fbpx
Programs Employer Services About Support JEVS

Author: jrattle

JEVS to Partner with PHDC for Trades Hiring Fair

Posted on by jrattle

JEVS Human Services is partnering with the City of Philadelphia and PHDC (Philadelphia’s community development organization) to hold a free mega Hiring Fair in September to connect employers and jobseekers in the trades as the region continues to rebound from the pandemic. The event will be held at JEVS’s career training school, Orleans Technical College, home of short-term, employment-focused trades training programs.

Slated for September 15, 2022, nearly 110 small- to mid-sized contractors, developers, utilities and service companies (including SEPTA, PECO, Horizon Services, and Marriott) will be on-site at the Northeast Philadelphia-based school campus (2770 Red Lion Road), looking to hire for positions in a variety of building and construction trades. The event provides hiring managers and business owners opportunities to conduct on-the-spot interviews, collect résumés, and discuss opportunities in their growing workplaces. JEVS/Orleans Tech and PHDC are holding this event to assist businesses with hiring needs, as well as those experiencing challenges in finding the best-fit candidates during this new economy.

> Click here for list of employers attending.

Who will benefit from this Hiring Fair? All levels of tradespeople are welcome, including those new to the industry and experienced professionals. The following groups have been invited to attend: recent graduates from JEVS’ Orleans Technical College; jobseekers from training programs across the city; PACareerLink participants; Philadelphia School District high school seniors pursuing trades CTE; as well as individuals already working in the industry and exploring new avenues.

Types of Positions Available

Employers attending the Hiring Fair will be looking for the following types of tradespeople: Carpenter • HVAC • Mason • Electrician • Roofer • General Contractor • Plumber • Painter • Laborer or Apprentice • Fabricator • Steamfitters • Heavy Equipment Operator • Journeyman • Finisher • Property/Building Maintenance Mechanic • Site Operations • Project or Service Manager • Welding • Installer • Estimator • Environmental Tech • Security Tech

HOW TO REGISTER

> Employers or jobseekers: pre-register for this event  here

Note to jobseekers: If you are looking to work in the building and construction trades and want to attend, see the flyer below for more information. Registration for jobseekers is not required, but encouraged.

> Download our Event Flyer Here

New Book Club Enhances Understanding Among Our Team

Posted on by jrattle

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council at JEVS Human Services launched a Book Club this year, open to all JEVS employees, to read and discuss books that enhance our awareness and understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion topics. The Book Club meets every 3-4 months to discuss pre-selected book readings. Book Club members are reimbursed for book purchases.

Joining the DEI Book Club is a great way to connect with fellow colleagues across all levels of the organization, from a variety of backgrounds and enjoy a great book! Book club discussions focus on key ideas or passages from the book that club members may have connected with and ideas that members may have found challenging. Discussions have become opportunities for safe engagement, exchange of varying perspectives and a conversation about how ideas might apply to our work and workplace here at JEVS.

According to Souleymane Fall, Director of Employment Services and DEI Book Club member, “The book club allows members of JEVS to express their views and thoughts and understanding of the reading. I have realized that the understanding of my team may at times be different; and that is in part because of their upbringing, their culture, religion, background and view of the world. The DEI Book Club creates a safe place where staff can talk about their understanding of cultural differences and the way we see things in general. This is a great opportunity for us to celebrate our diversity, equity and inclusion.”

So far, the JEVS DEI Book Club has read and discussed White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet, and Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. The Book Club’s next book is New York Times bestseller, So You Want to Talk About Race, by Ileoma Oluo. JEVS employees are invited to read the book over the summer and join the discussion on October 12. For additional information about getting involved, please send an email to [email protected] or [email protected].

> Learn more…contact [email protected] to join this meaningful and engaging activity.

Posted in DEI

Broadening JEVS’s Support of the LGBTQ+ Community

Posted on by jrattle

Part of JEVS’ efforts to improve our support for the LGBTQ+ community has been to partner with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), which supports LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, and institutions with various resources. JEVS Human Services was invited to participate in a pilot, Inclusion Inventory program which aims to assess how equitably our organization treats our LGBTQ+ participants, employees, vendors, etc. Through this Inventory, JEVS has identified areas we are committed to improving.

> As we move toward improving in these areas, we need your help! If you are interested in participating in the HRC Sub Committee group, contact [email protected]. The HRC group meets once a month to do the work that will facilitate these changes. We are excited to continue to move these efforts forward.

 

Posted in DEI

Professional Development Expands with Diversity Speaker Series

Posted on by jrattle

Our organizational Diversity Speaker Series was launched by the JEVS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council to present on a variety of specialized topics. We invited national, regional, and local speakers–who are subject-matter experts in the DEI field—to provide our staff with a deeper level of understanding of the commitment, openness, willingness to learn, and willingness to change that is necessary as we continue to evolve as an organization within our DEI journey.

The topics that have been covered in our series are:

  • DEI in Action presented by Tina Gilbert
  • The Power of Belonging presented by Dana Beckton
  • Maintaining Your DEI Commitment presented by Jameel Rush
  • Ensuring Equitable Access presented by Amy Nieves
  • LGBTQ Identities and Community Building presented by Galia Godel

At JEVS we are committed to maintaining our diverse and inclusive workplace and ensuring that we are continuing to provide equitable access to growth and development opportunities. There are new speakers who will be participating in our Diversity Speaker Series this upcoming fiscal year, and we are looking forward to continuing to educate our staff on the importance of DEI.

> Links to videos of these presentations are accessible on the new JEVSNet sharepoint here: https://jevshs.sharepoint.com/hr/SitePages/Diversity-and-Inclusion.aspx

> Learn more…contact s[email protected] with any ideas about future speakers or topics.

Posted in DEI

New Partnership with Peirce College

Posted on by jrattle

JEVS Human Services is excited to announce its new partnership with Peirce College to expand educational opportunities through its JEVS EduConnect program, which connects individuals with an accredited, flexible education option they need to advance their education and transform their lives. Philadelphia’s only college dedicated exclusively to serving adults, Peirce offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificates, and the ability for students to embed stackable professional certifications into their academic programs. 

JEVS EduConnect represents an integrated approach to helping adults in the community—many who have families to support and other socioeconomic obstacles to continuing and completing a post-secondary education—to pursue a learning path that not only accommodates their scheduling needs, but fits their interests, immediate career goals, and lifelong ambitions. The unique element of the program is the support and guidance of JEVS success coaches who work with each student from enrollment through to the end of their program. Individuals will get results-directed support throughout their journey—from identifying their needs and goals, to applying for financial aid, to choosing the right degree type, area of interest and programming, to continued career guidance making them more valuable to current or potential new employers. 

Peirce’s Advanced Education for Advanced Career Options 

JEVS piloted its EduConnect program in January 2019 to change the landscape of post-secondary education in this region by partnering with an accredited university to provide access to higher education that was relevant and directly tied to the workforce. Uniting with Peirce College significantly expands the options and opportunities JEVS can offer to the Philadelphia community. Students can enroll in two associate programs offered by Peirce, including the AS in Business Administration and AS in Health Information Technology.

“Peirce is excited to partner with JEVS to expand their EduConnect program and provide live instruction embedded into our online class experience,” said Brad Hodge, vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Services at Peirce College. “Our expertise serving adult learners and delivering career-integrated advising combined with the coaching provided by JEVS will empower more students to advance their education and transform their lives. We believe this partnership is key to our work helping the region’s recovery.”

Peirce brings an added level of flexibility and adult-centered programming to the JEVS EduConnect. Topping the list are: 

  • the ability to enroll several times per year
  • the ability to earn credit for what you already know through Peirce’s prior learning assessment program
  • the ability to earn a stackable professional certification as part of the degree program
  • the ability to obtain an accelerated degree
  • more extensive offerings in in-demand fields, such as business, health care, IT, organizational leadership, human services leadership, and human resources

“The new relationship with Peirce allows JEVS EduConnect to offer high quality education to a wider variety of students. Some students appreciate fully online learning while others need live, synchronous learning…and Peirce is able to offer both,” said Jessica Baer, director of JEVS EduConnect. “Our mission is very much aligned with Peirce’s mission, who shares our drive to empower working adults to move forward in their education, careers and personal fulfillment. It has been a pleasure to strategically plan with Peirce so far, and we are looking forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership with students in the center of our decision-making.” 

Ready to Go Back to School?

Many of the adults seeking post-secondary education support from JEVS are in the 30-40-year-old age range and looking for meaningful career changes that will be supported by them having a  degree or advanced career credentials. In addition, given that JEVS focuses on educational support for adults trying to balance work, school and family responsibilities, Peirce’s virtual learning expertise with a live option were significant “selling points” for partnership, says Baer. 

“When you look at the profile of adults coming to JEVS, they want expediency and quality, as well as affordability and convenience, when it comes to completing their degree,” said Baer. “Our coaching model coupled with Peirce’s academic support will set students up for success on their journey toward degree attainment and career advancement.” 

“With the pandemic driving so much uncertainty in our world over the past two years, this program and the opportunities we now offer in partnership with Peirce couldn’t be better timed,” said Baer. “More than just offering a path to a college degree, we’re giving people an achievable way to see and work toward a promising future.” 

——————————————

Want to Learn More or Take the Next Step?

> Click here to sign up for a free informational webinar

Or complete our form here to receive more information about JEVS EduConnect and our educational options:

 

 

Strategies for Success:  A Job Search Seminar for Mature Job Seekers

Posted on by jrattle

Get a jump start on your job search journey! On June 23, 2022, JEVS Career Solutions for 55+ invites mature job seekers to attend our 13th annual Job Search Seminar. During this event we will provide you with tips on how to win the job search competition! This seminar will be hosted virtually on the Zoom platform, and individuals age 55 or over are invited to attend.

Returning To Work or Changing Careers?

Accomplishing your employment goals can appear difficult especially without knowing and taking the proper steps necessary to prepare for a job search.  That’s why JEVS Career Solutions for 55+ has designed this virtual job search seminar for mature job seekers to learn tips on how to stand out from other applicants online and during the job interview; how to negotiate a new salary; and, how to create a professional digital footprint.

What will you learn? There will be a panel discussion providing event attendees with insider information from HR recruiters on what employers are really looking for in a job candidate. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will discuss the challenges of employment discrimination as a mature job applicant.  You will also hear from representatives of the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, the Pennsylvania CareerLink and more.

Program staff will also explain how to utilize the free services of the JEVS Career Solutions for 55+ program as the initial first step for getting the support mature job seekers need to prepare for a job search and placement.

If you would like to attend our job search event, register online using the link below. For more information, contact Yolanda Burnett by calling 267-647-7137.

We look forward to meeting you…virtually!

You’re Invited! Free Event

Strategies for Success: Virtual Job Search Seminar

Thursday, June 23, 2022 | 10am

Click here to learn more

Trade-skills Program Gives Second Chance to Young Adults in Philly

Posted on by jrattle

As published by 6ABC

“I just really wasn’t interested in school,” said Wilson Rivera. “You know, it just didn’t catch my eye. I just didn’t have a passion for it.”

Rivera, 25, grew up in Northeast Philadelphia as a student-athlete but never finished high school.

“I failed by one point,” he said. “And I ended up going down the wrong path, getting arrested eventually after high school.”

Rivera picked up bad habits to support himself with no education or career in sight. But everything changed when he learned he would soon become a father.

“I was like, my daughter needs me,” he said. “You know, my family needs me.”

Rivera learned about Project WOW, which is a free program supported by JEVS Human Services that reintroduces young adults like him into a “World of Work.” For the last 17 years, it has changed lives by steering Philadelphians towards the trades.

“They get their high school diplomas or GEDs and then they also get career readiness preparation, do mock interviews, and they also get their jobs, right,” said Program Director Sylvia Ocasio. “So, we provide employment opportunities for them.”

Project WOW is housed within Orleans Technical College in Northeast Philadelphia. There, students learn trades like carpentry, plumbing, electrical engineering, and more. It’s also where Wilson Rivera recently visited to speak to the next generation of students.

“It’s good to look back on it because where would my life be if I didn’t decide to, you know, make the right decision,” he said. “You can be a lot more than who you are if you believe in yourself.”

See the story on 6ABC here: https://6abc.com/project-wow-young-adults-philadelphia-trade/11900413/ 

Young Adults Gain Skills for Promising Futures in Health Care

Posted on by jrattle

“Do it for yourself, not by yourself.” That has been the motto for JEVS EduConnect as they offer support and guidance to individuals enrolled in a variety of career certificate programs with JEVS’s partner university. Program participants from JEVS Work Ready program, as well as other job seekers throughout the region, are taking advantage of hybrid (online and in-person) health care training programs introduced by JEVS this past year, such as Pharmacy Technician, Medical Billing & Coding, Phlebotomy Technician, with a new offering in Clinical Medical Assistant coming this summer.

The intention of these certificate programs is to provide quick, career-focused training in a high demand industry, with a direct pipeline to employment upon completion. Students also have opportunities to earn a leading national industry-recognized credential that could help them to begin careers at a higher wage, move up the corporate ladder, or land a promotion as they continue on-the-job training or seek apprenticeships.

This month, graduates of two of the health care training programs were invited to celebrate their accomplishments, while JEVS coaches presented them with well-earned awards.

Hear Ruby’s Story

Training for Program While 9 Months Pregnant

As a stay at home mom, she decided in her last trimester of pregnancy, that she wanted to find something enriching to do while at home. She found JEVS EduConnect and through the support and motivation of our coaches she was geared for success.

“It’s never too late to get an education and better yourself. Just do it, don’t quit, leave the doubts and fears behind.”

 

Interested in enrolling in the next health care training program, starting this summer? Click here

 

Making Hope Happen for Zipporah

Posted on by jrattle

“I tried doing a job search on my own, but wasn’t getting much interest. Once the staff at JEVS helped me to fix my résumé, the calls started coming in!”

These are the words of Zipporah Sealy, MSW, who enrolled in the JEVS Career Solutions for 55+ program this past November. A clinical social worker for years, including working at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the 67-year-old resident of Center City, Philadelphia, stopped working in 2016 and was trying to decide if she should work part-time. She independently searched for work, including networking on LinkedIn and with people in her field, but was not feeling motivated.

“It got to the point where the future made me anxious. I was getting bored and needed that stimulation. I missed working with families. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands.”

Someone told her about JEVS Career Solutions for 55+, and she reached out.

“I had no idea there were all these services available. I had a lot of apprehension about doing this at this age. You hear discouraging stories about how no one will hire you, and to a certain extent it’s true. How was I going to be perceived? What kind of opportunities are out there? As soon as I entered the JEVS program, it really helped to calm the nervousness and fears that I had.”

“One of those fears was being really intimated by all the new technology. Even in former jobs I didn’t have to use all these applications. I wasn’t familiar and that was a major source of anxiety. I wondered, ‘how am I going to do this?’”

Upon starting, JEVS program coordinator Yolanda Burnett referred her to free computer workshops that included lessons in Microsoft Word and Excel, so she received a great introduction. “This is not hard. It just takes experience and practice.”

In addition to classes, the program met her where she was. “Being so warmly received really boosted my confidence.”

Sealy said she had no idea that there was such a thing as application tracking systems that employers use in selecting the best job candidates.

“I was unaware of these computerized systems and that employers were no longer reading hundreds of résumés. Amazingly, Ms. Burnett performed a total reconstruction of my résumé over a few one-on-one sessions, including a complete rewording. I could see the difference. Once I sent out my new résumé, I started getting calls. It was like an epiphany; she knew exactly which action words to use. The material was the same, but I didn’t have the expertise to present it in the right manner. Taking out dates and small nuances really does matter.”

Job interview prep was important too. “Once I’d hear back, I’d reach out to JEVS’s job development specialist Gary Lachow, and we’d prepare including mock interviews. It had been a while since I went through the interview process and the types of questions being asked have changed. There is a plethora of questions, there are multiple styles of interview, and to compound it all, we’re coming out of a pandemic and so virtual interviews are common. Setting up Zoom interviews was something new to me. In our mock interviews, I would respond one way, and Mr. Lachow showed me a better way to answer. Each time it got progressively easier.”

“As someone 55+, honestly, we live in a youth worshipping culture. Thankfully, JEVS has been an overwhelmingly positive experience for me. The support, the encouragement, and even now that I’ve found the job. Just knowing they are there to support me is great. I feel like I have two cheerleaders in my corner. “

Sealy credits the JEVS program for helping her to establish a job development plan and to determine what was best, whether that was working full or part-time or staying in the same field.

She is starting a job on May 23 in a clinical social work position with a prominent employer in Philadelphia. She obtained employment based on her background and experience and says, “I hope to keep working in this job and to inspire others. Don’t be intimidated. Go for it. There is help there.”

JEVS Career Solutions for 55+ is funded by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging to provide free job search services to Philadelphia’s mature job seekers.

You’re Invited! Free Event

Strategies for Success: Virtual Job Search Seminar

Thursday, June 23, 2022 | 10am

Click here to learn more

 

Strategies for Success: A Job Search Seminar for Mature Jobseekers

Why I Volunteer at JEVS: Q&A with Hayley Lemisch

Posted on by jrattle

Volunteer Profile

For National Volunteer Week, we spoke with one of our dedicated volunteers, Hayley Lemisch, about her experiences giving back to JEVS Human Services.

Q: You could choose to spend your time with many organizations. Why do you volunteer at JEVS Human Services?

A: This past fall, I was looking to volunteer. I work in Philly doing cancer research at Jefferson, and it’s hard for me to commit to a weekday volunteer schedule. I was finding that it was difficult to find an opportunity on the weekends during non-business hours. I didn’t hear back from a lot of organizations, but JEVS responded to me right away!

Q: What kinds of volunteer activities do you participate in?   

A: Each Sunday since October 2021, I’ve gone to visit with two  women who live in one of JEVS’s residences for individuals with disabilities in Haverford. They only live 10 minutes away from me. I try to think of things to do to keep them entertained. We play board games together, and do puzzles. I guide them piece by piece. The ladies love BINGO! They win consistently! And, they learn as we play card games, like Go Fish or War. Karen has played piano for me and likes to do artwork. Eileen loved when I brought Scrabble Junior from home.

Q. What has the experience been like for you so far?

A. I didn’t have prior experience working with individuals with disabilities. But, the JEVS staff is helpful as I learn. There’s a team approach. It’s been great interacting with Karen and Eileen, learning to understand their needs. At the end of the day, they just want to play games and have fun. They see me as a friend, and seem to look forward to my visit. They are incredibly sweet, and hug me a lot.

Q: What would you say to others thinking about volunteering at JEVS?

A: I think this is a great opportunity. I’m enjoying the intergenerational aspect, as the ladies are in the 50 to 60 age range. I would bet that other JEVS clients would love to have visitors to play games and have fun with them.

Interested in volunteering at JEVS Human Services? Visit our Volunteer page to learn about upcoming opportunities.

Want to Stay Connected with JEVS? Sign Up for Our Updates.

Sign Me Up!
Skip to content