Author: Antionette Lee

Providing English classes will help alleviate the language barrier for newcomers, increasing opportunities for job security and economic stability.

(Philadelphia, PA) — JEVS Human Services (JEVS) is proud to announce a new partnership with Acme Corrugated Box, to offer free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to refugee employees. Limited language proficiency is one of the major challenges for newcomers seeking improved quality of life in a new country. This initiative combines the values of both organizations to help relieve that major barrier and support successful integration for those displaced by conflict and seeking new beginnings, while ultimately bolstering a thriving local workforce.

This partnership comes at a critical time, as America continues to see significant increases in new refugees following international and domestic conflicts. Ukrainian refugees are legally authorized to work in the United States through Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which is offered to selected nations that are deemed unsafe to return to because of war and other crises. Providing English classes will help set a new precedent of support for employees adapting to life in the U.S., empowering their personal and professional lives by improving communication in the workplace, enhancing job performance, and empowering pathways for independence and economic stability.

The partnership builds upon the success of a pilot program conducted over the summer, where a cohort of 34 Ukrainian employees completed early-morning ESL classes. These dedicated individuals, all former clients of JEVS Center for New Americans (CNA), attended classes as early as 4 a.m. after full work shifts, demonstrating their resilience and tenacity. Classes were led by JEVS CNA team members, most of whom have also overcome the obstacles of adapting to life in a new country. JEVS CNA provides various support services to refugees, in addition to language training, which helps prepare them for the workforce and foster successful integration into society.

The next ESL cohort will begin later this fall.

“JEVS Human Services could not be more proud of this new and innovative initiative, which is an extension of our founding in 1941—to aid Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany,” said Cynthia Figueroa, President and CEO of JEVS Human Services. “This partnership is two-fold. It affirms our commitment to solutions, and creating pathways for every person to achieve independence, economic security, and self-sufficiency. It also illustrates exemplary, impactful leadership and commitment on behalf of Acme, to hire refugee talent and to provide holistic, unique support to ensure their success.”

“This partnership serves the goals of both organizations,” said Bob Cohen, CEO of Acme Corrugated Box. “An investment in our refugee employees is an investment in the future. This echoes our longstanding commitment to the surrounding community. We see this as an opportunity to enhance the lives of so many families that go on to become contributors to the wellbeing of the greater society. We are delighted to have a positive impact on the community where our company operates.”

ABOUT  

JEVS Human Services (JEVS) has an 80+ 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.

Acme Corrugated Box is a leading provider of custom corrugated packaging solutions, with a longstanding commitment to quality, innovation, and customer relationships. Since 1918, our family-owned business in Hatboro, PA has served customers in Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region, producing packaging that allows our clients to safely deliver their products to market.