee

JEVS Human Services (JEVS) is proud to share that our President & CEO, Cynthia Figueroa, was featured in The Chronicle of Philanthropy for her leadership in convening nonprofit leaders across Philadelphia. In the article “A New Playbook: How Nonprofits Are Reinventing Themselves,” Cynthia’s quote underscores JEVS’s commitment to solutions and collective action as nonprofits navigate today’s toughest challenges. Read the full article here. 

Inquirer Highlights JEVS President & CEO Cynthia Figueroa for Efforts Uniting the Nonprofit Sector

Posted on by Antionette Lee

The Philadelphia Inquirer recently featured JEVS Human Services and President & CEO Cynthia F. Figueroa for our leadership in strengthening collaboration across the nonprofit sector. As part of a nearly $10 million emergency funding initiative, the William Penn Foundation awarded JEVS $180,000 to support the growing Nonprofit Leaders Group, which Figueroa founded. The coalition has expanded from 20 to nearly 150 organizations, creating a vital forum for nonprofits to share information, strategize, and advocate together on emerging issues. Read the full article here. 

Media Mention: Orleans Technical College Job Fair Highlighted by Northeast Times

Posted on by Antionette Lee

Orleans Technical College, a program of JEVS Human Services, was featured in the Northeast Times for hosting a summer job fair that connected hundreds of job seekers with employers in the health care and building trades industries. Supported by Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce and Acting Commerce Director Karen Fegely, the event highlighted OTC’s hands-on training programs and strong employer partnerships. Attendees explored career opportunities in high-demand fields, while employers praised the skills and job readiness of OTC graduates. Read the full article here. 

JEVS Human Services Named One of Pennsylvania’s “Greatest Places to Intern” by PA Chamber Foundation

Posted on by Antionette Lee

HARRISBURG, PA (July 28, 2025) – The Pennsylvania Chamber Foundation today announced the
recipients of its inaugural “Greatest Places to Intern in PA” awards. This new recognition
honors organizations across industries and sizes that provide exceptional internship
experiences to students throughout Pennsylvania.


“Congratulations to these employers for offering world-class internships that are preparing
students for careers across Pennsylvania. By fostering internship opportunities, these
employers not only strengthen the workforce pipeline but also increase the likelihood that
graduates choose to build their futures right here in Pennsylvania,” said PA Chamber
Foundation President Luke Bernstein.


Attracting and retaining the next generation of skilled workers is a core part of the PA
Chamber’s mission and a key pillar of its comprehensive workforce development strategy.
Research from the Strada Education Foundation shows that students who complete paid
internships benefit from increased earning potential, greater self-confidence, and a deeper
appreciation for the value of their education. In fact, Strada’s data indicates that graduates
with paid internship experience earn an average of $3,096 more in their first year of
employment.


The Keystone Initiative, the PA Chamber Foundation’s long-term strategic blueprint for
Pennsylvania’s economic growth, emphasizes the importance of internships in delivering
high-quality educational experiences and workforce training.


“By partnering with our world-class higher education institutions and diverse industries,
Pennsylvania has a real opportunity to turn ‘brain drain’ into ‘brain gain’ and become a
magnet for skilled talent,” Bernstein added. “Expanding access to paid internships is a
powerful way to educate and inspire future Pennsylvania workers, grow our population, and
help employers meet workforce needs.”


The 2025 “Greatest Places to Intern in PA” award recipients will be formally recognized at a
press conference on Thursday, July 31, at 1:30 p.m. outside the Pennsylvania Capitol
Building on the front Capitol steps in Harrisburg. The event will feature remarks from PA
Chamber representatives, Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration, employers, and interns,
highlighting the critical role internships play in building a dynamic, skilled, and inspired
workforce.

2025 Greatest Places to Intern in PA Award Recipients

  • Acutec Precision Aerospace
  • American Eagle Paper Mills
  • Aramark
  • Blair Image Elements
  • Boyer & Ritter
  • Brentwood Industries, Inc.
  • Bravo Group
  • Brown Plus
  • Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  • Connections Work
  • Construction Specialties
  • Crayola
  • Dawood Engineering
  • Deloitte Consulting, LLP
  • DICK’S Sporting Goods
  • Ellwood Crankshaft Group
  • EQT Corporation
  • Erie Insurance
  • Geisinger
  • Greenlee Partners
  • HDR
  • Hershey Entertainment & Resorts
  • High Companies
  • Hollywood Casino
  • Horizon Farm Credit
  • Independence Blue Cross
  • JEVS Human Services
  • Kalahari
  • Kate Philips & Co., Inc.
  • Lutron Electronics
  • McKonly & Asbury
  • Mid Penn Bank
  • Muhlenberg Greene Architects
  • Orrstown Bank
  • Pennsylvania American Water
  • PA Department of the Auditor General
  • PGW (Philadelphia Gas Works)
  • Phoenix Contact
  • PITT OHIO
  • PNC Bank, N.A.
  • PPL Corporation
  • PSECU
  • Range Resources
  • RKL
  • S&B USA Construction
  • Sheetz
  • Shipley Energy
  • Smith & Nephew
  • The GIANT Company
  • Wohlsen Construction Company

Amidst Fiscal and Policy Challenges, Nonprofit Leaders Group Convening Highlights Strategic Solutions for Philadelphia’s Nonprofit Sector 

Posted on by Antionette Lee

 

Philadelphia, PA (July 23, 2025) — On July 22, leaders from across Greater Philadelphia’s nonprofit sector gathered at WHYY’s headquarters for the Nonprofit Leaders Group summer convening. In response to mounting fiscal and policy changes, organizers tailored the event to address needs presented during the group’s biweekly meetings, as well as its recent Needs Assessment survey. Nonprofit executives, sector experts, and community partners all gathered for a focused day of strategic discussion, learning, and collaborative action. 

The convening is part of the The Nonprofit Leaders Group, a coalition of local leaders who have been meeting biweekly since January 2025 to exchange timely updates, share resources, and build community. With over 150 participating leaders from organizations ranging in size and focus, the group fosters a collaborative approach to meeting today’s challenges. The group is led by Cynthia Figueroa, President & CEO of JEVS Human Services, with support from a steering committee. 

The convening was grounded in insights garnered from Nonprofit Leader Group meetings and its recent survey, which engaged over 600 Philadelphia-based nonprofit organizations and was made possible with support from Philadelphia Foundation and collaboration with the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) and Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia.

 The event featured three key panels:

  • Legal Insights and Updates on Executive Actions Impacting the Nonprofit Sector: moderated by Loree D. Jones, CEO of Philabundance and featured panelists Marcel Pratt, Managing Partner at Ballard Spahr and Morgen Cheshire, Managing Attorney at the Cheshire Law Group.
  • Navigating Nonprofit Partnerships: Perspectives from the Field: moderated by Joe Pyle, President of the Scattergood Foundation and featured panelists Lindsay Kijewski, Partner at Sea Change Capital Partners, Sean Vereen, President and CEO of Heights Philadelphia, and Sharmain Matlock-Turner, CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition.
  • Public Funding Amidst Uncertainty and Political Shifts: moderated by Anne Gingerich, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO), and featured panelists Dan Muroff, Principal at Mission Government Relations and Derek Green, Special Counsel at Bellevue Strategies.

“Philadelphia’s nonprofit leaders are once again proving their resilience and shared commitment to our community in the face of adversity,” said Cynthia F. Figueroa, President & CEO, JEVS Human Services. “By coming together and sharing insights at this convening, we strengthen our ability to rise to the moment – ensuring our sector adapts, innovates, and keeps its focus on serving people across Greater Philadelphia who need us most.”

Pedro A. Ramos, President and CEO, Philadelphia Foundation, reflected that: “At Philadelphia Foundation, in our roles as civic catalyst and trusted partner, we are committed to using our social capital to forge meaningful collaborations across sectors that help address the region’s most pressing challenges.” He continued: “Today’s convening strengthened a sense of community, grounded us in a shared fact base, and helped illuminate how we can provide meaningful support to the nonprofit sector.”  

The Nonprofit Leaders Group Convening was made possible through support from Philadelphia Foundation and WHYY. 

About the Nonprofit Leaders Group

 The Nonprofit Leaders group works to ensure that nonprofit organizations remain informed and prepared to navigate an evolving fiscal and political landscape. For more information, email [email protected]. Nonprofit leaders of human services and health-related organizations are welcome to attend the group’s biweekly meetings. However, you must register: Nonprofit Leaders Group Registration. The group is founded and led by Cynthia F. Figueroa (JEVS Human Services), with support from the steering committee: Loree D. Jones Brown (Philabundance); Sharmain Matlock-Turner (Urban Affairs Coalition); Arun S. Prabhakaran (Urban Affairs Coalition); Marianne A. Fray (Maternity Care Coalition); Mike Pearson (PHMC); and Matt Rader (Philadelphia Horticultural Society).

Cynthia F. Figueroa, President and CEO of JEVS Human Services and founder of the Nonprofit Leaders Group, opens the Nonprofit Leaders Convening with key data highlighting the scale, impact, and challenges of Philadelphia’s nonprofit sector.

Orleans Technical College, a program of JEVS Human Services, Hosts First Hiring Fair Featuring Health Trades and Building Trades 

Posted on by Antionette Lee

Event Aims to Strengthen and Diversify the Pipeline of Essential Healthcare Workers Amid Ongoing Workforce Shortages 

Philadelphia, PA (July 24, 2025) — Orleans Technical College (OTC), a program of JEVS Human Services (JEVS), hosted a hiring fair focused on healthcare and building trades employers at its Northeast Philadelphia campus. This marks the college’s first job fair to include healthcare career opportunities, since the expansion of programming to address the ongoing shortage of healthcare workers. More than 40 employers and 350 job seekers attended the event, including representatives from SEPTA, the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and PHMC. 

The event was made possible through generous grant funding from the City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce, whose collaboration with OTC helps to connect job seekers with more than 50 employers looking to fill in-demand positions. 

“JEVS Human Services is proud to bring together hundreds of job seekers and employers in a way that supports the success and the growth of our local workforce,” said Cynthia Figueroa, President & CEO of JEVS Human Services. “This hiring fair reflects our commitment to tackling today’s challenges by offering solutions—and creating meaningful opportunities for job seekers. Orleans Technical College has prepared countless individuals through hands-on training for high-demand careers, and that impact is only possible because of our strong partnerships with employers and community stakeholders.” 

“At JEVS and Orleans Technical College, we’re continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of today’s workforce and economy,” said Waleska Maldonado, Chief Program Officer, JEVS Human Services. “This hiring fair reflects our mission to connect individuals with meaningful job opportunities and open doors to sustainable career pathways in healthcare and the trades. We’re proud to be part of a solution that drives economic mobility for Philadelphia residents.” 

“Orleans Technical College continues to be a vital partner in expanding access to quality jobs for Philadelphians,” said Karen Fegely, Acting Commerce Director, City of Philadelphia. “We are proud to support this impactful hiring fair which connects residents to in-demand careers in healthcare and the skilled trades. The Parker Administration is laser-focused on quality jobs that offer family-sustaining wages, benefits, and a path to economic mobility. Public-private partnerships like this are essential to advancing inclusive economic growth and strengthening our city’s workforce.” 

 With Philadelphia facing an annual projected shortfall of more than 20,000 healthcare professionals and a pressing demand for skilled trades workers, bridging the gap between employers and qualified candidates is more important than ever. 

Orleans Technical College is training skilled tradespeople through programs including Air Conditioning Refrigeration & Heating, Building Maintenance, Carpentry, Plumbing & Heating, Residential & Commercial Electricity, Associate Degree in Construction Management, Clinical Medical Assistant, and Practical Nursing. The college continues to build strong relationships with local employers, serving as a resource—for not only students and graduates, but also the broader Philadelphia community. 

Job seekers engage with employers at the Orleans Technical College Hiring Fair, which connected more than 350 attendees with 40 plus hiring organizations in the building trades and healthcare sectors. 

JEVS Human Services third annual Grow with JEVS event highlighted by Impacto

Posted on by Antionette Lee

JEVS Human Services (JEVS) is honored to be featured by Impacto for our third annual Grow with JEVS event, held on June 5, 2025, at the historic Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia’s Wanamaker Building. The evening celebrated JEVS’ mission to empower individuals on their paths to economic independence across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. Featured speakers included JEVS President & CEO Cynthia Figueroa and Dan Astolfi of presenting sponsor Citizens. Guests experienced heartfelt moments, the launch of our new Ambassador Program, and a surprise appearance by the Phillie Phanatic.


Read the full article here.

JEVS President and CEO Cynthia F. Figueroa Named as a Judge for The Philadelphia Citizen’s 2025 Integrity Icon Awards

Posted on by Antionette Lee

JEVS Human Services (JEVS) is proud to share that our President and CEO, Cynthia F. Figueroa, has been selected as a judge for The Philadelphia Citizen’s 2025 Integrity Icon Awards. This initiative celebrates public servants who go above and beyond to serve with integrity, accountability, and humility—values that align closely with Cynthia’s own leadership.

Read the full article here.

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