JEVS Human Services (JEVS) has an 80+ year history of working with individuals to create sustainable paths to independence and economic security. In 2024 alone, we served over 19,000 people in our region—but our work is far from done. Every day, more individuals reach out for support for themselves and their families. The need for jobs, education, and vital services continues to grow.
Grow with JEVS will take place at the Crystal Tea Room in the historic Wanamaker building. Guests will enjoy dinner and drinks while connecting with changemakers, local leaders, and fellow supporters. The evening will also feature a silent auction, raffle, and opportunities to engage—and make a difference.
Providing Crucial Programs and Services
JEVS supports individuals across nearly every age group and background—including people with disabilities, individuals with behavioral health needs, youth and young adults, those who are underemployed or unemployed, refugees, returning citizens, individuals diverted from prison, and older adults.
Through a wide range of specialized programs and services, we create pathways for individuals to achieve personal independence and fulfillment. Our work includes:
Workforce development
Career & Technical Education
Community living and home support
JEVS Care at Home
We also connect youth to paid work experiences through Career Connected Learning Philadelphia (C2L-PHL) and provide job support through PA CareerLink® Philadelphia.
Why Your Support Matters
The Grow with JEVS fundraiser plays a crucial role in helping us expand our reach. By joining us on June 5, you’re helping to ensure that even more individuals can access the services and opportunities they need to thrive.
An added way to support our mission is through the Orleans Technical College Scholarship Fund. Your donation helps break down financial barriers to education and training, opening doors for those ready to take the next step. Every contribution—no matter the size—makes a difference. Contribute here.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions make this event—and our mission—possible. Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Citizens, and our Champion Sponsor, The Odell Studner Group, an Acrisure Partner. For a full list of sponsors, please visit this link.
We Hope to See You on June 5!
Grow with JEVS is both a celebration and a call to action. Help us continue the work JEVS began over 80 years ago—providing the tools, training, and resources that people need to lead independent, fulfilling lives.
Looking for a job after age 55 can feel challenging—but you’re not alone. Join JEVS Career Solutions for 55+ for a free online seminar designed to help older adults find meaningful work and feel confident in today’s job market.
This seminar is for job seekers age 55 and older. You will learn:
How to write a strong résumé and apply for jobs
What to say in an interview
Tips from hiring experts
How to deal with age discrimination at work
Where to find free career coaching and job search help
Expert Speakers
The event keynote is Tobey Gordon Dichter. She is the Founder and CEO of Generations on Line, a nonprofit that helps older adults learn to use technology. Her work has helped over 300,000 people worldwide. A former communications executive, she has received national awards for her leadership and advocacy for digital access and aging with dignity.
You’ll also hear from three career experts who will share advice and answer your questions:
Bidley Jean-Baptiste – Deputy Director, Mayor’s Commission on Aging
Yeymi Sosa-Cordon – Program Director, Mayor’s Commission on Aging
Devyn Fry – Director of Talent Acquisition, JEVS Human Services
Yuliia S. is a caring mother from Ukraine. When war broke out in her country, she fled with her husband and two children. They left behind everything they knew—home, jobs, friends, and family. Starting over in a new country with little money and no clear plan felt very hard.
The first few months in the U.S. were especially tough. The family didn’t speak much English and didn’t understand how things worked in their new home. They struggled to find housing, enroll the kids in school, and handle everyday tasks. Without a local support system, even small things felt overwhelming.
During this difficult time, Yuliia turned to JEVS for help. She explained her situation and asked for support. The JEVS team helped her enroll her daughter in school, apply for public benefits, and get important documents.
With those first steps complete, Yuliia began searching for a job. She had worked as a teacher assistant before, but not having a driver’s license made getting to job interviews harder. Thankfully, JEVS connected her with the Driven2Drive program. With their help, she earned her license, which gave her more freedom and better job options.
At first, Yuliia didn’t believe she could find a job in her field. She thought she might only find cleaning work. But the JEVS team believed in her and searched for jobs that matched her skills. They found a teacher assistant position at a local daycare and helped her get an interview. Yuliia got the job!
She felt thrilled to accept the position. Now, she works in a job she enjoys and does well in. She feels thankful for the support from JEVS and excited about what’s ahead.
Yuliia’s story shows how strong people can be when starting over—and how the right support can change a life. Today, she continues to grow and inspires others who face similar challenges.
JEVS Center for New Americans (CNA) nominated Acme for its commitment to building an inclusive, supportive workplace. Acme has played a key role in helping Ukrainian refugees enter the workforce by providing on-site English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and ensuring that all employees are paid for their time spent in class.
These efforts go beyond standard hiring practices. They reflect a deep commitment to giving individuals the tools to succeed, both on the job and in their new communities.
Bob Cohen, President of Acme Corrugated Box and a proud supporter of JEVS for over 30 years, accepted the award. His leadership has helped establish Acme as a model employer for workforce development and inclusion in Pennsylvania.
“A natural outgrowth of the training that JEVS provides is the ability for refugees to enter the workforce,” Bob shared. “To date we now have over 35 Ukrainian employees. We began on-site ESL classes so that employees did not have to travel for instruction. A true success story for a not-for-profit and for-profit cooperating for the common good.”
We thank Acme for their continued partnership and for setting a powerful example of what it means to invest in people.
By: Vy Le, Associate Director JEVS Independence Network Ambler
The JEVS Independence Network program is expanding to a third location in Ambler, PA! The first member officially moved in February 2025. Prospective parents and members share their thoughts about the program and expectations for the coming year.
Karen S. (Parent)
Adam with parents Larry and Karen
Q: What drew you to the JEVS Independence Network?
A: I was intrigued by the network of supports available and how the program included an independent living component.
Q: What have you found valuable about the Program?
A: I am thrilled with the social calendar. There are a lot of different things to do, and it is a wonderful resource. I also like how it is right in the community and close to home.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about the program so far?
A: I like that Adam now has this local network and that he’s interacting with all types of people in the community. When he joins the program, he will have people he can go to for assistance.
Q: What do you look forward to in the new year with the program coming to Ambler, PA?
A: I look forward to Adam having his own place and getting involved. I also look forward to the job coaching support and future community space where members can spend time together.
Adam S. (Interested Member)
Q: What drew you to the JEVS Independence Network?
A: I like hanging out with the people who are in the JEVS group, and I want to live in the Ambler community with a Roommate.
Q: What have you found valuable about the Program?
A: I learned more about other resources I could have access to through the program. Having a job coach that is a part of the program is also important to me.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about the program so far?
A: The events are my favorite part of being a part of the program. I enjoyed the hayride, bowling, the white elephant event and eating dinner with the other guys.
Q: What do you look forward to in the new year with the program coming to Ambler, PA?
A: I look forward to having a job coach to help me with employment. I also look forward to moving to Ambler and attending more events.
Elaine G. (Parent)
Elaine with Jared at the annual family picnic
Q: What drew you to the JEVS Independence Network?
A: Jared’s life has always been in the Ambler community. He wants to be independent, and the program, with two other well-established independent communities, is coming right to our back door.
Q: What have you found valuable about the Program?
A: All the resources, parent zoom meetings, and meeting parents from both the Narberth and Collingswood communities. It helps to hear their stories about their experiences and to be connected to a greater community that understands. Knowing that it’s established in two different places already is reassuring, and Ambler will become a part of a bigger community that gets together often.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about the program so far?
A: Getting to know the staff and meeting other participants and their families, as well as the friendships and support.
Q: What do you look forward to in the new year with the program coming to Ambler, PA?
A: Jared being independently living within the Ambler JEVS Community.
Jared G. (Interested Member)
Q: What drew you to the JEVS Independence Network?
A: To learn how to live on my own, grocery shop, clean, and pay bills.
Q: What have you found valuable about the Program?
A: New friendships made through the program so far.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about the program so far?
A: I like the different social events like bowling and going to the
Q: What do you look forward to in the new year with the program coming to Ambler, PA?
A: Finding housing and joining the program.
Chris B. (Parent)
Q: What drew you to the JEVS Independence Network?
Pete with parents Sean and Chris.
A: I was super excited for JEVS Independence Network to come to Ambler. We’ve known about the program for a long time now and believe it is the ideal program for Pete.
Q: What have you found valuable about the Program?
A: Being about to connect with other families who have adults in similar situations.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about the program so far?
A: I appreciate the opportunities for Pete to socialize and make more friends. The prospect of Pete having support to live on his own gives us hope. Having a job coach in place is also great.
Q: What do you look forward to in the new year with the program coming to Ambler, PA?
A: Pete moving into his own place and getting his independence back.
Pete O. (Interested Member)
Q: What drew you to the Independence Network?
A: The chance to live independently again with roommates and the chance of moving out from my parents’ house.
Q: What have you found valuable about the Program?
A: The social interactions with the other members.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about the program so far?
A: The activities we’ve done such as mini golf, visiting Merrymead Farm, and going out to restaurants.
Q: What do you look forward to in the new year with the program coming to Ambler, PA?
A: Rebuilding my independence, making new friends, and connecting with the Ambler community.
Liz & Jim P. (Parent)
Jenna with her family.
Q: What drew you to the Independence Network?
A: Jenna had gone to college and acquired a higher level of independence where she worked on those skills. We were very happy with those results. She was building relationships and learning what it takes to live independently. We looked into programs that would continue that and went to an open house at the Narberth Program. Narberth was a bit further away from where we lived but the town reminded us of Ambler. We invited Jill and Clara to come to Ambler. They said it was a great town, much like Narberth. The initial information session was hosted at the library and we reached out to families that could be interested so they could attend. We saw how Narberth was working and how it has been successful, and we wanted a program closer to home for Jenna.
Q: What have you found valuable about the Program?
A: The program in Narberth and Collingswood was a successful model so watching the model evolve in Ambler has been rewarding. We see the value in the way you build relationships with the parents and the young adults. We watched Jenna’s relationships grow with people not only in Ambler but also in Collingswood and Narberth. She is building relationships beyond what we were expecting.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about the program so far?
A: We enjoy meeting the new community and mentors, as well as seeing the supports provided to Jenna and the events that are set up to meet other families. We enjoy seeing Jenna want to independently go to events and us building friendships with other families.
Q: What do you look forward to in the new year with the program coming to Ambler, PA?
A: As parents, we look forward to finding a good fit for a roommate for Jenna and everything that comes with that like finding an apartment. We are looking forward to finding more activities that she is interested in going to independently in the new year.
Jenna P. (Interested Member)
Q: What drew you to the Independence Network?
A: Making new friends.
Q: What have you found valuable about the Program?
A: I would say the support I get at Food pantry, Twin Springs Preschool, and my fitness classes.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about the program so far?
A: My favorite thing about JEVS is I love going to the events with everyone.
Q: What do you look forward to in the new year with the program coming to Ambler, PA?
A: To hang out with my friends and mentors, to meet new people, and to move into an apartment with a roommate.
The JEVS Independence Network has so much to celebrate! We started thirteen years ago and have worked with over 100 members. The Independence Network supports people in launching their independence. This support includes advancing careers, making meaningful community connections, and developing life-long friendships. As we establish our third program location in Ambler, PA, we know that we are stronger together. Our members and their families help focus on our mission and always look for new ideas to move forward.
We are lucky to work with local groups, businesses, and schools. Right now, we are working with Temple University’s Occupational Therapy department to start a peer support program. This program will help us reach more young adults who want to connect. Members will get to share helpful tips and support each other in becoming more independent. We are also starting a wellness program to help members set health goals, try new things, and have fun getting healthier with friends! Over the past year, we have been reviewing our programs to find ways to make our support even better.
Sean B., a program member and future peer supporter, says it best: “Before the JEVS Independence Network I questioned if I would ever have a friend at all. Then another member told me about JEVS, and my life goals came true. Now my apartment is a revolving door with visitors, I have made good friends in and out of the program, and I have built bonds that are strong. We (members) want to be there for other people who need to know that they are not alone. It helps to hear from others who have faced and overcome the same kinds of obstacles. It feels good to know there are peers who care and understand.”
For the first time, members of the JEVS Independence Network program in Collingswood participated in the Annual Holiday Parade—and had an amazing experience. The effort was led by Mentor Associate Nancy W., who used her local connections and community spirit to make it all happen.
Nancy has lived in Collingswood since 1989, back when Haddon Avenue had few shops and no restaurants. “Collingswood is a small, nice, and friendly town,” she said. “It’s a great place to raise children, with so many activities, sports, and things for kids to get involved in.”
Nancy was looking for something new when she spoke with Abby Kasoff—founder of Say it With Clay and a community partner of the Independence Network—who suggested she consider joining JEVS. It sounded rewarding, and Nancy came on as a part-time community support counselor in May 2023. By October, she had moved into a full-time role, becoming even more connected with the work and the community.
Nancy’s idea to get the JEVS Independence Network involved in the parade came from her own experience helping organize it years ago. “We always made sure community groups were included—like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and local fundraisers,” she said. “I thought, the JEVS Independence Network is an important part of the community. We should be walking in the parade too!”
With this in mind, Nancy reached out to the municipal worker managing the event, completed the application, and began organizing. She hosted two prep events to get the group ready. The team decided on a Toyland theme, decorating a truck with wrapped packages, stuffed animals, and festive touches. Members wrapped boxes, taped on toys, and added bows. Nancy also provided fun costumes for everyone—ladies picked out dresses, while the guys wore antlers, ties, and light-up necklaces.
When parade day arrived, the excitement was high. Members gathered for hot chocolate and donuts before heading to their spot in the lineup. With music playing and the crowds cheering, the group danced, smiled, and interacted with the community. Some handed out fidget toys to kids along the route, creating joyful moments for everyone involved.
The feedback was positive and encouraging. “Everyone was so excited to be involved,” Nancy said. “Next time, we’ll start earlier and make it even bigger and better.” One neighbor even called them “the nicest group in the parade.”
For Nancy, it was a truly meaningful day. “I was proud to walk with them down the street. We are part of the community. We are here, and we belong here. It felt good for people to see that.”
Finding good workers isn’t always easy. Many businesses struggle to hire employees or make sure their current workers have the right skills. That’s where JEVS Human Services comes in!
We help businesses find, train, and support workers. Whether you need new employees or want to help your team learn new skills, our services can help.
Train Your Team with Education & Skills Programs
Successful businesses need well-trained workers. JEVS offers training programs to help your employees learn new skills or to prepare new workers for your company.
With our “earn-to-learn” model, employees can train on-the-job through apprenticeships. We also handle the paperwork and find the right candidates for you, making the process easy.
“JEVS has helped us cultivate a more skilled workforce and offer real career paths,” said Rob Coleman of i2m Solutions. “The support has exceeded expectations.”
Need to fill open roles? Our job placement services connect businesses with skilled and motivated workers. We also host job fairs, info sessions, and hiring events to help you find the right match.
Christina Wilson of East West Label shared, “JEVS helped us hire excellent candidates. Their staff really understood what we needed as a small business.”
We save you time and effort by handling hiring and training, so you can focus on running your business. Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of your industry. With a track record of success, we’ve helped many businesses find and train the right workers.
“When we need workers, JEVS connects us with Ukrainian nationals seeking employment. It’s a blessing—for us and for them,” says Bob Cohen, President of Acme Corrugated Box Co.
David Saverio Dessberg of Rivers Casino shares, “JEVS consistently brings us workforce-ready candidates and creates meaningful ways for our team to give back.”
Don’t let hiring problems or skill gaps slow you down. JEVS Human Services is here to help!
As an American Job Center, PA CareerLink® Suburban Station, operated by JEVS Human Services (JEVS), provides Philadelphia residents with career development resources and job placement assistance.
It often holds recruitment events, resource fairs, and jobs fairs like its recent Spring Fling Job Fair 2025 that was a huge success, with over 300 people attending the event!
The Spring Fling Job Fair 2025 provided job opportunities for PA CareerLink® customers, along with no-cost services and items. The PA CareerLink® Job Development Team worked with other businesses to secure resources for attendees.
During the job fair, Stand Up Wireless gave out 42 cell phones to help people stay connected with potential employers and loved ones. Lehigh Valley Barbers provided haircuts for 22 people, helping boost their confidence and appearance. ShopRite held on-site interviews, and 21 candidates moved forward in the hiring process, with two individuals getting jobs right there on-the-spot!
Nine other employers also attended and met with participants: Aramark, Auto Zone, Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), Fresh Grocer, Goodwill, Loews Hotel, Penn Asian Senior Services (PASSi), SPARC, and Volunteers of America.
These results show the positive impact that PA CareerLink® Suburban Station has on the community.
Thank you to the PA CareerLink® Job Development Team members Charmaine, Kemah, Kendrick, Sheila, Terry, and Louis for contributing to the success of this event. Their hard work made it possible for more people to attend and receive free resources. Thank you also to Nicki W., site administrator of PA CareerLink® Suburban Station, for her help and support.
Individuals looking for jobs and resources should visit their nearest PA CareerLink® Center. To find a Center near you, please visit: PA CareerLink Contact Us
Khandaker F. and Larry A.-K., two driven young IT professionals and proud alumni of JEVS Human Services (JEVS) Project WOW, embark on a transformative journey of professional growth and self-discovery. So far, their Project WOW training and internships have earned them CompTIA A+ Certifications, Google Cybersecurity Certifications, and Digital Navigation Certifications.
They use their acquired skills in real-world situations at JEVS as IT Help Desk Analyst interns and members of the JEVS TED Team (technology, evaluation, and data analytics).
Khandaker, an analytical thinker with a deep passion for technology, aspires to become a system administrator, eager to make a lasting impact on technology and the digital world. Larry, a charismatic problem-solver, hones his skills to uplift his Philadelphia community. Both provide consistent, timely, and skilled support to departments and staff.
Though their backgrounds and ambitions differ, their paths converge each day at JEVS, supporting the growing IT needs of JEVS’ employees, collaborating as Digital Navigation literacy trainers, and contributing to complex projects, including leveraging Microsoft Power Automate to enhance the agency’s newly developed Employee Change Management Portal (ECMP).
As they tackle real-world IT challenges, embrace mentorship, and navigate personal hurdles, Khandaker and Larry realize that success is not just about technical expertise but resilience, collaboration, and adaptability. Their Project WOW training and IT internship at JEVS equips them with invaluable career skills and fosters a friendship that reshapes their perspectives on leadership, service, and ambition.
A testament to education, camaraderie, and perseverance, their growth at JEVS underscores the power of opportunity and the lasting impact of a supportive community—one that embodies the very heart of the JEVS’ mission to foster economic security and independence.
If you are interested in learning more about Khandaker and Larry’s experience at JEVS, JEVS Project WOW, or JEVS Digital Navigation training services, email [email protected].
Want to Stay Connected with JEVS? Sign Up for Our Updates.
