Join JEVS Human Services (JEVS) in honoring World Refugee Day. World Refugee Day is a time for us to acknowledge the strength and courage of refugees around the globe. This day is important to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.
JEVS was founded in 1941 when a group of 25 concerned citizens deeply committed to helping refugees came together. Today, JEVS Center for New Americans (CNA), provides services to help hundreds of refugees, asylees and victims of trafficking to find employment. Since December 2022, CNA has served 680 refugees.
Services that are available:
· Vocational English Language Training classes
· Acculturation workshops
· Case management services
· Interviewing, resume writing, workforce foundation skills, and job readiness and retention workshops
· Computer literacy classes and follow-up
· Youth program assisting 16- and 17-year-olds find part-time working during the school year, or full-time summer employment
Let’s honor refugees together on June 20th. Together we can raise awareness on World Refugee Day.
Last week, the Accreditation Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) renewed JEVS Human Services Orleans Technical College’s (Orleans Tech) accreditation for another five years. The renewal is a testament to the college’s commitment to providing quality career and technical education centered on the needs of students and employers.
“The renewal of accreditation was a year-long process that required all operational functions of the college to come together and present a comprehensive self-evaluation report that focused on the institution’s policies and procedures. This was a true team effort and speaks to the excellent work of the administration, faculty, and staff,” said Rodney Brutton, Orleans Tech Campus President.
The ACCSC is an institutional accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education. One of the benefits of accreditation is that students are eligible for Federal financial aid.
For more information on Orleans Technical College, please click here: https://orleanstech.edu/ For more information on the ACCSC, please click here: https://www.accsc.org/
Top Corporate Sponsors include Aetna and Odell Studner Insurance Brokers & Consultants
Philadelphia (June 2, 2023) – JEVS Human Services (JEVS) celebrated its work, legacy and partnerships on Thursday, June 1st with 300 donors, volunteers, and staff at the Waterworks in Philadelphia. Joined by several corporate sponsors, including Aetna and Odell Studner Insurance Brokers & Consultants, the money raised from the event supported the work of JEVS career training, workforce development, and independent living services for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
“Working together—staff, volunteers, donors, and program participants—we form a strong partnership. It’s a partnership that that’s committed to being the change that’s needed right now,” said Cynthia F. Figueroa, JEVS President & CEO. “It is through these efforts that we are able to provide support for more than 16,000 individuals each year to meet their goals.”
JEVS Human Services, a leading human services agency headquartered in Philadelphia, provides innovative and comprehensive programs and services designed to enhance the self-sufficiency and quality of life of its clients. JEVS empowers individuals through workforce development, career and technical education, and support services in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Contact: Melody Zimmerman, Director of External Affairs
melody.zimmerman@jevs.org
445-246-7215
There are countless groups and individuals upholding Philadelphia’s vital Latino and Hispanic communities. Metro Philadelphia’s Latino Power Players list honors some of those change-makers that make this great community what it is – a proud, collaborative hub of businesses, nonprofits, and public officials putting Philadelphia’s Latino communities on the map. From owners of award-winning restaurants, to CEOs of leading organizations, so many incredible people make Philadelphia’s Latino community the remarkable scene that it is.
Cynthia 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’s 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.
What makes the Philadelphia Latino community unique? The history and diversity of the community. Philadelphia is home to one of the largest concentrations of Puerto Ricans on the mainland. Although NYC and Orlando also have large Latino communities, Philadelphia’s Latino community is majority Puerto Rican, with a growing Mexican, Central, and South American communities. The Latino community has a strong civic and cultural present in this City.
What more do you think could be done to support the Latino community in Philadelphia? Continued representation in government, the private sector, as well as in Latino owned and operated entities. There are also significant issues impacting geographic sectors of the City that have a large concentration of the Latino community, including the opioid crisis, gun violence, blight, the state of public education, and the conditions of the school buildings. A specific plan that coordinates effort for all communities to be safe and offer quality education is needed.
If you were taking someone on a tour of your neighborhood, what would be your first stop? A few stops for sure, but in the order of heading north, I would stop at Taller Puertorriqueño and view what is on display in the gallery. I would then pop into Congreso to say “hi” to old friends and then I would head to Tierra Colombian for an incredible meal.
Do you have any local Latino heroes you look up to? So many: Alba Martinez, Pedro Ramos, Sara Manzano Diaz, the Honorable Teresa Sarmina, Jaqueline Romero and the Reverend Bonnie Carmada.
Cynthia F. Figueroa, President and CEO of JEVS Human Services accepts a check from State Rep. Martin White and state Sen. Jim Dillon with students of Orleans Technical College.
By Northeast Times
JEVS Human Services has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to support Orleans Technical College. RACP grants are awarded to organizations of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical significance for improvement projects.
The grant will allow for the renovation of the existing Orleans Tech campus, 2770 Red Lion Road. Included in these renovations are upgrades and new security features in the school’s main atrium.
State Rep. Martin White and state Sen. Jim Dillon presented the check on Monday.
“We’re grateful for Sen. Dillon and Rep. White’s support of our nonprofit career and technical education program. The RACP grant will help JEVS continue its quality education services in a modern, state-of-the-art-space — preparing individuals for in-demand careers,” said Cynthia F. Figueroa, JEVS president and CEO.
“Schools like Orleans Technical College are helping students acquire skills that will lead to good-paying careers in jobs that too often go unfilled,” White said. “This funding will help Orleans expand its mission, which will give our Pennsylvanians greater educational options.”
“When I visited Orleans Tech, I saw first-hand how their programs prepare people in my district and all over the Delaware Valley for good, family-sustaining jobs,” Dillon said. “At a time when people are anxious about the economy and student debt, I’m happy we invested in an institution with a 40-year history of teaching in-demand skills and providing industry-recognized credentials.”
Orleans Tech offers six-month job training programs in various building trades and prepares graduates for employment with companies large and small that provide residential and commercial construction, repair and maintenance. Orleans Tech also offers vocational education and job placement in the health care field.
Senator Jimmy Dillon and Representative Martina White supported JEVS Human Services request for RACP funding to support its career and technical education programs. Collaboration creates access to job opportunities for aspiring phlebotomists with Labcorp
Philadelphia (April 17, 2023) – JEVS Human Services (JEVS) has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) by the PA Office of the Budget to support Orleans Technical College (Orleans Tech). RACP grants are awarded to organizations of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical significance for improvement projects.
The grant will allow for the renovation of the existing Orleans Tech campus in Northeast Philadelphia. Included in these renovations are upgrades and new security features in the school’s main atrium.
“We’re grateful for Senator Dillon and Representative White’s support of our non-profit career and technical education program. The RACP grant will help JEVS continue its quality education services in a modern, state of the art space—preparing individuals for in-demand careers,” said Cynthia F. Figueroa, JEVS President & CEO.
“Schools like Orleans Technical College are helping students acquire skills that will lead to good-paying careers in jobs that too often go unfilled,” Representative White said. “This funding will help Orleans expand its mission, which will give our Pennsylvanians greater educational options.”
“When I visited Orleans Tech, I saw first-hand how their programs prepare people in my district and all over the Delaware Valley for good, family-sustaining jobs,” said Senator Dillon. “At a time when people are anxious about the economy and student debt, I’m happy we invested in an institution with a 40-year history of teaching in-demand skills and providing industry-recognized credentials.”
JEVS’ non-profit career training school, Orleans Technical College, prepares adults for new futures. Since 1974, Orleans Tech has helped students move toward one common goal: learning new skills to enhance their success in the workforce. Orleans Tech offers six-month job training programs in various building trades and prepares graduates for employment with companies–large and small–that provide residential and commercial construction, repair, and maintenance. Building on JEVS’s decades of experience working with people in need, Orleans Tech also offers vocational education and job placement in the health care field.
For more information, please visit www.jevshumanservices.org and www.orleanstech.edu.
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Media contact: Melody Zimmerman, Director of External Affairs, JEVS Human Services
email: melody.zimmerman@jevs.org
text/call: 445-246-7215
Collaboration creates access to job opportunities for aspiring phlebotomists with Labcorp
Philadelphia (April 12, 2023) – JEVS Human Services (JEVS) today announced a strategic relationship with Labcorp (NYSE: LH), a leading global life sciences company, that creates a new training program and access to employment opportunities for students in the JEVS EduConnect program. Through an 80-hour phlebotomy credentialing program, students will participate in an externship at a Labcorp facility, be certified to become a phlebotomist, and gain access to potential long-term employment opportunities.
“The strategic relationship between Labcorp and JEVS is critical to supporting the students we serve start in their career goals,” said Cynthia F. Figueroa, JEVS President & CEO. “Our connection with Labcorp allowed us to create a program specifically for phlebotomy, and it demonstrates our commitment to grow the greater Philadelphia workforce to support real needs in the community.”
JEVS healthcare training programs empower individuals across the Greater Philadelphia region with educational and employment opportunities in high demand industries. JEVS is currently offering training programs and certifications for Pharmacy Technicians, Sterile Processing Technicians, Clinical Medical Assistants and now Phlebotomists.
For more information, please visit www.jevshumanservices.org.
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Media contact: Melody Zimmerman, Director of External Affairs, JEVS Human Services email: melody.zimmerman@jevs.org text/call: 445-246-7215
In 2022, JEVS Human Services (JEVS) supported over 16,000 individuals to achieve their goals. Our programs in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware reflect JEVS core service areas: workforce development, career and technical education, and in-home supports.
JEVS’s quality services are fueled by innovation and our commitment to do what is right and just. Support our work throughout the year by volunteering or donating!
The more than $10 million donation will support the Jeanne Zweig Endowment, named in honor of the Temple University alum who lived with cerebral palsy and went on to found a successful accounting firm.
Photo credit: Joseph V. Labolito
The Jeanne Zweig Endowment further establishes Temple as a leader in accessibility and disability services.
A transformative gift of $10.9 million from the estate of Jeanne Zweig, FOX ’53, will create an endowed fund to help students with physical disabilities pursue an education and earn their degree. The fund will generate approximately $450,000 every year in perpetuity to benefit Jeanne Zweig scholarship recipients.
The donation from the Zweig estate is among the largest gifts awarded to a university in support of students with disabilities. Details related to the gift and subsequent scholarship were finalized at the end of last year, and Temple plans to begin awarding the scholarship to eligible students this fall.
“On behalf of the Temple community, we extend our profound gratitude to the Jeanne Zweig estate and Ms. Zweig’s extended family for this generous gift,” said Mary Burke, vice president of institutional advancement. “Throughout her life Jeanne supported Temple students with disabilities who, like her, had their sights set on making an impact in the world. We are honored to further advance that mission through the Jeanne Zweig Endowment.”
Temple enjoys a long history as a leader in supporting students of all backgrounds and abilities. Since 1981, Temple has been recognized annually by the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation for providing exemplary services to students with disabilities. In 1985, the university established its Adapted Recreation and Sports program, which was the only program of its kind at the time and provided students with disabilities opportunities to participate in recreational activities.
Today, the Office of Disability Resources (DRS) offers a variety of scholarships, provides assistance to students with things like housing and academic accommodations, and organizes the SHOUT peer support group, which allows students to connect, advocate and lend support to one another. The office also works closely with the Career Center to provide career development and employment opportunities for students and alumni.
“The number of students with disabilities we welcome at Temple has grown from 50 in 1977 to nearly 3,500 in 2020,” said Carrie Snyder, director of DRS. “The commitment to accessibility is strong here at Temple, and thanks to the Jeanne Zweig Endowment, we will continue to expand the services and opportunities available to our students with disabilities.”
Zweig, who was born with cerebral palsy, attended Temple in the 1950s and majored in accounting. She graduated at the top of her class from the Fox School of Business in 1953 and earned her MBA at Fox the following year. Zweig worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC upon graduating from Temple, and she would later go on to start her own successful accounting firm, Zweig, Ramick & Associates.
“Jeannie just kept booking along. Nothing stopped her,” said Karen Leshner, Zweig’s niece and director of the Jeanne Zweig Charitable Foundation. Leshner said Zweig’s practice served customers around the world, including customers living in Australia, who Zweig would visit on occasion.
Zweig gave back to Temple throughout her life, providing funding to DRS and helping to fund the construction of a wheelchair ramp at the Temple Performing Arts Center.
Jeanne Zweig graduated at the top of her class from the Fox School of Business. (Photography courtesy of The Templar, Philadelphia, Pa.: Temple University, 1935, p. 118.)
The Jeanne Zweig Endowment Fund will provide scholarships and help pay for accommodations students may need in pursuit of their Temple education, such as assistive technology. The scholarship will also provide additional funding for Temple students to receive support services, including career planning and coaching, from JEVS Human Services (JEVS), a local organization whose mission is to enhance employability, independence and quality of life for individuals, their families and their communities.
“JEVS is thrilled to be a resource for the Jeanne Zweig scholarship recipients at Temple University,” said Heather Keafer, senior vice president, communications and external affairs at JEVS. “One big part of our mission is providing services to individuals with disabilities. From assistive technology to career help and support of independent living, JEVS has many opportunities available to serve individuals with disabilities. We’re excited for this partnership with Temple and the opportunity to support Jeanne Zweig scholars.”
Students can determine their eligibility for the scholarship, as well as for any of the scholarships awarded by DRS, by registering with DRS on their website. In addition to registering for the MyDRS portal, students can visit the DRS website to learn more about the services, scholarships and volunteer opportunities that DRS offers.
Cynthia Figueroa
