In a guest commentary, Cynthia Figueroa, President & CEO of JEVS Human Services (JEVS), advocates for nonprofits and calls on the City of Philadelphia to better support nonprofit organizations so they can serve those who rely on them.
Read “Pay Philadelphia’s Nonprofits Faster” in The Philadelphia Citizen.
For its first Employer Recognition Breakfast, the JEVS Work Ready Program and its Employer Outreach Services team brought together employers from a range of industries. Held in the Duke & Duke Boardroom in Philadelphia, the event focused on the partners who help connect people to jobs and support a stronger regional workforce.
The morning began with a networking session that brought employers, staff, and community partners together. Over coffee and breakfast, conversations centered on real hiring needs, ongoing workforce challenges, and areas for increased support.
The group included both long-time partners and organizations just getting involved. That mix reflected a network that continues to grow—one built on practical collaboration and a shared interest in improving access to skilled talent.
As the event began, JEVS Placement Counselor Julian Evans spoke about the heart of the Work Ready program: preparing participants with the skills, confidence, and experience needed to succeed in today’s workplace. The message was clear—these partnerships are more than filling positions. They are about supporting individuals in building sustainable futures.
The focus on impact resonated throughout the morning.
“Being deliberate about hiring Work Ready participants on to your teams isn’t just a hiring decision—it’s an investment in the future of Philadelphia, and in the future of each participant and their family. Your partnership with JEVS Work Ready is not only smart, but also noticed, and it is valued,” said Beth McConnell, Deputy Executive Director of Policy and Programs, for the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity.
Speaking of circumstantial and generational barriers that anyone would struggle to overcome, McConnell emphasized that, ultimately, we a’re all neighbors. What hurts individuals and families also hurts the community at large. “You’re here,” she noted, “because you realize that our fates are tied together.”
In this way, the employer services model aligns business goals with social impact. Employer partners gain a more consistent, reliable hiring pipeline while also contributing to and benefiting their communities.
The event also served as a moment of recognition. JEVS Work Ready honored employer partners who have gone above and beyond—through hiring, mentorship, and sustained engagement—to support workforce development and create pathways for long-term success.
In the closing remarks, Luis Gonzalez, VP of Workforce Development for JEVS, highlighted the impact of investment and collaboration in adapting to evolving workforce needs.
If you’re looking to strengthen your hiring pipeline while making a meaningful impact, JEVS is ready to collaborate. From connecting partners with job-ready candidates to providing ongoing support for successful placements, the program is designed with both employers and participants in mind.
Contact JEVS to learn how we can support your hiring needs—and help you invest in Philadelphia’s future.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting the voices of women across JEVS Human Services (JEVS) who are making a meaningful impact through their work and leadership. We recently connected with Miya McAfee, Director of Youth and Young Adults at JEVS. JEVS is the intermediary for Career Connected Learning – Philadelphia (C2L-PHL), and Miya’s work in the youth workforce sector spans nearly two decades with participant, provider, and funder role experiences.
I started working in youth workforce development in 2008—without realizing it would become my career.
At the time, I was a seasonal employee, managing the process of working with youth providers to offer summer work-based learning opportunities for young people in Philadelphia.
I didn’t realize it then, but that job led to a series of positions working for Philadelphia Youth Network, North Light Community Center, Philadelphia Works, and finally JEVS. My own work-based learning experience turned into something much bigger and fueled a career I’m passionate about.
In many ways, my role of Director of Youth and Young Adults at JEVS brings together everything I’ve experienced professionally.
My initial experience in supporting paid-learning opportunities for young people flowed naturally into working with those same young people as a provider, and eventually into positions with organizations that drove funding to learn, build, and advocate for a system that worked for young people. Throughout the roles I’ve held, I’ve worked with incredible teams, built relationships, and supported youth in navigating complex systems.
My career has happened because someone created a space for me to learn, grow, and be seen. So, what I enjoy most is advocating for the intentional creation of opportunities for young people early on that will do the same.
Because work-based learning is so much more than a job, and young people need to be included in the conversations about what a sustainable workforce looks like.
For some young people, introductions to work through opportunities like C2L serve as their first paycheck. For others, it’s a chance to explore what they want – and don’t want – to do. For many, it’s about stability—helping their families, supporting themselves, or simply staying on track.
I work to support Philadelphia youth navigating real barriers—housing instability, family responsibilities, and uncertainty about their futures. Work-based learning opportunities are stepping-stones to their futures; work-based learning opportunities become lifelines to independence and economic security.
I’m committed to continuing to build systems that don’t just serve young people—but truly support them, uplift them, and open doors they didn’t even know existed.
The perspective that guides me is always keeping young people at the forefront and creating a space that empowers them to gain workforce experience: so that, regardless of different backgrounds and resources, they can get a foot in the door to future employment that sustains their lives and dreams.
I am grateful to have gained professional experience at Philadelphia Youth Network under the leadership of Stacy Holland and Laura Shubilla. While there, I looked to leaders such as Stephanie Gambone and Chekemma Fulmore-Townsend as models of youth advocacy in employment and education and strove to emulate their drive and future-focused thinking. Those initial representations of strong female voices continued into my time at Philadelphia Works. There I was fortunate to continue learning and building systems alongside Kimberly McCaffrey and Liz Pisarczyk, initially a small team of three, including myself. We each have an overwhelming passion to break barriers to access for young people and establish long standing and sustainable opportunities for economic mobility through education and employment for youth and young adults in this city.
As I reflect over the years, I see the ways that youth workforce systems are growing. We’ve moved from paper applications to digital systems where young people can create profiles, track their progress, and return year after year without starting over. We’ve reduced barriers for youth who once fell through cracks, particularly those without easy access to documents or stable support systems.
Every year, thousands of young people apply for these opportunities—yet not all of them are able to access them. For example, in Summer 2025, as the intermediary for C2L-PHL, JEVS enrolled over 7000 youth in work-based learning opportunities, with almost double the number of applications. That tells us something important: the need is substantial. So, the work isn’t done, but I’m hopeful, because I’ve seen what’s possible, and I’ve seen the impact.
The question we must keep asking is, how do we make these opportunities more accessible, more effective, and more meaningful for young people?
And then make the decisions that move us farther in that direction.
In this edition of People of JEVS, we highlight Carlos Permell, the Program Director of JEVS’ START program, part of the National Center for START Services (NCSS). START stands for Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment. Carlos, whose career has been shaped by a commitment to social justice, community organizing, and systems change, is originally from London and the child of Caribbean immigrants. His experiences have informed a lifelong dedication to equity and building stronger communities. In this conversation, he shares what brought him to JEVS, the purpose behind the START, and what continues to motivate his work every day.
I was born and raised in London, England. My parents migrated from the Caribbean to what was called the “mother country” in the mid-1960s seeking opportunity. Growing up, it wasn’t uncommon to see signs that read, “No Irish, No Dogs, No Blacks.” Experiences like that shaped how I see systems, power, and community.
There’s a James Baldwin’s quote that has always stayed with me. “To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in rage almost all the time.” Baldwin was speaking about the United States, but that level of awareness resonates far beyond one country. Across the Western Hemisphere Black, Indigenous, and People of Color understand that consciousness through lived experience. Because of that, my work has always centered on social justice and equity, what I often call “La Causa.” Regardless of my title, I see myself as an organizer. To me, organizing is about building collective impact through asset-based, community-driven change.
My vision is simple: no one should live in poverty. Everyone deserves access to quality education, affordable housing, healthcare focused on prevention, equal pay for equal work, and healthy food.
Outside of work, I’m an avid Premier League fan and a loyal (and currently patient) Manchester United supporter. My weekends revolve around match schedules. Family keeps me grounded, and my music rotation runs from Hip-Hop and Reggae to Soca, Afrobeats, and R&B.
JEVS’ vision immediately resonated with me: “Every person achieves personal independence and fulfillment.”
I believe deeply in people’s resilience, especially those from communities that have been systematically marginalized. With the right tools and support, people can thrive.
At this stage in my career, alignment matters. There’s no separation for me between being a professional and being a Black man: my lived experience connects directly to the communities JEVS supports.
After speaking with Clara Thompson and Alycia Keeports, (Senior Vice President and Executive Vice President for Community Living and Home Support, respectively) I felt that alignment. Their openness and understanding made it clear that JEVS was a place where I could do meaningful work.
As Program Director, my role is to grow the START program to its fullest potential, structurally, operationally, and programmatically. START works with caregivers and providers supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health needs. Our goal is simple but powerful: prevent crises whenever possible and respond effectively when they happen.
My days often include triage meetings with our team and partners, supporting staff in the field, supervising our clinical team and coordinating next steps with families and providers.
What START represents to me is dignity. It challenges the idea that disability equals deficit. Instead, it recognizes cognitive diversity and focuses on inclusion, prevention, and respect.
Right now, we’re in a start-up phase of building systems, refining policies, hiring staff, strengthening referrals, and creating team cohesion. It’s dynamic. It’s evolving. It’s a “live theatre” every day. What brings me the most joy is watching the team grow. Seeing each member develop their practice within the START model bringing their own voice and strength to the work is powerful. That growth directly translates into stronger caregiving systems and, ultimately, crisis reduction and prevention.
Our partnerships with the NCSS, ODP, DHIDS, IDS, & CBH* has also been incredibly meaningful. Their collaboration shows what real system-building looks like.
*JEVS’ START programs are in partnership with the National Center for START Services (NCSS), the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), the Division of Intellectual disAbility Services (IDS), the Office of Development Programs (ODP), and Community Behavioral Health (CBH).
Building a program is a marathon, not a sprint. Success comes in small, steady wins.
One of my favorite moments is participating in daily triage meetings. Hearing team members thoughtfully discuss person-centered and trauma-informed approaches shifting seamlessly between clinical language and practical guidance feels almost like a symphony.
As Dr. Michael Brenner, Founder and CEO of Right Chord Leadership says, it’s about playing the right “CHORDS”: Communication, Harmony, Ownership, Respect, Direction, and Support. When those align, a real impact happens.
I’m motivated by knowing we stand on the shoulders of giants. We have a responsibility to honor the work that came before us while adapting to today’s realities. Each generation must carry the work forward with integrity, courage, and new tools.
START strengthens support teams so they can better serve individuals with IDD and mental health needs. We focus on wellness, strengths, system gaps, and skill-building across providers.
Prevention is our priority, but when crises occur, we offer 24-hour support and coordinated response through a clear, collaborative plan.
Ultimately, START is about strengthening systems so individuals and families can thrive.
By JEVS Staff
Congratulations to JEVS Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) on their DSP I, DSP II, DSP III, and Front-Line Supervisor certifications! These certification courses test how a DSP responds to different situations. At JEVS, many DSPs complete additional training to gain these certifications. Front-Line Supervisor training focuses on leadership and professional development geared toward supporting DSPs in the field.
JEVS DSPs go beyond caregiving and manage many responsibilities to support people every day. They help with daily tasks like getting dressed, eating, and cleaning. They provide support for going to appointments and taking medication. DSPs also organize rides for outings and activities, and they encourage being part of the community. They are there 24/7 to ensure the individuals they serve feel safe and respected while maintaining their independence.
Congratulations to these DSPs and Front-Line Supervisors on achieving their certifications!
Joseph Gaines
Itallia Merriweather
Kristan Samuels
Felicia Coley
Tanya Brown
Nicole Bell
Ngozi (Jane) Odor
Jamar Clark
Michael Barnett
Warren Akers
Erica Bantum
Kharriyyah Tumaini
Barbara Williams
Chinyere Mbah
Temika Pearson
Luis Santos Barreto
James Hunt
Nikkia Williams
Karen Jones
Gianna McCallough
Iesha Thompson
Rosemary ThankGod
Naiya Messam
Faith Oyugi
Robin Weaver-Olabode
Elizabeth Oglesby
Jennie Redman
Rabi Umoru
Kendorra Brown
Laurie Sanders
Pam Williams
Maria Ellison
Kelley McCormick
Glecina Bethea-Tumaini
Gianna McCallough
Keisha Caldwell
Jason Tadlock
Lawrence Harrington
Jermaine Foster
Vy Le
Marc Tannenbaum
Kenny Hayward
Elbert Grigsby
Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are an essential part of providing care and independence for JEVS clients with disabilities. Join the JEVS team as a DSP and choose from full-time, part-time, or weekend shifts. Click here to learn more.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) announced that it will increase its funding in Schools-to-Work and Pre-Apprenticeship grant awards to 17 programs, including JEVS Human Services (JEVS), as part of the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to young Philadelphians and tomorrow’s workforce. Read the full article here.
“The work that we do should be contagious,” said Julie Lago, Executive Director of the National Center for START Services (NCSS), reflecting on the value and impact of START across the country.
Building on the national model, JEVS Human Services (JEVS), in partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility (DBHIDS) and Community Behavioral Health (CBH) as well as Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), launched START Philadelphia on February 5. By focusing on wellness, strengths, and collaboration, the program reinforces the belief that with the right supports, people can thrive in their communities.
The launch event brought together partners and system leaders to recognize a shared commitment to wellness, collaboration, and crisis prevention for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health needs.
Individuals with co-occurring intellectual disabilities, autism, and mental health challenges often face fragmented systems of care. Without coordinated, proactive support, too many people end up cycling through emergency rooms, encountering the justice system, or struggling to live independently.
START—Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment—offers a coordinated approach: one that employs collaborative care to stabilize individuals and prevent crises before they occur. By working across systems and alongside individuals, families, and providers, START helps ensure people receive the right support at the right time.
At the launch celebration, JEVS President and CEO Cynthia F. Figueroa emphasized how START aligns with the mission and history of service of JEVS Human Services.
“START is an extension of our experience and legacy,” she shared, noting JEVS’ long-standing commitment to inclusive, coordinated, and community-based care.
START Philadelphia builds on this legacy by integrating behavioral health expertise with person-centered planning, ensuring individuals are supported holistically and with dignity.
The success of START Philadelphia is rooted in collaboration. JEVS is deeply grateful to its partners whose leadership and support made this program possible:
These partnerships reflect a shared vision of systems that work together, rather than in silos, to better serve individuals with complex needs.
Speaking at the launch, Jen Smith, Deputy Secretary, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), highlighted the broader impact of START Philadelphia and its role within Pennsylvania’s service systems.
“Today marks the beginning of a promising new solution for individuals with behavioral health needs and intellectual disabilities and autism,” she said.
She emphasized that START supplements existing systems by training, educating, and empowering the professionals and caregivers who support individuals with complex needs every day. Through this approach, START strengthens the capacity of communities to respond effectively and compassionately.
START Philadelphia represents an important step forward in preventing crises, promoting stability, and improving quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health needs (IDD-MH).
As START Philadelphia begins serving individuals, JEVS and its partners remain committed to learning, growing, and working together to build inclusive and responsive systems of care.
To learn more, visit START Philadelphia.
On January 9, 2026, over sixty participants proudly walked the stage at the JEVS Workforce Development graduation, marking an important milestone. In partnership with Penn Foster, JEVS Work Ready graduates earned their high school diplomas, while JEVS EduConnect graduates achieved health care certifications.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Susan Roberts Theater, with graduates’ loved ones in attendance to celebrate their accomplishments. Many participants shared the obstacles they had overcome, including unstable housing, financial insecurity, and limited resources for their families. Work Ready Cohort 8 Valedictorian Alexas L. reflected on her experience: “I found encouragement and strength in my classmates and teachers who supported me without judgment. Their kindness reminded me that I was not alone.”
At the time of her graduation, Alexas had secured both stable housing and a new job. She added, “I am no longer just surviving, I am thriving, and I finally have a dependable career that I enjoy. This is who I am: a fighter, a mother, and a woman who now stands tall.”
Another graduate, Shanta W., shared her journey to JEVS: “Sitting in a classroom full of women who shared similar struggles and experiences helped me see my situation differently. For the first time in a long time, I did not feel alone. I was a struggling mother searching for a second chance, trying to rebuild a life that had fallen apart after a devastating accident in 2014.”
Shanta, who earned her Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) certification, is now employed at a local medical center. She reflected, “When I look back at my journey from pain, fear, and reluctance to strength, purpose, and achievement, I see a woman who refused to give up. That is who I am: a fighter, a healer, and a woman who took her life back.”
Each graduate’s story reflects resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education and support. Graduates now have the opportunity to continue their education and career training through healthcare programs at Orleans Technical College, a program of JEVS Human Services.
Individuals interested in JEVS’ programs can learn more here.
After more than twenty years in healthcare, Tahira never imagined having to start over. But when illness forced her to step away from her career and relocate to Philadelphia, she suddenly found herself navigating the difficult process of rebuilding her life.
“I lost my self-esteem, my motivation, and my focus,” she says. “It was hard to find myself again.”
That changed when Tahira walked into PA CareerLink® at Suburban Station, operated by JEVS Human Services (JEVS), which provides comprehensive services for both jobseekers and employers.
“They did everything they said they would,” she recalls. “They helped me with my résumé, coached me through interviews, and, most importantly, helped me regain my confidence.”
Tahira’s progress wasn’t tied to a single moment. It was the way the team showed up for her. Louis Smith and Kendrick Payne kept her aligned with the right resources and opportunities. Jennifer Fanelli, her Workforce Advisor, helped her see her strengths again and reminded her of what she was capable of. Jahara Russell, Manager of Business and Community Services, encouraged her when she felt unsure. Together, they went above and beyond to support her.
“That team poured into me when I didn’t have much left to give myself,” Tahira says. “Their support helped me move forward when I felt completely stuck.”
That team poured into me when I didn’t have much left to give myself. Their support helped me move forward when I felt completely stuck.
Soon after, Tahira was offered a position with PA CareerLink®. Having seen firsthand how JEVS supports people throughout the community, she knew it was exactly where she wanted to be.
“I felt this was where I was meant to be,” she says.
Tahira now serves as a Career Navigator, helping others find the same encouragement and opportunity that helped her rebuild her career.
“When you come to Suburban Station, you meet people who genuinely care and invest in helping you achieve your goals,” she says. “That’s what made the difference for me, and that’s what I love about it.”
In her new role, Tahira connects job seekers to training, education, and employment resources. She helps people explore new paths and create plans that can sustain their future, both financially and personally.
She adds that they welcome people who come in without a clear plan. “If someone feels unsure, we work together to identify their interests, strengths, and goals,” she says. “From there, we help them build skills that support long-term growth in both their career and their life.”
Tahira’s work also focuses on awareness, especially in making sure more people know about the free resources available through PA CareerLink® and JEVS. “There’s still a lack of information out there,” she says. “If we can reach more people, we can change lives.”
For Tahira, the most rewarding part of her job is helping participants overcome challenges. She recalls one woman she helped who was living in a shelter.
“She needed housing, a job, education, and clothes for interviews,” Tahira says. “Our whole team came together to fast-track her through the system. Within days, she had a résumé, interview outfits, and job interviews lined up.”
That kind of teamwork is what makes PA CareerLink® stand out, she says. “We’ll help you build a plan and move forward.”
Looking back, Tahira admits she almost didn’t walk into PA CareerLink®. “I thought they couldn’t help someone like me because I had a degree and years of experience,” she says. “But once I came in, I realized how much they had to offer.”
Now, she’s part of that support system herself, helping Philadelphians find confidence, opportunity, and a path forward.
“My story is proof that no matter where you are in your journey, PA CareerLink® can meet you there,” Tahira says. “They helped me find myself again. And now, I get to help others do the same.”
To learn more about support for jobseekers at PA CareerLink®, click this link or visit PA CareerLink® Philadelphia, Suburban Station at 1617 John F Kennedy Blvd, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
JEVS is excited to announce the roll-out of JEVS Care at Home (JCAH) services in Delaware. For the first time, JCAH’s award-winning non-medical home care services will be available to residents of the Diamond State.
JCAH caregivers provide essential support so that aging adults and adults with disabilities can live independently at home. Caregivers help with personal care, like bathing, grooming, and dressing, and essential daily tasks, including meal preparation, light housekeeping, and laundry.
Beverly Ward, Senior Director of Home Care, notes that JEVS is not entirely new to Delaware. “We’ve been supporting Delaware clients for some time through our Financial Management Services (FMS) program,” Ward says.
“FMS enables clients to self-manage all aspects of their care, from selecting and hiring a caregiver, to establishing a schedule that meets their needs and goals. FMS handles payroll and benefits and other business services.”
JCAH’s “agency-managed” care model offers Delaware clients a second option for getting the in-home care they need through comprehensive care planning, delivery, and management. Each client receives a custom Plan of Care based on their unique needs. Clients are then matched with a highly trained staff caregiver. JCAH provides all oversight as well as coordination with other providers on the client’s care team.
“We’re one organization,” Ward says, “but we now offer two pathways to living independently. Delaware clients can choose the one that suits them best.”
For more information on JEVS Care at Home services in Delaware, potential clients or family members can visit jevsathome.org or call the Delaware office at 302-985-5580.