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JEVS Human Services Announces Tickets on Sale for 2026 Grow with JEVS Gala Celebrating 85th Anniversary 

Gala Presented by Citizens Bank to Honor Congressmember Dwight Evans and Mayor Cherelle Parker 

Philadelphia, PA, March 23, 2026 JEVS Human Services (JEVS) is proud to announce that tickets are now on sale for its premier annual fundraising event, Grow with JEVS, taking place on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at The Crystal Tea Room in the historic Wanamaker Building in Philadelphia. The evening will begin at 5:30 PM with cocktails and an elegant program celebrating opportunity, empowerment, and community.  

As part of this milestone 85th anniversary celebration, JEVS will honor Congressmember Dwight Evans and Mayor Cherelle Parker for their commitment to expanding economic and educational opportunities for individuals and communities across Philadelphia. As this year’s GROW with JEVS presenting sponsor, Citizens Bank exemplifies a shared commitment to expanding economic mobility and equitable opportunity across the region.  

“JEVS is proud to celebrate 85 years of transforming lives through supporting access to opportunities,” said Cynthia Figueroa, President and CEO of JEVS Human Services. “This year’s celebration reflects how our organization was founded in 1941 in response to a period of profound global crisis and showcases the solutions we continue to bring to communities across the region. We are especially honored to recognize Congressmember Evans and Mayor Parker and for their steadfast commitment to expanding opportunity for all Philadelphians.” 

Congressman Dwight Evans
Congressman Dwight Evans will receive the Legacy Leadership Award.
Mayor Cherelle Parker
Mayor Cherelle Parker will receive the Community Champion Award.

 The 4th annual Grow with JEVS event promises an inspiring and impactful evening in support of a vital mission. Community members, partners, and supporters are invited to join in celebrating the power of creating opportunities and pathways to independence, while recognizing leaders whose public service has helped make those opportunities more accessible. 

Parking: Complimentary parking available in the LAZ garage (details will be sent to ticket holders prior to the event). 

Attendees will enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring an upscale seated dinner, handcrafted cocktails, a curated silent auction, live entertainment, dancing, and moving stories that bring JEVS’ mission to life. The program will also include a special tribute recognizing Congressmember Dwight Evans and Mayor Cherelle Parker for their leadership in advancing access to education, workforce development, and economic opportunities. Proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships will support JEVS’ programs that help individuals build sustainable paths to independence and economic security. Last year’s event raised more than $425,000 to support life-changing programs. 

Tickets Now Available:  

https://events.handbid.com/lp/grow-with-jevs-2026-43241/tickets 

Ticket Pricing: 

  • General Admission: $450 
  • Young Leaders (Age 35 and under): $250 

Guests can participate in a mobile silent auction via Handbid, bidding on exclusive items and experiences from their phones. You do not need to be present to win, and bidding will remain open until the end of the evening. 

Sponsorship Opportunities  

Sponsorships are available at multiple levels and include perks such as VIP access, promotional features, reserved seating, and more. To learn more, please contact Katie Shinholster at [email protected] or 215-854-1827. 

For interview opportunities or additional press inquiries, please contact Mike Dunn. 

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Grow with JEVS is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors and the dedication of a committed host committee. We are proud to recognize the following sponsors for their support of the 4th annual Grow with JEVS fundraiser as of March 18th

Citizens, Presenting Sponsor

1845 Walnut Associates, Ltd. 
Acrisure 
Ballard Spahr, LLP 
Caritas Construction 
CliftonLarsonAllen LLP 
Columbus Construction, LLC 
Cynthia F. Figueroa & Robert T. Clark 
Denise & Jeffrey Portner 
Dorel Shanon Consulting 
Elliott-Lewis Corporation 
Emerald Business Supply, Inc. 
Evan & Teri Benn 
Firstrust Savings Bank 
Glenmede 
Howard and Linda Scher 
INTECH Construction, LLC 
JDB Service Group 
Jefferson 
Jerry Miller & Lois Frischling 

Laurie & Jeffrey Franz 
Linda McAleer 
Lopez Family Foundation 
Meritain Health 
Mission Government Relations, Dan Muroff 
Ned and Marcia Kaplin 
Ocean to Bay Logistics 
PECO, an Exelon Company 
Philadelphia Foundation 
Brian Leatherberry 
Roberta Pichini, Esq. 
Rivers Casino 
Salvation Army 
ServiceNow 
SSH Real Estate 
Teach for America 
Urban Affairs Coalition 
Ben Zuckerman & Marian Robinson 

 

ABOUT JEVS

JEVS Human Services (JEVS) has an 85+ year history in working with individuals to create sustainable paths to independence and economic security. JEVS’ vision is to help every person achieve personal independence and fulfillment. Our mission and vision reflect JEVS’ long-standing history of helping people connect to opportunity and cultivate independence.

Becker’s Behavioral Health Highlights JEVS’ New Community Behavioral Health Hub

Becker’s Behavioral Health reported on the opening of JEVS Human Services’ Behavioral Health Hub in Northeast Philadelphia, designed to expand access to care by bringing multiple services into one community-based location. The hub offers individualized clinical care, psychiatric rehabilitation, and peer support, serving more than 150 individuals annually while improving accessibility and connection to recovery resources. Read the full article here.

Northeast Times Highlights JEVS’ New Behavioral Health Hub

The Northeast Times featured JEVS Human Services’ new Behavioral Health Hub in Northeast Philadelphia, a more accessible location bringing multiple mental health services together under one roof. The center will provide essential supports for adults living with mental health challenges, helping more than 150 Philadelphians each year build skills, stability, and community connections. Read the full article here.

Cynthia Figueroa Quoted in Governor Shapiro’s 2026–27 Budget Proposal Announcement

JEVS Human Services President & CEO Cynthia Figueroa was featured in a Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development release highlighting Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026–27 budget. In her statement, she underscored the importance of continued investment in workforce development and career pathways that expand opportunity for Pennsylvanians. Read the full press release here

NBC10 & Telemundo Highlight New JEVS Behavioral Health Hub

JEVS Human Services’ new Behavioral Health Hub was featured by NBC10 and Telemundo, reaching viewers in both English and Spanish. The coverage showcased how the Hub expands access to community-based mental health and recovery supports for individuals and families in Northeast Philadelphia.

JEVS Human Services Celebrates Opening of New Behavioral Health Hub in Northeast Philadelphia

New hub expands access to essential mental health services for Philadelphians 

Philadelphia, PA — February 2, 2026 — JEVS Human Services (JEVS) celebrated the opening of its new Behavioral Health Hub at 3517 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19149, on Monday, February 2. The event brought together JEVS leaders, elected officials, program members, and community partners to mark an expansion of access to essential behavioral and mental health services in Northeast Philadelphia.  

Guests toured the new space, connected with staff and program members, and heard remarks highlighting JEVS’ role in strengthening access to care and fostering greater independence for individuals living with mental health challenges. 

For more than 85 years, JEVS has provided vital community services, including comprehensive support services for adults experiencing emotional and mental health challenges for more than four decades. The new Behavioral Health Hub brings multiple behavioral health services together into one community-based location, supporting more than 150 individuals annually across three core service areas:  

  • Psychiatric Rehabilitation: A program that helps individuals learn skills to cope with daily stress. 
  • Mental Health Outpatient Clinic: Individualized services for people with mental health challenges, including therapy and medication management.
  • Certified Peer Specialist Services: Services provided by peers who use their life experiences to support and assist others with similar challenges. The peer relationship is characterized by mutual trust and respect, achieving goals, and moving toward a more meaningful life in the community. 

Together, these programs offer individual-centered, recovery-oriented support across key areas of life, including daily living, learning, working, socialization, and wellness. Participants receive individualized clinical care alongside peer support from Certified Peer Specialists who bring lived experience and help individuals develop personalized Wellness Recovery Action Plans. 

“This new Behavioral Health Hub represents years of thoughtful planning and collaboration,” said Cynthia Figueroa, President & CEO of JEVS Human Services. “By embedding these services within the community and prioritizing accessibility, we are removing barriers to care and supporting pathways to recovery, connection, and opportunity.” 

“This new location reflects JEVS’ continued commitment to strengthening Philadelphia’s behavioral health system,” said Waleska Maldonado, Chief of Programs at JEVS Human Services. “It ensures individuals have the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive as valued members of their communities.” 

Accessibility and community integration were central to the development of the Hub. The location was selected to ensure ease of access via public transportation and to locate services within a neighborhood setting that encourages participation in community life. 

Behavioral Health Hub services are available at no cost to individuals living with mental health challenges who meet eligibility requirements or qualify for funding through Community Behavioral Health.     

JEVS Human Services Highlighted by Inquirer for Creating Pathways to Economic Mobility Without a College Degree

JEVS Human Services (JEVS) and President & CEO Cynthia Figueroa are highlighted in a recent Philadelphia Inquirer article examining pathways to six-figure salaries without a four-year college degree. Figueroa shares how JEVS and its accredited career and technical school, Orleans Technical College (OTC), are creating solutions that expand economic mobility through innovative workforce development strategies. By connecting individuals to in-demand careers through skills training, employer partnerships, and wraparound support, JEVS is helping reduce barriers to opportunity and prepare people for family-sustaining wages and long-term financial stability. Read the full article here.

JEVS Work Ready MLK Day of Hope Event Highlighted by NBC10

JEVS Human Services’ Work Ready program was proud to be featured on NBC10 during coverage of the MLK Day of Hope event. This annual event highlights efforts to connect individuals to meaningful resources while uplifting the values of service, equity, and community investment. The segment showcased the event and JEVS’ 85+ year mission and longstanding commitment to helping people gain independence and financial security—reflecting the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We are grateful to NBC10 for recognizing this important work and to the staff, partners, and participants who made the event a success.

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

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. 

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