Programs JEVS Care at Home About Support JEVS

Author: Erin Giberson

Congrats, JEVS Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), on your achievements!

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By JEVS Staff

Congratulations to JEVS Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) on their DSP I, DSP II, and DSP III certifications! These certification courses test how a DSP responds to different situations. At JEVS, many DSPs complete additional training to gain these certifications. JEVS DSPs go beyond caregiving and manage many responsibilities. 

DSPs do many important things 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 support individuals, making sure they feel safe and respected while maintaining their independence. 

Congratulations to these DSPs on achieving their certifications!

DSP – I Certification 

Chinyere Mbah

DSP – II Certification 

Michael Barnett

To learn more about JEVS Home Care and Residential Services, click here.  

Friendsgiving with the JEVS Independence Network

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By JEVS Staff   

JEVS Independence Network provides co-ed living communities for adults with disabilities. Members receive personalized support for independent living, social connection, community engagement, and employment. 

The JEVS Independence Network also holds social gathers and celebrates holidays together. It recently hosted a Friendsgiving celebration for all members and staff from its locations in Narberth, PA; Collingswood, NJ; and Ambler, PA.  

Members of each program cooked and prepared different dishes with their mentors for all to share. The mentors prepared and led different fall-themed activities such as leaf printing, picture taking, guessing holiday trivia, and creating custom name tags.  

Everyone enjoyed the time together, and it was a great kick-off to the holiday season! 

This Giving Tuesday, support our toy drive!

Posted on by Erin Giberson

JEVS Human Services (JEVS) works with individuals to create sustainable paths to independence and
economic security. The JEVS network of services provides career and technical education,
workforce development, home care, and human services for 19,000 individuals annually. We continue the
work started over 80 years ago to address today’s most challenging issues.

This #GivingTuesday, join us in making a difference for local families! We’ve created an Amazon Wishlist where you can purchase a gift directly for our clients. It’s a way to give back this holiday season and bring joy to those who need it most. 

We’re grateful for your support of our programs and services. Thank you for your contribution to our Giving Tuesday toy drive!

Visit the JEVS Amazon Wishlist 

 

Congrats, JEVS Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), on your achievements!

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By JEVS Staff

Congratulations to JEVS Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) on their DSP I, DSP II, and DSP III certifications! These certification courses test how a DSP responds to different situations. At JEVS, many DSPs complete additional training to gain these certifications. JEVS DSPs go beyond caregiving and manage many responsibilities. 

DSPs do many important things 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 support individuals, making sure they feel safe and respected while maintaining their independence. 

Thank you to these DSPs on achieving their certifications!

DSP – I Certification 

Erica Bantum

Nicole Bell

Tanya Brown

Michael Barnett

DSP – II Certification 

Warren Akers

Nikkia Williams

DSP – III Certification 

Temika Pearson 

Luis Santos Barreto  

Silvanie Joseph  

James Hunt  

Karen Jones   

Gianna McCallough  

Iesha Thompson  

Rosemary ThankGod   

Naiya Messam  

Faith Oyugi  

Robin Weaver-Olabode  

Elizabeth Oglesby   

Rabi Umoru   

Jarrod Anthony   

Fatima Brown 

 

DSPs help people with disabilities in their homes and communities. JEVS celebrates National Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week from September 8–14, 2024, to honor their important work. 

To learn more about JEVS Home Care and Residential Services, click here.  

Supporting Professional Growth: JEVS Leadership Development Series (LDS)

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By Ashley R.-M.

JEVS Leadership Development Series (LDS) provides ongoing professional training for employees. Participants engage in dynamic learning sessions, develop key leadership skills, and connect with peers across JEVS programs and functions.

Throughout this series, participants explore essential leadership skills, including building high-performing teams, fostering accountability, and effective communication. Each session equips emerging leaders with the skills and tools needed to inspire and lead effectively within their teams and across JEVS!

Congratulations to all participants for their commitment and growth. We look forward to seeing the ways this cohort positively influences the organization.

Stay tuned for future LDS & Talent Development opportunities as we continue our mission to support leadership development and professional growth across JEVS!

JEVS Human Services Recognizes Native American Heritage Month

Posted on by Erin Giberson

This November, we’re excited to celebrate Native American Heritage Month! It’s a time to honor the rich cultures, traditions, and incredible contributions of Native people in shaping our communities, including here at JEVS. 

At JEVS, our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Employee Well-being (DEIW) is what drives our culture. Celebrating Native American Heritage Month is part of that dedication, reminding us of the importance of creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, safe, and supported. It’s not just about honoring the past—it’s about how we use that history to build a better, more inclusive future together. 

This year’s theme, “Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future,” encourages us to reflect on the lessons of the past and how we can apply them to shape a more connected and supportive workplace. It also ties directly into our ongoing focus on psychological safety—making sure everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. 

Here’s How this Theme Inspires Us to Take Action 

  • Focus on building bridges. By learning from the past, we can create connections that ensure every voice is heard and respected. 

  • Celebrate diverse experiences. Let’s create spaces where we can share our stories and learn from each other, celebrating the different perspectives we all bring. 

  • Empower future generations. By understanding our shared history, we can pave the way for a more inclusive, equitable future for everyone. 

Let’s take this opportunity to come together, honor Native American communities, and continue to build a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. 

Ways You Can Celebrate Native American Heritage Month

Join us in celebrating this month as we continue building a stronger, more inclusive community at JEVS, where every person’s story and experience matters. 

 

Meet Mason Wallack: JEVS Care at Home’s Community Engagement Specialist

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By Thomas H. 

Whether hosting engaging events or helping clients navigate the complex Medicaid home care waiver, Mason Wallack’s passion for service and community is inspiring. He shared about his role as Community Engagement Specialist with JEVS Care at Home (JCAH).

Tell us about your professional background and how you came to JCAH.

I grew up in the Northeast section of Philadelphia and have worked various sales and customer services roles in retail, financial services, and event technology services. I started working at JEVS Human Services in 2016 supporting their career assessment tools for workforce development. After the pandemic I worked in business operations at a clinical research organization. I returned to JEVS Care at Home in 2023 as a Community Engagement Specialist. The role was timely as several of my family members received home care during the pandemic instead of needing to reside in a long-term care facility, which improved their quality of life. 

What do you do in your role as Community Engagement Specialist (CES)?

 As a CES, I provide home care resources in the community to seniors and adults with disabilities who are seeking services so they can live fully and independently at home. In addition to providing resources, I also host fun and educational events at senior apartment buildings, senior centers, and community organizations. Currently the most popular event is “Piano and Pizza” where I perform Motown classics, Oldies, and Big Band tunes on the piano over a pizza lunch. I provide an overview of our services during the performance, and after the music I have an opportunity to connect one-on-one with attendees to find out how I can support their needs. 

What aspect of your work do you find most fulfilling?

One of the resources our CES team provides is support with enrollment in Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), the Medicaid homecare waiver. Approval can take up to 90 days, and requires multiple home visits from agencies (Maximus, PCA, MCO) before services can begin. With our help, we can get the enrollment time cut down and provide helpful tips for approval. Due to the complex nature of the waiver application process, I find this most fulfilling as it provides a direct benefit to the participant and their family. 

How would you explain “The JCAH Difference” to a potential client or partner organization?

We are mission-driven at JCAH to help seniors and adults with disabilities live independently at home. Our main difference is the unique plan of care each client receives directed by our nursing staff on the JCAH Health and Education team. We also make sure to connect with supporting family members to inform them of the plan of care, keeping all interested parties in the loop.

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

I am a wedding DJ and musician. It brings me great joy to perform and share music with others! 

If you could acquire a superpower, what would it be?

I’m always working towards true empathy. 

Tell us an interesting/little-known fact about yourself.

 I’m a proud father and husband. I currently live in South Philadelphia near the Sports complex and love Philly sports, especially during the playoffs!

Celebrating JEVS Employee Milestones

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By JEVS Staff

At JEVS Human Services, many of the nearly 2,000 employees are long-standing. Whether they’ve been here for a few years or a few decades, JEVS staff is dedicated to helping people get education, jobs, and vital services.

To honor employees reaching 20 to 40 years of service, JEVS held its Milestone Recognition Event at the Philadelphia Ethical Society. In total, 32 employees were recognized.

Giving the keynote remarks, JEVS President and CEO Cynthia Figueroa said, “We’re celebrating 20-, 25-, 30-, 35-, and 40-year milestones! Think about what that means. If in the last year we were able to reach 16000 individuals – in just one year – think about 40 times that number: the countless lives that have been touched, changed, supported, and cared for during the years of service by these JEVS employees.”

Direct managers for the honorees gave introductions and presented the milestone awards.

Speaking of her experience, 20-year milestone honoree Crystal Shaw shared, “I just want to say that I am truly grateful and blessed to work for JEVS.” She also thanked her daughter who flew in from Los Angeles to see her mom receive her milestone award.

Robert Herrmann is a JEVS Facilities employee who was recognized for 40 years of service. His current supervisor Damaris Feliciano, VP of Facilities, said that Robert “is an invaluable asset to the facilities team and to JEVS. He knows every aspect of OTC!”
Following the ceremony, everyone enjoyed a reception to celebrate the honorees.

Congratulations to the following employees for their dedication and service!

20 years of service

Crystal Shaw
David Henderson
Pamela Williams
Jacqueline Stabler
Yolanda Gray
Sean Carroll
Kendra Green
Diana Seijo
Oksana Ruzhinskaya
Karen Brownley
Sameerah Sellers

25 years of service

Debbie Bello
Thomas Henderson
Lisa Currie-Rivers
Charmaine Campbell
Twana Jones
Leonid Bord
Kimberley Harrington
Niakya Norris

30 years of service

Pauline baker
Veronica Thomas
Michelle Fulmore
Mary Sloane
Joan English
Sylvia Ocasio
Francisco Caban-Vialliz
Katrina Tillery

35 years of service

Lillia Dukhovny
Carolyn Allen
Linda Womack
Tyrone Brown

40 years of service

Robert Herrmann

JEVS Independence Network 2024 Annual Picnic: Celebrating a Growing Community

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By JEVS Staff

JEVS Independence Network provides co-ed living communities for adults with disabilities. Members receive personalized support for independent living, social connection, community engagement, and employment.

The JEVS Independence Network held its 2024 Annual Picnic at the Cooper River Yacht Club in Collingswood, NJ. Participants and families came together to celebrate the program and the community. Since beginning in 2011, the JEVS Independence Network has grown to include locations in Narberth, PA, and Collingswood, NJ. A third location in Ambler, PA, is accepting new members. The annual picnic offers a time for everyone from each location to spend time together, meet other members, and have fun.

The Cooper River Yacht Club offered an indoor gathering space, covered seating area, and outdoor activity area with a view of the Philadelphia skyline. Attendees also set up chairs along the lawn to chat and enjoy the warm, sunny weather.

Members were able to enjoy lunch; complete a “Get to Know You” scavenger hunt activity; paint pumpkins; take pictures at a photo wall; play bocce and other games; and sing karaoke. They also had the opportunity to take a ride in an open-air roadster.

Many people praised the quality of the program, calling it “life-changing” for participants. The supportive nature of the community has motivated several families to move to the area. Families shared stories about the jobs that members have started, the guidance from their mentors, the friendships they’ve made, and their busy social calendars.

Thank you to the staff, families, and members for a wonderful event! To learn more about the JEVS Independence Network, please visit: https://www.jevshumanservices.org/program/independence-network-program/

 

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.

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