JEVS staff gathered for fun, food, and bowling this month! Thank you to everyone who attended, our fantastic planning committee, and Brooklyn Bowl for hosting.
The big game may have not turned out how we hoped, but the JEVS team and participants still had fun and shared their Eagles spirit!
JEVS Center for New Americans (CNA) staff spend their days helping refugees get a head start on their journeys in a new country.
Our staff start their day by meeting with new clients and orientations to give them more information about our services. “We help clients complete their enrollment paperwork, give them a facility tour, and schedule their next appointments,” says Zoya, director of JEVS Center for New Americans.
They also help clients break down barriers through translation services and professional development. Staff focus most of their time on preparing clients for jobs and connecting with employers.
Through all our client-centered services, this year JEVS CNA has helped 181 Ukrainian clients get jobs, improve their English, and live with dignity.
Learn more about JEVS Center for New Americans free services for refugees.
Meet Dorian, a former participant in JEVS IT Pre-Apprenticeship program who is now working full-time in IT.
He sat down for a Q&A to talk about his interest in IT, and what he’s doing now.
What interested you in the JEVS IT Pre-Apprenticeship Program at Orleans Technical College?
I’ve always been into technology since a young age. Whenever my family members had issues with IT, they naturally asked me to help. I just became adept at handling technology issues.
What did you value the most about the program?
What I value most about the program is the connections I’ve made and the knowledge I’ve gained that I wouldn’t have otherwise.
Where do you think your IT career will go in the future?
I became interested in working in IT initially. But down the line, I want to be a software developer.
What are you doing now since completing the program?
Thanks to the JEVS program, I found a full time job in IT. I was granted an amazing opportunity with an electronic engineering company and I’m glad I was offered it so quickly.
Follow this link to learn more about the JEVS IT Pre-Apprenticeship program. Get started today!
JEVS helps individuals meet their goals. Follow this link to review all JEVS programs.
February is Black History Month, and it shines a light on the talent, beauty, and strength of the Black community. Black history and culture are a huge part of the past, present, and future of the Greater Philadelphia Area and we want to share events that residents can enjoy throughout the month.
The African American Museum in Philadelphia – Vision & Spirit: African American Art | Works from the Bank of America Collection
Black History Month Programming at the National Constitution Center
Independence Visitor Center – “Keep Going,” A Black History Discovery Hunt
Mural Arts – Black History Month Civic Heroes Tour
New Jersey celebrates Black History Month
Wilmington Public Library – Voices of Power
There are many more events taking place this month so be sure to check your local resources!
Now is the time to take stock of your current career or job search as we turn the calendar to a new year. At this time most people make resolutions. Here are some thoughts to consider before adding a new one. Do you think your current job or jobs you’re applying to are the right ones? Do they pay you what you need? Do they provide the right work-life balance? Will your career make you happy in 2023 while paying the bills?
If you could NOT answer “yes” to all these questions, start your new year with JEVS Career Strategies. Our expert career advisors can help you to navigate your job search and guide you every step of the way. We have been helping thousands of people over the years just like you to secure jobs or get promotions, especially after they tried on their own with little to no success. Let’s help you secure a new career in the new year!
——————
If you are interested in learning how JEVS Career Strategies can help individuals get to the next stage in their careers or job search…
> Submit an inquiry form, anytime of day!
> See/attend our upcoming free workshops.
> Read our career advice blogs.
> Contact us at 215-832-0878 or [email protected]
This holiday season our programs are celebrating by coming together for holiday fun! See how members of our Community Homes and Independence Network came together to celebrate friendship and brought the holiday season into their homes.
Help our new neighbors stay warm this winter. Participate in JEVS Human Services Doing Tuesday. While other nonprofits focus on Giving Tuesday, we focus on Doing. On November 29, JEVS will distribute new coats, hats, gloves, and scarves to families who are new to Philadelphia. Throughout the year, JEVS’ Center for New Americans provides supports to immigrants by teaching English and finding jobs, among other services. Some arrive with everything they own in one suitcase. Many are not prepared for a Philadelphia winter. Will you help?
There are two ways to contribute!
Learn more about JEVS services to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. A big thanks to The Giant Company, Operation Warmth, and the NFL Alumni Association for their support of Doing Tuesday 2022.
One of the region’s largest social service non-profit executive leadership team draws on diverse experience to elevate and grow JEVS programs and visibility.
Philadelphia, PA (October 27, 2022) — Cynthia Figueroa, President and CEO of JEVS Human Services (JEVS), recently announced a new organizational structure and the members of the agency’s executive leadership team. The team will lead the integration of JEVS services and strategic business development for the organization, which has a budget of $110 million and offices in PA, NJ, and DE.
Figueroa was named President and CEO in February 2022. After a six-month assessment process that included extensive listening sessions with staff, board, funders, and key stakeholders, Figueroa aligned the organizational infrastructure to focus on increasing JEVS visibility in the community and developing a strategic growth plan across the agency. Through its emphasis on economic development, community safety, and supporting independent living for the people it serves, JEVS is well positioned to elevate its partnerships with the business community, philanthropy, and government to address many of the issues facing our region today.
The newly formed JEVS executive leadership team will draw from their diverse experiences in government, non-profit, for-profit organizations, and personal backgrounds to support the needs of the agency and those it serves in the region.
The new JEVS executive leadership team is:
Cynthia Figueroa, President & CEO
Prior to joining JEVS Human Services, Cynthia served as Deputy Mayor, Office of Children and Families under Mayor Jim Kenney. In this role, she provided leadership and oversight of the Department of Human Services (DHS), the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Free Library of Philadelphia, as well as several other key operating departments. Cynthia’s previous roles also include President and CEO at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Commissioner for Philadelphia Department of Human Services. She has also held roles at several community-based organizations working on the front lines serving Philadelphia’s most vulnerable communities including behavioral health, health care access, and domestic violence. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Spring Hill College.
Daryl Andress, Senior Vice President, JEVS Care at Home
With over 30 years in the human services field, Daryl brings expertise in executive leadership, program expansion, leadership development and project/initiative management as well as strengths in regulatory compliance, financial standards, and best practices. Daryl holds a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University.
Nancy Astor Fox, Chief of Advancement
Nancy leads all aspects of individual and institutional development, volunteer activities and strategic planning initiatives. Previously Nancy served as JEVS Chief Development Officer. An avid volunteer, Nancy is co-founder of the Acharai Fund and is on the board of Emily’s Entourage. She has worked with the Jewish community through her involvement with the Jewish Federation of North America and the local Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. She is also a former board member of JEVS Human Services. Nancy is a graduate of Harvard University.
Natalie Barndt, Chief of Staff
Natalie brings extensive experience that spans the private, public, and nonprofit sectors as well as consulting. After 17 years in corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions Natalie shifted to working with organizations with missions more aligned with her personal values and she hasn’t looked back. Most recently, she served as Chief of Staff at The Welcoming Center where she shepherded the strategic planning process and organizational development projects. Prior to that she worked with government and nonprofits focused on social and economic equity. Natalie holds a BS in Accounting from the University of Delaware and an MA in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania.
Jeff Booth, Senior Vice President, Workforce Development
Jeffrey has over 27 years of workforce development experience that spans private sector workforce programs, consulting, and nonprofit leadership roles. His portfolio includes workforce development, youth, reentry, and diversion programs. It includes PA’s largest Work Ready program, an integrated CareerLink Center, an E3 Power Center and The Choice is Yours, an innovative alternative to incarceration program. Jeffrey holds a bachelor’s in Sociology from St. Joseph’s University
Christine Gillespie, Ed.D, Senior Vice President, Career and Technical Education
Christine engages in key education and workforce initiatives, including employer-driven workforce reentry training, academic pathway development, and public-private funded initiatives. She has been recognized by the US Department of Labor, the US Secretary of Defense, and the Consulate General of Ecuador for her work nationally in higher education and regionally for her work with veteran groups, underserved communities of color, including immigrants and those with intellectual disabilities. She serves on several professional boards and committees as well as being active in non-profit volunteer work raising funds for educational scholarships. Christine holds degrees from Pennsylvania State University and Indiana University of PA.
Heather Keafer, Senior Vice President, Communications and External Affairs
Heather has over 20 years’ experience in the nonprofit and public sectors. Prior to JEVS, Heather served as Chief of Communications and Strategies for the City of Philadelphia, Office of Children and Families. There she led the department’s integrated communications strategy, media and external relations, community engagement, and marketing. She led communications for the City’s key pandemic emergency responses, including food distribution. She also served as Communications Director for the Philadelphia Department of Human Services. Prior to her work in government, Heather held nonprofit leadership roles in communications, advocacy, fundraising, and administration. She has bachelor’s in Journalism from Messiah College and an masters in Urban Studies from Temple University.
Waleska Maldonado, Chief of Programs
Wally has over 25 years of experience in non-profit and government program development and capacity building. Her decades of experience include developing and implementing a federally qualified health center and establishing citywide Family Empowerment Centers. She most recently oversaw a $105 million budget for the City of Philadelphia prevention services, including WorkReady and E3 services. Prior to her city service, Wally was Chief Program Officer at Congreso de Latinos Unidos where she oversaw education and workforce services. Wally holds a Master of Health Services Administration from Strayer University and a Business Administration degree from Temple University.
Bill McKeown, Senior Vice President, Information Technology and Facilities
Bill has more than 24 years of Information Technology (IT) leadership experience and a consistent track record of internal and external customer satisfaction. He is adept in virtualization and infrastructure management, enterprise architectures, change and risk management, security controls, and disaster recovery solutions. Bill leads JEVS IT Department with extensive knowledge of creating robust IT architectures and infrastructures for large non-profit organizations and utilizing technology strategies and solutions to achieve strategic business goals while maximizing ROI.
Phil Moran, Chief Financial Officer
Phil has decades of experience in financial accounting and reporting, budgeting, financial forecasting, cost reduction, process improvement, treasury management and accounting systems implementation. He is a results-focused financial leader with extensive accounting, treasury, and business planning expertise. Adept at pivoting effectively from the strategic to the tactical, Phil is accomplished at developing strong accounting and finance organizations and systems. Phil is a CPA and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Saint Joseph’s University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Liza M. Rodriquez, Ph.D. Chief Administrative Officer
Liza has twenty-five years of leadership experience in the government and non-profit sectors, where she has worked to strengthen human service and education systems through data-driven, talent development, and cross-sector strategies. Prior to JEVS, she served as Chief of Performance Management and Technology for the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families from January 2020 to July 2022 after serving as Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Human Services starting in October 2016. Born and raised in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Liza has a bachelor’s degree from Duke University, a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Ph.D.in Urban Education from Temple University.
Hugh Simmons, SPHR, Chief Human Resources Officer
Hugh Simmons career in human resources has spanned a variety of industries. He is skilled at developing workforce strategies, leading organizational development, and implementing initiatives that support revenue and profit objectives. Hugh’s expertise includes employee relations and engagement, recruitment strategies, turnover reduction, benefits plan cost control design, effective pay-for-performance compensation and incentive plan development, and diversity. Hugh holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Hartwick College and Senior Professional in Human Resources certification from Villanova University.
Katie Shinholster, Senior Vice President, Development
Katie leads fundraising strategies and fund development efforts, including individual and corporate development as well as all volunteer activities. Katie has over 20 years of experience in various aspects of development. Katie is highly skilled in relationship building, corporate sponsorship, governance, planned giving and major gifts fundraising. She holds her master’s degree in social work from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and social research, and her undergraduate degree in Human Services from Boston College.
Clara Thompson, Senior Vice President, Community Living and In Home Supports
With over 30 years of experience in the consumer-directed services field, Clara’s career is focused on improving the quality of everyday life for individuals. During her tenure at JEVS, Clara has led the development of several new innovative programs as well as program acquisition. Clara holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Messiah College. She also holds a Senior Professional in Human Services Certification from Villanova University.
JEVS Human Services’ hireAbility program hosted the event at its Camden County College location. It is held in October, known nationally as Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Blackwood, N.J. (October 25, 2022) – JEVS Human Services, one of the largest social service agencies in the Delaware Valley offering skills training and career enhancement opportunities, welcomed employers and seekers to a job and resource fair, followed by an award presentation.
Dozens of employers and prospective employees gathered at the JEVS Human Services Camden County College location for a job fair focused on matching individuals with disabilities with job openings. Many individuals had participated in the JEVS Human Services’ hireAbility program. This service matches individuals with a community employment specialist who helps them prepare a resume, assist with online applications, sets up employer visits and get hired. After starting work, they receive on-the-job support from JEVS. The New Jersey Department of Vocational Services refers eligible individuals to this program and provides funding to JEVS.
Cynthia Figueroa, President and CEO of JEVS said, “Partnerships like those represented here today are critical to JEVS Human Services’ mission to enhance employability, independence, and quality of life for individuals, their families, and their communities. Everyone—from the state of New Jersey, to the individuals, employers, and JEVS staff play an important role in ensuring that individuals with disabilities are connected to jobs.”
The event recognized Franco Fusaro of Virtua Health with the Outstanding Employer Award. The award recognized his efforts to help JEVS program participants connect to a career in finance. He helps individuals obtain interviews leading to many long-term positions. He also hosts job clubs, conducts mock interviews, helps with resumes, and provides job coaching.
The event also recognized the following employees and employer for their outstanding participation:
The awards showcase the incredible contributions of both employees and employers to creating an inclusive workplace.