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Programs Employer Services About Support JEVS

Author: Jade Daniels

Preparing for a New Career Path Through PA CareerLink®

Posted on by Jade Daniels

By Fatima Martin 

JEVS Human Services (JEVS) provides services for both employers and jobseekers like Felicia. Through the PA CareerLink® program at JEVS, Felicia enrolled in the EARN program and used the trainings and certifications to help reach her career goals. 

Felicia worked with a workforce advisor and the education and training coordinator to support her in phlebotomy and medical secretaries vocational training. She graduated from the program with industry-recognized credentials including Certified Phlebotomy Technician, Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). 

Felicia’s Workforce Advisor, Devez Perry, supported her in reaching her goal and provided resources to help her navigate the program like getting scrubs, and helping with transportation.  

Today, Felicia feels very proud of herself, and has a new outlook on her career path. She is now working towards her Pennsylvania CNA Certification and enrolling in the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. 

Jamie Reflects on Being a Franklin C. Ash Intern

Posted on by Jade Daniels

By Jamie Lustig

Through Hillel at my school, I found out about the Franklin C. Ash Internship Program which offers mentoring, networking and workplace experiences for Jewish college students interested in nonprofit career paths. This internship offered me the chance to work with the JEVS Human Services (JEVS) Communications department where I had the opportunity to sit in on meetings, write blogs, and do marketing research. This internship has helped me gain the experience I need before I graduate college and enhance my skills in: 

  • Communication 
  • Work ethic   
  • Time management  

Outside the office, I was able to bond and network with other Jewish college students. Some of the things we did together were:  

  • Meeting with Mr. Ash  
  • Volunteering 
  • Going to the Jewish Museum  
  • Mock interviews 

Additionally, we had career exploration where I was matched with Evan Benn, the Senior Director of Special Projects and Communications from the Inquirer and a JEVS Board Member.  In all, this internship has given me the chance to experience what work life is like and meet new people that can be lifelong connections.  

Now in its 24th year, The Franklin C. Ash internship program is funded by Franklin C. Ash and other generous donors. It provides paid summer internship opportunities to college students. 

JEVS Helps Older Adults Get Jobs and Live Independently

Posted on by Jade Daniels

JEVS services for older adults help people live independently as well as find jobs and career training.  

Our services include:  

Individual support is key to many JEVS services for older adults. We recently supported Julie to get a job. When she came to JEVS, Julie didn’t have a job and was managing health issues plus the stressors of a career transition. With the help of her JEVS career counselor, Samara, she was able to get a full-time job as a social media consultant for a public school district. 

Julie wrote this note to her JEVS career counselor, “Thank you! Samara, you are such a blessing in my life. When the walls came tumbling down around from all sides, you have been my rock and BIGGEST supporter and fan.” 

Learn more about services JEVS provides that help older adults live independently, find jobs, and train for careers. 

CompTIA A+: The Cool Certification for Tech Lovers, Now Free to Learners at JEVS!

Posted on by Jade Daniels

Are you curious about how computers work? Do you dream of becoming a superhero in the IT world? Well, we have some exciting news for you! At no cost, you can earn a CompTIA A+ certification with JEVS Human Services (JEVS) EduConnect program.  

CompTIA A+ is a special certification that shows you have super skills in fixing computers, solving problems, and making technology work like magic! It’s like a secret code that unlocks amazing opportunities in the world of computers and technology.   

In 17 weeks, you’ll learn: 

  • Troubleshooting: With CompTIA A+, you become an expert at solving computer puzzles. You’ll know how to fix software and hardware problems. 
  • Networking: CompTIA A+ helps you understand how computers talk to each other in a big network.
  • Software: CompTIA A+ reveals the secrets behind Windows and macOS so you’ll be able to handle any software challenges like a pro. 

Computers are everywhere, and they’re not going away anytime soon. By getting the CompTIA A+ certification, you’ll have skills that are in high demand now and in the future. CompTIA A+ certification opens doors to exciting careers in IT support and computer maintenance.  

Don’t do it alone! With the JEVS EduConnect program, you’ll have:  

  • Tutoring 
  • Success coaching 
  • Job placement support in IT 
  • Opportunity to earn cash incentives  
  • Live instruction, office hours with instructors 
  • Paid exam plus one retake if you don’t pass on the first try 

We also offer support for Google Certification. 

Space is limited. Apply today! or email [email protected] for more information. 

Students must be 18 years old or more. This program is hybrid. Two hours each week of live online instruction plus one hour of in-person classes held at the Francisville Recreation Center at 1737 Francis St, Philadelphia, PA 19130 located near the Fairmount stop on the Broad Street line and bus routes 2, 33, 49 and 61. 

JEVS Project WOW Helped Walter Find a New Path

Posted on by Jade Daniels

By Jade A. Daniels

JEVS Project WOW (Project WOW) prepares young adults ages 16-24 for a future in the building trades and information technology. Through skills training, professional development, and completion of a high school diploma or equivalent, Project WOW supports participants to meet their education and employment goals.   

We recently talked with Walter about the difference Project Wow made in his life.  

Why did you enroll in JEVS Project WOW? 

I didn’t have my high school diploma and I didn’t know my path or what I wanted in life. The resources Project WOW provided showed me where I wanted to go in life and motivated me. 

What impact has the program had on you personally and professionally? 

Since completing the program, I get to network with more people and do things I never thought I could. The program gave me more confidence. 

What advice do you have for someone thinking about enrolling in WOW? 

First thing is to listen; I didn’t want to listen at first, but if you want to better your life you need to. Second is, everything in the program is free. And people who work at JEVS are trying to help you, you just have to be open to accepting it. 

What career opportunities do you have now? 

I work for Labor 57 working on highways. Project WOW prepared me to do this work. I got my first job while I was enrolled in Project WOW. 

Learn more about enrolling in JEVS Project WOW.

Landing a Career Through JEVS Center for New Americans

Posted on by Jade Daniels

By Sviatlana Karabeinikava 

Dmytro came to the United States with his wife and two sons in July 2022 while fleeing the war in Ukraine. With only his basic knowledge of the English language, he found JEVS Center for New Americans. (CNA)  

His first step with the CNA staff was to improve his English through our ESL classes and then begin creating his resume. Dmytro was consistent and came to our offices three to four times a week eager to develop his skills and find employment. 

Dmytro and his job developer, Sviatlana, worked tirelessly to get and prepare him for interviews, and he quickly landed his first job. As his confidence and English language skills grew, they began a new job search which led to landing him a job he loves at Golden Valley Farms. 

His family is now settled down in a new home, his children are enrolled in school with new friends, and his wife has a career in education. To this day, Dmytro still calls to say thank you for this opportunity.   

Learn more about services offered by JEVS Center for New Americans.  

“Get Ready, Get Set, Get Out” Program Comes to Philadelphia!

Posted on by Jade Daniels

By Melody Zimmerman

JEVS Human Services (JEVS) launched its “Get Ready, Get Set, Get Out” program in June, in partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Prisons. This program is for people who recently got out of jail or about to get out of jail. To join the program, you should be within 20-180 days of getting out of Philadelphia prison, and a resident of the city.  

When people who have been in jail come back to their community, it is hard for them to fit in and start a new life.  They might not have a place to live or enough money to support themselves because they have a criminal record. This can make it tough to find a job and take care of their basic needs. Also, some people might not trust them or treat them differently because they were in jail. All these things make it challenging for returning citizens to start fresh.  

Our Diversion and Reentry Services program supports people who are coming back to their communities after being in jail. When people are given the chance at education, work, housing, and money management, they have a better chance of staying out of a life of crime.  

Latifa Houston, a member of the program staff, said of her first week “The state of mind and attitudes of the GRGSGO staff will undoubtedly affect other people; when you can look on the bright side of life, you will inspire others to do the same.”   

Through our services, people can overcome challenges, deal with problems, and start building a better future!  

For more information, please visit www.jevshumanservices.org. 

JEVS Participants Build Community Garden

Posted on by Jade Daniels

JEVS Human Services (JEVS) Community Living & In-Home Supports (CLHS) participants are growing a community garden!  

The process started in the Design Lab at JEVS Orleans Technical College (JEVS Orleans Tech) where they designed 3D printed custom flowerpots. The participants also went shopping for gardening supplies, vegetable plants, and herbs.  

Everyone made a flowerpot, planted herbs, and took it home to care for the young plants. 

JEVS Orleans Tech staff and students are building garden boxes on campus so participants can use their new gardening skills over the summer. As vegetables are grown and harvested, the CLHS team will share the produce with our residents. They hope to have enough harvest to distribute to the community through our volunteer group at Philabundance. 

 

Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community

Posted on by Jade Daniels

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer plus community. JEVS Human Services (JEVS) is proud to support equality and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community and promote acceptance.  

Find your support space by checking out these resources for LGBTQ+ individuals living in Philadelphia, Delaware, and New Jersey: 

Philadelphia 

Attic Youth Center – Philly’s only independent LGBTQ youth center with services including life skills, support groups, community engagement events, summer internships, and counseling.  

GALAEI – A queer Latin@ social justice organization supports the empowerment and leadership development of queer Latinx and Black youth.  

Morris Home – The only residential recovery program in the country offering comprehensive services specifically for the transgender and gender-expansive community. Providing a safe, recovery-oriented environment for people to exist as their authentic selves and be treated with respect and dignity. 

Delaware 

I Am Me Inc. – Created to uplift and unify the Delaware Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Pansexual and their Allies by providing safe spaces, educational resources, health services and support. 

YouthUp! – The YouthUp! program connects LGBTQ+ youth and families to information and community-based resources as well as providing advocacy, support, and education. YouthUp! also offers virtual programs and activities that are youth-led and youth-driven. 

New Jersey 

Anti-Violence Project – AVP’s training programs provide participants with information on violence impacting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and HIV-affected communities. 

HiTOPS – HiTOPS fosters strong and healthy young people of all identities by providing inclusive and youth-informed sex education and LGBTQ+ support for young people throughout New Jersey. 

Kaleidoscope – Kaleidoscope supports LGBTQIA+/Questioning youth, young adults and their families in building healthy relationships, strong social connections and critically needed life skills. 

Learn more about becoming an LGBTQ+ Ally here. 

Metro Philadelphia Power Women 2023

Posted on by Jade Daniels

By Catriona Ting-Morton, Metro

This year’s Power Women list honors those making waves in their industries. With a historic mayoral race ahead of us this year, Cherelle Parker secured her place as the first woman to become the Democratic nominee for mayor. The Democratic primary itself was significant, defined by the many other trailblazing women candidates in the running. But it’s not just in politics that women are taking the lead. Within Philly’s famous sports teams, women are also at the top of their games – both on the game and business side. Looking to the art world, women are also making their mark, with influential roles at institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation. Whether they’re representing the public in state or federal office, leading world-renowned organizations, or bringing creative solutions to problems with their vital nonprofits, each of these women are making a few things clear: they’re powerful, they’re multi-talented, and they’re here to take Philly into the future.

Cynthia Figueroa – JEVSCynthia Figueroa
President and CEO, JEVS Human Services

Cynthia F. Figueroa is the president and CEO of JEVS Human Services. Cynthia is a dynamic leader with 25 years of experience in the government and non-profit human service sectors. She builds high-performing, diverse teams, and develops outcome-based programs and services. She is also a creative problem-solver, a staunch advocate for vulnerable communities, and skilled at leading effective collaborations. Prior to JEVS, Cynthia was City of Philadelphia Deputy Mayor, Office of Children and Families.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
The social services sector has a large representation of women. Senior leadership does not always reflect this. I was excited to join JEVS Human Services as its first woman and ethnic minority CEO since its founding in 1941. One of my early activities was a gender pay equity study. Using data, we assessed and made adjustments that bring equity. In the Philadelphia region, the gap between women and men is 18%. We brought JEVS to 5.6%.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
Women must be present in all levels of government leadership as well as in the private sector – both as staff executive leadership and in the boardroom. Plus, we need to create career pathways for women that allow them to support their families. Another way we can support women in the workplace is by ensuring benefits include maternity leave and healthcare, and having the flexibility to accommodate child-rearing responsibilities.

Which women have paved the way for you?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have numerous women pave the way for me. Professionally, I’m grateful for Alba Martinez, Carol Tracy, Sharmaine Matlock Turner, and Charisse Lillie. They have supported me throughout my career with expert advice and guidance. Their advice and mentorship have been invaluable. Personally, my mother and my sisters paved the way for me. They demonstrated how to lead with sincerity and heart.

Read the full article here.

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