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Programs JEVS Care at Home About Support JEVS

Author: Jade Daniels

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.

From Refugee to Volunteer: Meet Galina

Posted on by Jade Daniels

At a volunteer event for JEVS, staff from Vanguard participated in activities to support participants of JEVS Human Services. Once a participant of the JEVS Center for New Americans, Galina reflected on her time in the program in 1999. 

Galina found JEVS CNA when she fled her home country of Uzbekistan to come to the United States at 19 years old. “My teacher Esta held up a small packet of round ‘coins’ to the class saying: ‘These are Septa tokens and today we will learn how to buy them and how to use them on the bus.’” Galina shared. 

Along with her parents, Galina attended classes where they learned how to buy coffee at Wawa, where to pay utility bills, how to put gas in the car, and how to create a resume and apply for jobs.  

Most importantly, her instructor taught her how to speak English well enough to find her first job.  

Galina now works full-time at Vanguard and comes back to JEVS to volunteer her time and skills to our clients and participants.  

Now Enrolling! Summer 2023 Training and Apprenticeships for Teens & Young Adults

Posted on by Jade Daniels

By Jade A. Daniels

JEVS Human Services (JEVS) offers programs for Philadelphia teens and young adults to learn a new skill over the summer.  

Our programs offer college readiness, GED prep, skills training, internships, and much more! Programs enrolling now are: 

  • Lasko Scholars Program – helps students get accepted to college through admissions and financial aid counseling. 
  • Project WOW (World of Work) – offers young adults aged 17–24 free training in building trades and a high school diploma. 
  • STRIVE Future Leaders – offers skills training, paid work experience, and job placement opportunities to justice-involved young adults aged 18-24. 

Learn more today and spend your summer with JEVS!

JEVS Helps Mature Jobseekers Get Back to Work

Posted on by Jade Daniels

By Peggy Truitt 

Have you found your current job search more challenging than ones in the past?  

Do you wish you had career coaches to guide you through the process? 

Are you concerned about how to overcome job search age discrimination?  

JEVS Career Solutions for 55+ invites you to attend our free workshop: 

 “Strategies for Success: A Job Search Seminar for Mature Jobseekers”
June 29th from 10:00 a.m. to –12:00 p.m.  

During this virtual program, our career coaches will address the challenges people 55 years of age and older face.  

Mature job seekers will learn: 

  • how to get a resume seen by employers 
  • the latest advice for a successful job interview  
  • how to handle age discrimination in the workplace   
  • the top five tips to land a job despite the competition 

Whether you are currently involved in a job search, considering a change in career, or planning to return to work, this event is for you!  

Space is limited so register now!  

Four Reasons to Grow with JEVS!

Posted on by Jade Daniels

By Katie Shinholster

On June 1, 2023, JEVS Human Services (JEVS) is hosting our first annual GROW with JEVS Spring celebration. This fundraising event is an opportunity to celebrate and support our continuous growth to better support those we serve. 

If you’re interested in attending, here are four reasons to Grow with JEVS!: 

  1. JEVS serves 16,000 individuals each year – learn more about our programs in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware 
  2. A strong city depends on robust economic development and a qualified workforce. Support our work as a regional leader in workforce readiness training and job placement. 
  3. Ending gun violence is a priority for everyone in Philadelphia. Explore our intervention services that invest in individuals and provide the necessary supportive services. 
  4. Support our programs that re-engage young adults and provide them with education and employment pathways. 

Now is the time to plant seeds for the future. It is time to grow JEVS’ supports for the individuals and families we serve, raise awareness of our work in communities, and expand our outreach. 

JOIN US AND GROW WITH JEVS! 

Intern Q&A: Meet Jackie

Posted on by Jade Daniels

Jackie began as a student in JEVS Project WOW program where she learned property maintenance and gained professional development skills. After graduating from WOW, Jackie continued on with JEVS and enrolled in the JEVS IT Pre-Apprenticeship program to advance her technical skills.  

Now, an intern at JEVS Orleans Technical College, we talked with her about her goals and why she chose JEVS to be a part of her journey. 

Why did you choose to enroll in JEVS Project WOW? 

My two-year-old daughter was my inspiration. I decided to become a single mom, so I wanted to get back into school. My mom found Project WOW, so I signed up, met Sylvia and Barbara [JEVS staff], and got started. 

What made you come back to enroll in JEVS IT Pre-Apprenticeship? 

I came back because I have big dreams to own real estate and construction sites so I wanted to learn all I could to help me be the best business owner. 

What internship opportunities do you have now? 

I am interning with Career Services at Orleans Technical College and managing property maintenance with Chad, JEVS Senior Facilities Manager. 

What are the most important things you’ve learned by completing these two programs? 

I realized that I don’t have to have everything. It’s not a race, it’s not about your past, it’s about going forward. You put the work in and get what you worked for out of it. The staff is amazing and made such a large impact on me.  

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