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Author: Erin Giberson

Finding a Job and Giving Back: Donnetta B.’s PA CareerLink® Story

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By PA CareerLink® Philadelphia Suburban Station, operated by JEVS Human Services

Before finding PA CareerLink® Suburban Station, Donnetta B. faced a difficult job search. She struggled to find a job that matched her skills and goals. She was discouraged but determined. She went to PA CareerLink® Suburban Station for support.

At PA CareerLink®, Donnetta met Charmaine C., a Job Developer, who became a source of support and encouragement. Charmaine helped Donnetta refine her resume and prepare for interviews.

Kendrick P., a Job Matcher at PA CareerLink®, also played an important role. He matched Donnetta’s skills with open positions and worked with her through the application process. Donnetta secured a stable and fulfilling role with Aramark.

She excelled in her new position and returned to PA CareerLink® to thank Charmaine and Kendrick. During her visit, Donnetta shared about her success. She also wanted to help people in similar positions. She was committed to building bridges and providing guidance to those in need, using her own experience to inspire and help future job seekers.

Charmaine and Kendrick were inspired by Donnetta’s dedication to helping others. Her journey highlighted the impact of support that is empathetic and personalized. It also shows the need for PA CareerLink® to maintain its supportive, inclusive environment, where every individual feels understood and encouraged.

Donnetta’s visit showed the importance of PA CareerLink’s approach in supporting job seekers. To make a positive impact, PA CareerLink® creates an environment where individuals feel comfortable and valued. This means talking to people in a friendly way, helping them feel comfortable, and making sure the company is a safe place where job seekers can get support and advice without being judged.

Donnetta’s story shows her perseverance, the impact of dedicated support, and the importance of fostering a compassionate community. As PA CareerLink® continues to support individuals with empathy and respect, it will help many more people achieve their goals.

JEVS Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month!

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By JEVS Staff

Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th – October 15th) is a time to celebrate the accomplishments, histories, and traditions of Hispanic culture. The Hispanic population in the U.S. is very diverse, including many different people and backgrounds. This month is a time to remember the histories, ideas, and contributions that these communities make to improve our workplaces and society.

JEVS recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month and promotes Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-being (DEI-W) in the workplace. JEVS Latin@ Employee Resource Group (ERG) celebrates the Hispanic Heritage Month theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together”. It invites all employees to join in special activities that honor Hispanic Heritage and build community.

Its first event, Pastelillo and Sorullo Making, brought together JEVS staff and showcased Puerto Rican dishes. Many employees from different departments worked together to organize the making and sharing of pastellio and sorullo.

Luis Gonzalez, Vice President of Workforce Development, said that the Latin@ ERG group saw Hispanic Heritage Month as an opportunity engage staff, especially the Latino community, and bring everyone together. Rossella Alla, a JEVS employee in the Latin@ ERG, added, “I’m really thankful for today. It felt like a big family coming together to prepare a holiday feast.”  

JEVS Latin@ ERG plans to host other activities to recognize the diversity, impact, and history of Hispanic culture. Remember to also check out the Hispanic Heritage Month activities hosted by the City of Philadelphia, including salsa and bachata dance parties at Love Park! 

JEVS Human Services Announces Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-2027

Posted on by Erin Giberson

The plan will guide the organization over the next 3 years in meeting the needs of various communities in the tri-state area.

Philadelphia, PA (September 18, 2024) — JEVS Human Services (JEVS) has announced its strategic plan for the fiscal years 2025-2027, titled “Expanding Opportunities. Fostering Independence.” These priorities merge the mission and vision of JEVS into a forward-looking plan to address the growing and changing needs of the Greater Delaware Valley communities we serve. 

The plan was developed by more than 500 voices, including interviews with external stakeholders, participants, guidance from the employee strategic planning committee, executive leadership, and the board of directors. Over the next 3 years, we are committed to the following strategic priorities:  

  1. Expanding integrated, innovative, and sustainable programs. 
  2. Increasing visibility and influencing stakeholders to benefit those we serve. 
  3. Maintaining JEVS’ financial sustainability. 
  4. Being a mission-driven employer of choice.  

“Our new strategic plan rests on a solid foundation of more than eight decades of experience, passion, and our resolve to work with individuals to create sustainable paths to independence,” said JEVS President and CEO, Cynthia F. Figueroa. “This plan will help position JEVS as a leading nonprofit, locally and nationally.”  

“This strategic plan is a testament to our dedication to serving Greater Philadelphia communities with excellence and compassion,” said JEVS Board Chair, Laurie Franz. “We are excited for what lies ahead and confident that with the collective efforts of our staff, partners, and supporters, we can make significant strides in addressing unmet needs for the communities we serve.” 

The plan will occur during JEVS’ 85th year of operation, which we will celebrate in 2026, as the U.S. celebrates its 250th founding. JEVS began in 1941 to help Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis during World War II resettle in the United States and find meaningful work. The strategic plan builds on those roots and will guide us into the future as a leading force in workforce development, healthcare programs, youth services, and essential careers which provide pathways to independence.  

We look forward to sharing our progress with our stakeholders and supporters in the coming years.  

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ABOUT JEVS  

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.    

JEVS Direct Support Professionals (DSPs): Providing whole life support for people with disabilities

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By Clara T.

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) goes beyond being a caregiver. A DSP provides whole life support for people with disabilities so they can be active in their communities, find jobs, and live fulfilling lives.
DSPs at JEVS Human Services (JEVS) help people learn how to do things for themselves and how to live and make decisions independently.

For example, a caregiver will do things for someone, like pick out groceries, but a DSP will work with someone to help them to learn to pick out their own groceries. This difference is important because it helps the person be as independent as possible.

Each person is unique, with different needs and abilities. DSPs are trained in a variety of methods and interventions based on the needs of the person they support. They perform some functions of therapists, service coordinators, administrators, managers, maintenance and clerical staff as they support people. DSPs are held to a high Code of Ethics and set of Core Competencies validated by the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals.

Providing whole life support

DSPs support activities of daily living such as grooming, household care, meal planning and preparation, and taking medication. They also support with health-related tasks such as making and keeping medical appointments along with any necessary follow up. They help people learn to speak up for themselves. They help people stay connected to friends and family as well as exploring their neighborhood and local community or find a job. DSPs are there to provide emotional support as people navigate life’s hills and valleys.

There is no typical day for a DSP. Much of the job entails responding to unanticipated needs, from minor to more significant, including personal tasks that require mutual trust and respect. This job takes grit and compassion. On tougher days a DSP must remind themselves that their support is vital.

Making vital contributions 

DSPs make vital contributions to our society and economy. Historically, this work has not been given the respect it deserves, and the pay is entry level. Nationally, 87% of DSPs are women, and 53% are women of color. This brings longstanding inequities based on gender and race to the forefront. There is currently a bill in Congress to give DSPs their own occupational classification which will recognize this profession and start the process to give respect and acknowledge contributions these employees make.

DSPs are a quarter of the workforce at JEVS. With their support, the people who live in our residential program thrive. Our staff make sure each person has all needs met – food, clothing and other belongings, medication, healthy environment, safe travel, and social engagement. They help people find activities that bring them joy. They celebrate holidays, pay attention to help maintain relationships, scour the city for interesting things to do, try new recipes, and encourage hobbies. DSPs are there to coach people in navigating and enjoying their lives.

LinkedIn’s Social Impact Team Awards Grant to JEVS to Support Workforce Development

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By Erin G.

JEVS Human Services (JEVS) has received a grant from LinkedIn’s Social Impact Team. This grant provides LinkedIn Premium codes to nonprofits with programs that help people find jobs and gain financial stability. These Premium codes support job seekers who use LinkedIn to find positions, submit applications, and connect with employers.

JEVS offers specialized skills and job training programs for unemployed and underemployed individuals, older adults, refugees, and those who are justice-involved. Participants in these programs working with career counselors will receive the donated LinkedIn Premium codes.

Peggy Truitt, Senior VP of JEVS Workforce Development says, “JEVS Human Services was thrilled to receive a LinkedIn grant to benefit our clients who are overcoming barriers. Without it, LinkedIn premium memberships wouldn’t be affordable for our job seekers.” She adds that “in addition to having an online profile, they will have access to online skills training videos. These resources help with how to build a network, learn about employers, and join groups with the same career interests.”

Thanks to LinkedIn and LinkedIn’s Social Media Impact Team, JEVS will be able to provide additional resources for participants who are searching for jobs.

The Choice is Yours (TCY) Graduation Featured on 6abc Action News

Posted on by Erin Giberson

The Choice is Yours (TCY), a program of JEVS Human Services (JEVS), celebrated 12 graduates who earned their high school diplomas. TCY supports individuals with a first-time nonviolent felony drug offense by helping them overcome barriers to success and employment. For many, this diploma is a crucial step toward career readiness and breaking the cycle of poverty.

Congratulations to the graduates!

Watch the feature about the JEVS TCY graduation at 14:00.

 

JEVS Care at Home (JCAH) Annual Wellness Visit Initiative Wins Connie Award

Posted on by Erin Giberson

Members from the JEVS Human Services Board of Directors (BOD) selected JEVS Care at Home’s Wellness Visit Initiative as the winner of the 2024 Connie Award. This project helps JEVS Care at Home (JCAH) clients by providing rides to their yearly wellness check-ups, which many find difficult to arrange. It also rewards clients for attending these appointments. JCAH will get a $5,000 prize to help pay for the project.

The Connie Award is named after Constance “Connie” Beresin. Connie worked at JEVS Human Services for 11 years as Chief Operating Officer and later as Chief Development Officer. This award, created in 2008, celebrates her commitment to improving our work. Each year, staff nominate projects that make our programs and operations better.

Two other projects in Workforce Development (WD) and Community Living and Home Supports (CLHS) were also celebrated. WD proposed extra training on personal and professional topics ranging from dealing with grief to writing a good resume. CLHS proposed more employment training.

The JEVS BOD thanks everyone who applied for this year’s Connie Award. Picking a winner was a difficult choice. All applications reflected the important work that JEVS does.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Recognize the Symptoms and Get Screened

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By Thomas H.

Many people think of PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as a condition that affects veterans who have been in combat. It’s true that veterans are more likely to experience PTSD, but non-veterans also get PTSD. In fact, anyone who has suffered trauma can develop PTSD. 

PTSD Facts 

As we recognize June as PTSD Awareness Month here are some essential facts about this condition. 

  • PTSD can affect anyone, regardless of gender, nationality, or ethnicity. 
  • A bit less than 10% of people will be diagnosed with PTSD during their lifetime  
  • Most of us will have at least one traumatic event that could lead to PTSD.   
  • Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men.  
  • Members of certain minority groups are more likely to be affected than white males.  

SOURCE: American Psychiatric Association (https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd) 

Events that can trigger PTSD include natural disasters, serious accidents, physical or sexual abuse, and the sudden death of a loved one, to name a few.  

The good news is that many people who experience PTSD recover if they undergo treatment. Treatment can include psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication, and lifestyle changes.  

Learning to recognize the signs of PTSD is the first step towards helping yourself or a loved one. If you have had a traumatic experience and you have some of the following symptoms, you should get professional help to find out if you have PTSD. 

PTSD Symptoms 

  • Flashbacks, or feeling like the event is happening again 
  • Trouble sleeping or nightmares 
  • Feeling alone or detached from others 
  • Losing interest in activities 
  • Angry outbursts or other extreme reactions 
  • Feeling worried, guilty, or sad 
  • Frightening thoughts 
  • Trouble concentrating 
  • Physical pain like headaches or stomach aches 
  • Avoidance of memories, thoughts, or feelings about a traumatic event 
  • Problems remembering 
  • Negative beliefs about yourself or others 
  • Irritability 
  • Feeling vigilant or “on edge” 
  • Startling easily 

SOURCE: adapted from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/post-traumatic-stress-disorder 

Get Screened 

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, your primary care doctor can do an initial screening for PTSD. Your doctor will ask you a series of questions about events you may have experienced and how you are feeling. Your doctor will discuss the results of your screening with you. If you have screened “positive” for PTSD, your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional. The mental health professional will confirm your diagnosis and speak with you about treatment options.  

If you are concerned about symptoms you are having but cannot see your doctor right away, The National Center for PTSD at the US Department of Veterans Affairs (The VA) offers an online “self-screen.” (https://www.ptsd.va.gov/screen/) This screen can help you find out if your symptoms may be related to PTSD. Keep in mind that only a trained health professional can diagnose PTSD accurately. 

The most important thing to remember is this: people who get PTSD can recover with treatment. June 27, 2024 is National PTSD Screening Day. There is no better time to find out if you are suffering from PTSD and take steps towards recovery. 

Home care  from JEVS Care at Home helps adults with disabilities, senior citizens, and others lead full and independent lives. For more information, contact us today: https://www.jevshumanservices.org/jevs-care-at-home-form/   

Meet Reyshon Fowler, JCAH Recruiter 

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By Thomas H.

Reyshon Fowler is one of our recruiters at JEVS Care at Home (JCAH). He took a minute to speak with us about his experience, what he enjoys most about working at JCAH, and how we’re different from other home care providers. 

1. Tell us a little bit about your background and how you came to work at JCAH. 

I have been working in healthcare since I graduated college in 2019. I started working in Human Resources for a company that did EVS (Environmental Services) in hospitals. In January 2020 I started working in home care HR/recruiting and have been doing it ever since. 

2. What do you enjoy most about your work? 

For me it is bringing people together and finding the right match between clients and caregivers.  I feel like I am making a positive impact in someone’s life because our clients need the help and support. Being able to help clients in this way is very rewarding.  

3. In your experience, what makes someone a great caregiver? 

Someone who is compassionate, patient, and empathetic. Being a caregiver can be challenging, so it takes special individuals.  

4. How do you explain “The JCAH Difference” to someone who is thinking about working for us? 

I love to go back to our three C’s, which are care, commitment, and communication.   Everyone here at JEVS Care at Home cares and is committed to providing the highest quality care for our clients.  The same goes for our employees: we truly care about them and want them to continue learning, growing and succeeding. 

5. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? 

Spending time with family or finding a good movie/ tv show to watch.  

6. If you could have one “superpower” what would it be? 

Teleportation  

7. Tell us one amazing or little-known fact about yourself 

I love to go fishing whenever I am able to.  

Home care from JEVS Care at Home helps adults with disabilities, senior citizens, and others lead full and independent lives. For more information, contact us today: https://www.jevshumanservices.org/jevs-care-at-home-form/   

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