Programs JEVS Care at Home About Support JEVS

Author: Jade Daniels

How Donor Support Creates a Lasting Impact: A Thank You from JEVS Project WOW

Posted on by Jade Daniels

When young adults are trying to figure out their next steps and find a pathway that truly works for them, they need support and guidance along the way. 

That is exactly what Bob Cohen provides for the participants of JEVS Project WOW. For decades, Bob has worked closely with WOW to support students and ensure they have what they need. From buying their uniform shirts to personally meeting each class to offer words of encouragement, Bob has been a huge part of WOW’s story. 

As a show of appreciation, WOW staff, students, alumni, and JEVS executive leadership came together to share their gratitude. “Thousands of students’ lives have changed because you’ve invested in this program, its students, and the staff,” shared JEVS President and CEO Cynthia Figueroa during the celebration. 

WOW alumni like Matheus, who completed the program and received a scholarship to enroll in Orleans Technical College’s (OTC) electrical program, are a testament to Bob’s support in action. WOW students must commit to a 21-week journey to complete their high school diploma and earn their Property Maintenance and Repair certification, and Bob genuinely wants to see them succeed. “My goal is to level the playing field as much as possible to make sure everyone has access to success. If you succeed, the community succeeds,” stated Bob.  

Project WOW is providing Philadelphia young adults with educational and employment pathways to help them reach their full potential and supporters like Bob help us do this impactful work. 

If you’re interested in Project WOW, our next class begins in July! Learn more about Project Wow.  

PHL17’s Positively Philly Highlights JEVS Orleans Technical College’s skilled trades training

Posted on by Jade Daniels

Did you catch Orleans Technical College (OTC), a program of JEVS Human Services on PHL17’s Positively Philly?! Our President and CEO, Cynthia Figueroa, highlighted the alternative educational pathways offered at OTC that lead to economic mobility and “AI-proof” careers.

Click here to watch Orleans Tech on Positively Philly!

 

Providing Young Adults with Digital Skills for Workforce Readiness

Posted on by Jade Daniels

From trainees to trainers — JEVS Project WOW graduates trained current WOW students in digital skills to prepare them for the workforce.

The Digital Navigation (DigiNav) training offers personalized support from our certified Digital Navigators, Khandaker Faisal, Larry Abdul-Kadir, and Nafesse Dulaney. The session for JEVS newest Project WOW students focused on equipping these young adults with essential digital skills for workforce readiness utilizing Chromebooks, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office apps.

Providing training like this helps our students feel confident while they complete the program and transition into the workforce. We are living in an increasingly digital world, and we want our WOW students to have the skills needed to compete and excel.

This was a true full-circle moment that showed how JEVS works with individuals to support them on paths to independence. Khandaker, Larry, and Nafeese not only graduated from WOW earning their CompTIA and Digital Navigation certifications, but also interned with JEVS, and now have full-time JEVS IT support positions.

“The advice I would give a student enrolling into JEVS Project WOW would be to stay vigilant and open-minded with the intent to learn as much as you can. There’s so much to take from this program, and it can help you become the best you can be going forward,” shared Nafesse.

If you or someone you know is interested in JEVS Project WOW, visit this link to learn more.

JEVS Brings Local Employers Together for Apprenticeship Information Session

Posted on by Jade Daniels

JEVS Human Services brought Philadelphia employers from various industries together for an afternoon of sharing apprenticeship success stories, benefits, and opportunities. 

Our Apprenticeships program held the lunch-and-learn event so local employers could network and get more information about starting or improving their own apprenticeship program. JEVS was excited to have national workforce development expert and consultant Scott Ellsworth as our keynote speaker. Ellsworth offered insight into developing and implementing effective registered apprenticeships.  

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Virgilio, who completed our IT pre-apprenticeship program before beginning an apprenticeship with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. He’s now entering his third year with the company as an IT Technician. When asked about his experience with JEVS, he shared, “The apprenticeship program provided me with structure and created a defined pathway to a career with constant support along the way.” 

This event showcased the role JEVS plays in making sure an apprenticeship program gets registered, is effective, and creates a skilled and confident workforce.  

As an intermediary, JEVS sponsors employers in getting their program registered with the state of Pennsylvania and staffed with skilled apprentices. If you’re an employer interested in creating a registered apprenticeship at your company, learn more and inquire here.  

JEVS Orleans Technical College Receives Grant from William Penn Foundation, Comcast and Partners

Posted on by Jade Daniels

The William Penn Foundation (WPF), in partnership with Comcast, Connelly Foundation, Future Standard, M&T Bank, and the Philadelphia Foundation, announced $8.35 million in funding to 19 nonprofit organizations helping individuals across the Philadelphia region access workforce training and obtain quality jobs. JEVS Human Services will provide employment coaching, tuition assistance, transportation support, and licensing fees for participants in their healthcare training program housed at Orleans Technical College.

Read the full article here. 

JEVS Project WOW and Orleans Technical College Create Employment Pathways for Philadelphia Youth

Posted on by Jade Daniels

JEVS Human Services and Orleans Technical College provide programs that help Philadelphia youth and young adults learn skills, gain their high school diploma, and discover career pathways. 

This was true for Matheus, who completed JEVS Project WOW and enrolled in the Residential and Commercial Electricity program at Orleans Technical College (OTC). We got to talk to Matheus about his experience in the program and why he chose OTC.  

How did you find out about JEVS Project WOW? 

I found out about JEVS Project Wow from one of my mother’s clients who works in the Philadelphia School District. He recommended me to try out WOW.  

What was your experience like in WOW? What is the most impactful thing you learned? 

My experience in Project WOW was great. Everyone involved in WOW makes sure you’ll reach your goals, and they truly believe in you and want what’s best for you. They really pushed me and believed in me and that impacted me the most. 

Do you feel like the WOW program set you up for your next steps? 

Yes, Project WOW took a chance with me and gave me a scholarship for the Orleans Technical College electrical program. For that, I’m forever blessed and appreciative. 

What made you decide to enroll in the Residential and Commercial Electricity (RCE) program at Orleans Technical College? 

I decided to join the RCE program to get a better career in a field that always fascinated me since I was a child. 

What advice would you give to someone interested in joining WOW? 

My advice to someone who wants to join Project WOW is just do it. Make yourself proud make your family proud. You doing this is only going to better you, so you might as well give it a shot. After completing you’ll feel like you finally won and that you can do anything you put your mind to. 

If you’re ready to take your next step and train for in-demand careers, learn more about JEVS Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs here.  

Preparing Students for In-Demand Healthcare Careers: Stephanie’s Story

Posted on by Jade Daniels

JEVS Human Services offers short-term healthcare certification options to prepare you for a variety of healthcare careers. Participants like Stephanie can take hybrid courses to become a Sterile Processing Technician, Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA), or Phlebotomist. Read more about Stephanie’s experience in JEVS EduConnect below. 

What made you want to enroll in the Sterile Processing Technician program at JEVS? 

I wanted to get into the healthcare field, but I didn’t want to be working directly with patients. I also love to clean and keep things organized so I knew that this program would be perfect for me. 

Did you find the hybrid schedule helpful for you? 

As a single mom the hybrid schedule was definitely helpful. I was able to work a part time job, be a mom, and attend the program. 

Did you benefit from having a support coach? 

I definitely benefited from having a support coach. He was always available whenever I needed anything.   

What was your experience like? 

I had a great experience. I really loved learning about the body and surgery instruments. The teacher even at one point had a mock decontamination demonstration during one of our labs and it really gave me an idea of what I would be dealing with in the field. 

What advice would you have for someone interested in enrolling in the program? 

My only advice to anyone enrolling into the program would to be make sure that you are available to be working evening or night shift because I don’t know why but for some reason, I didn’t know that there aren’t many day time shifts available. They usually hire the more experienced techs for the day shift. Which turned out to be fine for me because my family is really supportive and going to help me with child care. Also, not everyone in the class is guaranteed an externship. You need to really stand out by showing up early, and answering every question first while at the same time being a team player and help others. 

Where are you working now and do you feel like the program prepared you to be successful? 

After my externship at the University of Pennsylvania I was given a job offer to start this May. The program definitely set me up to be successful, but I also worked really hard for it. If this isn’t something that you’re fully committed to then I wouldn’t recommend it because it’s hard work.  

If you’re ready to start training for in-demand healthcare careers visit this link and get started today! 

Training Philadelphia Students for Rewarding Healthcare Careers at CHOP

Posted on by Jade Daniels

JEVS Human Services trains Philadelphia high school students for rewarding and in-demand healthcare careers.

Through an initiative from Bloomberg Philanthropies, Mastery Hardy Williams High School will combine healthcare career knowledge and job-training with a high-quality, well-rounded high school experience for students in Philadelphia. JEVS is working with this project as a certification partner offering training and externship opportunities to seniors at Mastery schools giving students interested in healthcare the skills they need to succeed.

Students are trained as Clinical Medical Assistants and Sterile Processing Technicians and graduate from Mastery with relevant skills, experience, and an opportunity for an industry-recognized credential. As part of their training, select students will have the opportunity to be considered for hands-on experience through externships at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Currently, several students from the program have passed their certification exams and immediately began the onboarding process at CHOP.

JEVS’ mission is to work with individuals to create sustainable paths to independence and economic security, and this initiative helps Philadelphia youth, and their families achieve that goal.

Learn more about career training opportunities at JEVS.

Learn more about the Health Institute at Hardy.

Empowering Industry: How Apprenticeships Shape Manufacturing’s Future

Posted on by Jade Daniels

JEVS Human Services hosted a group of local employers and workforce development professionals for a roundtable discussion. The discussion focused on how apprenticeships shape the future of manufacturing and how companies benefit from adding apprentices to their workforce. 

JEVS Director of Apprenticeships, Valry Leroy, led the conversation about JEVS’ role as an intermediary in the Philadelphia apprenticeship ecosystem. She also shared how we provide training for in-demand skills through our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs like Orleans Technical College, Project WOW, and IT Pre-Apprenticeship.  

The roundtable also shed light on the variety of benefits employers gain from hiring apprentices like developing a highly skilled workforce, enhancing their productivity, and gaining a competitive advantage. Philadelphia Works, Inc. (PWI), also shared a variety of services they offer to businesses who have registered apprenticeships, one of them being help with finding funding.  

This employer roundtable created an environment of collaboration, discussion, and opportunity around apprenticeships.  

If you’re interested in finding highly skilled apprentices to join your company, visit this link to contact one of our apprenticeship specialists: https://www.jevshumanservices.org/program/apprenticeships/  

Senator Jimmy Dillon Announces Grant to Support Security and Connectivity at JEVS Orleans Technical College

Posted on by Jade Daniels

Senator Jimmy Dillon announced $3,000,107 in Local Share Account (LSA) funding for five essential projects across Northeast Philadelphia. These projects are supported by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and aim to support a healthy environment, job training, arts education, historic preservation, and community services. JEVS Human Services will receive $52,132 to enhance security and connectivity at Orleans Technical College through the installation of electronic scan card systems, security cameras, and wireless access points.

Click here to read the full announcement.

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