Stephanie Marchak, Author at JEVS Human Services

Temple Announces Landmark Gift in Support of Students with Physical Disabilities.

Posted on February 1, 2023February 1, 2023 by Stephanie Marchak

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.

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.

– Jonny Hart

Follow this link to read the article on Temple Now.

The Choice is Yours Program Participants Graduate High School

Posted on January 24, 2023October 9, 2023 by Stephanie Marchak

Angel Flores, Supervising Assistant District Attorney, City of Philadelphia speaks to the TCY graduates.

Group of people standing and smiling — 2023 TCY Graduates pose for a photo with JEVS President and CEO, Cynthia F. Figueroa.

Congratulations to The Choice is Yours (TCY) graduates! Numerous city leaders and officials joined to applaud and celebrate this accomplishment: The Honorable Charles Hayden; Angel Flores, Supervising Assistant District Attorney, City of Philadelphia; Elisa Downey – Zayas, Esq., Assistant Chief, Alternative Sentencing Unit, Defender Association of Philadelphia; along with JEVS President and CEO, Cynthia F. Figueroa; as well staff and board members.

Members of JEVS The Choice is Yours (TCY), a program to help non-violent drug offenders, are now officially Penn Foster high school graduates. For adults ages 18-27, JEVS’ TCY program helps participants learn how to plan their time and use problem-solving skills to finish assignments. This includes finishing 104 lessons, 3,086 multiple choice questions, and several written essays to earn a diploma and a fresh start.

For more than ten years, TCY has run successfully in partnership with the City of Philadelphia’s TCY Court, the District Attorney’s Office, and Defenders Association. The program has just a 15% backslide rate one-year after graduation.

Angel Flores, Supervising Assistant District Attorney, City of Philadelphia shared, “We have met through a program that brought you to the court system. But you know what? That doesn’t define who you are. Take a picture of you today and look at it periodically, because that’s the beginning of who you are and how you are defining yourselves. “

Click on this link for more information about The Choice is Yours!

JEVS Human Services Celebrates The Choice is Yours Participants Receiving High School Diplomas

Posted on January 20, 2023January 21, 2023 by Stephanie Marchak

With support from JEVS Human Services, participants of The Choice is Yours (TCY) prison diversion program complete high school.

Philadelphia, PA (January 20, 2023) – JEVS Human Services (JEVS), one of the largest social service agencies in the Delaware Valley offering skills training and career enhancement opportunities, The Choice is Yours (TCY), a diversion program JEVS launched in 2012 offers a variety of resources for first-time, non-violent felony drug sellers. The program’s success led to dedicated funding from the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

At a ceremony in the Duke and Duke Ballroom of 123 South Broad Street in Center City, The Honorable Charles Hayden; Angel Flores, Supervising Assistant District Attorney, City of Philadelphia; Elisa Downey – Zayas, Esq., Assistant Chief, Alternative Sentencing Unit, Defender Association of Philadelphia; along with JEVS executive leadership and board members gathered to recognize TCY participants who received their high school diplomas through Penn Foster

Honorable Charles Hayden addressed the graduates, “To me, you are a success, so you should congratulate yourself. You set a goal and you achieved it. This is no small thing,” said Judge Hayden.

For the 14 individuals, ages 18 to 27, graduation from the Penn Foster program marks the completion of months of classes including 104 lessons, upwards of 3,086 multiple choice questions, and several written essays. Participants learn time management and problem-solving skills as they navigate the program while balancing the responsibilities of home, work, and school.  JEVS pays for TCY participants to take classes and graduate from Penn Foster.

For more than ten years, TCY has operated successfully in partnership with the City of Philadelphia’s TCY Court, the District Attorney’s Office, and Defenders Association, with just a 15% recidivism rate one-year post-graduation. The TCY program offers a variety of employment, education, and life skills activities, and requires a minimum of 220 hours of community service. Program graduates are eligible to have their records expunged one-year post-program if all fees are paid and there have been no further arrests.

Cynthia F. Figueroa, President and CEO of JEVS: “The JEVS Choice is Your program proves that it is possible to change the trajectory of your life. JEVS is honored to provide this opportunity to the graduates today. Our staff are there every step of the way to help TCY participants achieve their goals.”

About JEVS Human Services

JEVS Human Services enhances the employability, independence, and quality of life of individuals through a broad range of education, employment, health, rehabilitation, recovery, and youth programs. Consistent with their core principles and entrepreneurial spirit, JEVS Human Services creates innovative and sustainable solutions to address current and future community needs.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Keafer, JEVS, [email protected]

Chrissy and David’s Independent Adventure

Posted on January 8, 2023October 9, 2023 by Stephanie Marchak

David M. and Chrissy A., PIN members, enjoying their dream Disney vacation!

Chrissy and David, both PIN members and enthusiastic Disney fans, presented an exciting idea to their parents; they wanted to fly to Florida and go to Disney World, by themselves. Three years later, they accomplished their goal. In May 2022, they flew to Florida, spent almost a week at Disney World, and flew back to Philadelphia. Their trip was a resounding success.

A lot of planning, organizing and saving went into this adventure. First, David and Chrissy had to convince their parents that they could safely manage on their own. Chrissy’s parents, Karen and Don, and David’s parents, Lois and Jerry, discussed many aspect of the trip with each other, David and Chrissy, and Marc Tannebaum, Associate Director of PIN. Chrissy had been to Disney World several times with her family. It was familiar to her and she felt comfortable there. David had never been there, but had traveled quite a bit with his family, and had flown, by himself, to visit family in California and Wisconsin. He was experienced in getting around airports and going through security. Both of them use public transportation in Narberth and Philadelphia, and are not hesitant to ask for directions or other help when necessary. The parents agreed that this was manageable, but that David and Chrissy had to be responsible for saving money for part of the expenses, and to help plan their visit and their packing.

Karen took on the job of reserving plane tickets and the hotel room. She was able to book rides between the hotel and airport on a Disney van, and arrange for a meal plan at the hotel and park. The travelers downloaded a Disney World App, and planned where they wanted to be each day. They made lists of items to pack, making sure they could fit everything into carry-on luggage. Then, Covid hit. Everything was cancelled. Two years later, when it was possible to reschedule, both the Disney van and meal plan had been discontinued. Karen found another van service, and we were all reassured by the idea that other passengers on their flight would be headed to that van. We didn’t want our travelers to be carrying cash, and also didn’t want them using debit cards connected to their bank accounts. Lois suggested we get them pre-paid debit cards to pay for their meals, each of them having two cards to minimize risk if a card were lost, and just take turns paying for meals until the cards were used up. Marc, and other PIN staff helped them review their packing lists and discuss any other areas of concern, and listen to their increasingly excited countdown of days till the trip.

When asked about the trip, both Chrissy and David agreed that the best part was finally being able to go after the two year delay. Chrissy had been most worried about possible transportation problems, but felt David would be able to manage issues if they arose. David was concerned about Covid. They did wear masks in crowded lines. They said Marc helped them save money, and the app was an enormous help. Their advice to anyone else hoping to travel; be prepared to save. Chrissy said it was a lot of fun, but the planning was hard. David agreed, and said the trip itself was exhausting, but totally worth it.

As for the parents, we learned that our adult children can take more responsibility for planning and managing than we sometimes realize. This adventure was a worthwhile experience for all of us.

JEVS Independence Network is a whole life program with embedded supports serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Follow this link to learn more about Independence Network.

A New Career Path

Posted on December 31, 2022January 29, 2023 by Stephanie Marchak

Jacob B., PIN member, celebrating the accomplishment of his medical coding and billing certificate.

Jacob B. has been a member of the PIN program since May of 2016. He joined the program after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science from Eastern University. Jacob had very little work experience when he joined PIN and so it was challenging for him to envision or articulate career interests or an intended path. The PIN Career Navigator began working with him right away, and together they decided an internship might help him to get some practical experience and exposure to the work world. In September of 2016, Jacob started a paid internship with PA CareerLink® doing data entry and other administrative work. With minimal help from the PIN team, Jacob quickly mastered all of his assigned tasks. He learned a lot about himself through his internship between 2016 and 2020.

PIN is a whole life program with embedded employment supports. A dedicated Career Navigator, as well as PIN staff who are cross-trained in supported employment best practices, are always available to meet with members to support job development, retention, and career advancement. As is true with many members, Jacob continued to meet with the Career Navigator on a monthly basis to troubleshoot concerns in the internship, and to check in regularly to gauge his interest in pursuing career advancement. For the most part Jacob was content with his internship even though the hours per week were quite limited.

Unfortunately, the internship came to a halt within a few months of the start of the pandemic shut down and Jacob was out of work for about a year. In December of 2021 the director of JEVS EduConnect (a new program at JEVS designed to assist students to earn certificates and/or degrees and launch their career, by providing the supports necessary for success) reached out to PIN to share an exciting new certification program they were offering – Medical Billing and Coding. Marc, PIN Associate Director and Debbie, PIN Career Navigator thought of Jacob right away because of his interest and experience in data entry. They approached Jacob and he was very interested! He did some research on the type of jobs, availability of positions and typical pay. Jacob shared the information with his parents and quickly decided to jump on the opportunity.

The PIN Career Navigator provided Jacob with registration information. As part of registration, he had to take an entrance exam and passed! Jacob officially joined the first JEVS EduConnect Medical Coding and Billing cohort in late January 2022. The PIN Career Navigator met with on a weekly basis to support organization with classwork, studying, and homework. Between April and June, Jacob had to study and prepare for the certification exam. The PIN Career Navigator met with Jacob regularly to stay on track and to request and document appropriate test accommodations.

Jacob’s parents, Susan D. and Simeon B., shared the following: “Our son, Jacob, enrolled in the JEVS EduConnect online course for Medical Documentation and Coding in January 2022. It was a rigorous course with three two-hour sessions a week and 10 hours a week of homework. We thought it might be too challenging. But the instructors and coaches provided Jacob with amazing support and guidance. The formal classes that ended late March were followed by a few weeks of intensive review sessions. Jacob passed his National Certification Examination in July 2022 on the first try! He has now resumed a part time data entry position with CareerLink® while PIN and JEVS EduConnect collaboratively support his ongoing search for opportunities to utilize his new skills. Regardless of his future career path, Jacob’s self-confidence has grown because of his experience with the JEVS EduConnect program.”

After this momentous accomplishment, Jacob needed a little break before beginning his job search. He continues to meet regularly with the Career Navigator and an EduConnect recruiter to find a good job match. Jacob’s thoughts on the experience: “The course and exam were both a lot of work. It took a lot of effort to complete. Afterwards, I was relieved that I passed and excited about the possibilities for my future”. He is currently searching for a part time career in the medical coding field, and we are confident that he will achieve it!

JEVS Independence Network is a whole life program with embedded employment supports serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Follow this link to learn more about Independence Network.

A Grant from Autism Speaks Provides New Assistive Tech for JEVS Independence Network

Posted on December 27, 2022January 30, 2023 by Stephanie Marchak

Connor H. trying out the touch screen options on the new PIN (Philadelphia Independence Network) Smart TV during an assistive technology training session.

With the help of a grant from Autism Speaks, PIN members are benefitting from a wide array of assistive technology. The JEVS Assistive Technology Services team worked together to upgrade Assistive Technology (AT) at the Independence Network clubhouse in Narberth, PA. They installed a Dell 55” touch monitor with a webcam to assist with PIN clubhouse events and meetings, and installed smart home devices such as an Amazon Echo Show 15, and a Ring doorbell with a chime. These devices will allow the clubhouse to operate with increased safety and convenience. They also provided weighted blankets, sensory toolkits, noise canceling headphones, and sensory pillows to assist members with self-regulation in times of stress or anxiety.

They supplied kitchen assistance tools such as cut-resistant gloves, finger protectors, and an adaptive cutting board to assist members with cooking anxiety or dexterity struggles to participate in cooking activities with increased safety.

The JEVS Assistive Technology team has also scheduled trainings on AT with the PIN members to teach them about the equipment they received, as well as how AT can assist them at home as well. So far, they have held events with the members to teach them how to interact with their Dell touch monitor and webcam and use it for virtual meetings to allow all members to participate, and entertainment that all members can easily access. During this session they also introduced some of the low-tech AT tools to the members such as the weighted blankets, sensory pillows, sensory toolkits, and noise-canceling headphones.

The team also conducted a session about what AT is, and orchestrated a scavenger hunt for the members to participate in by taking pictures of AT that they encounter in their daily life. The team will continue to meet with the PIN members to provide training for smart home technology, and events to demonstrate using AT tools in the kitchen.

JEVS Independence Network is a whole life program with embedded supports serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Follow this link to learn more about Independence Network. Follow this link to learn more about JEVS Assistive Technology Services.

Department Of Human Services Celebrate Successful Employment and Training Pilot Program

Posted on December 16, 2022January 17, 2023 by Stephanie Marchak

Source: The Philadelphia Sunday SUN

PHILADELPHIA — Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Meg Snead and JEVS Human Services (JEVS) leadership and trainees recently celebrated the successful completion of the Work Ready Direct Support Professional (DSP) Innovation Pilot Project, an initiative that connected pilot participants with the training necessary to secure employment in this essential field.

DSPs are individuals who provide direct support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities so that they can fully participate in an everyday life at home and in their communities. DSPs are essential to helping individuals with disabilities increase their independence.

“Direct support professionals are the backbone of the human services infrastructure, helping people live at home and in their communities with dignity and independence. However, like so many other sectors, the direct support profession has been hit hard by the effects of the pandemic,” Snead said. “The caring workforce is essential and touches all our lives. By investing time, resources, and training at the beginning, we know that we are not only preparing people to be successful in their jobs, but we are helping to ensure that those in our communities who need direct support will be able to receive it.”

The Work Ready DSP Innovation Pilot Project created a new pathway for a career as a DSP. JEVS Work Ready, also supported by DHS, helps Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients prepare, train, and connect to family-sustaining jobs and provides skills and social supports to help them prepare for and succeed in the workforce.

“JEVS was proud to partner with DHS to build a stronger pathway for our Work Ready participants to join the workforce as a DSP,” said Cynthia Figueroa, JEVS president and CEO. “This innovative project helped remove barriers to becoming a DSP and helped connect qualified candidates to jobs.”

The minimum qualification for entry-level DSP roles is a high school diploma. However, other requirements such as a driver’s license and computer skills present barriers to otherwise qualified individuals. The JEVS pilot project sought to remove those barriers by offering financial incentives to complete various parts of the program, a peer and supervisor mentorship program, and helping trainees navigate requirements like background checks, and much more. When they completed the program, qualified candidates were directly connected to job openings, with a starting pay of $15/hour plus benefits.

JEVS Human Services (JEVS) is a nonprofit organization, with services in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. JEVS helps people become independent, graduate, get jobs, and live on their own. The organization creates innovative and sustainable solutions to address current and future needs, prioritizing efforts that grow the economy and make our communities safer.

More information about working as a direct support professional can be found on the DHS website at: www.dhs.pa.gov. For more information about JEVS, visit: www.jevshumanservices.org.

Fifty Graduates Complete High School through JEVS Work Ready

Posted on December 16, 2022January 6, 2023 by Stephanie Marchak

Graduates have their portraits taken as they wait in line for the ceremony to begin.

Graduates in the JEVS Work Ready program receive their high school diplomas at a ceremony in Center City Philadelphia.

Alberta Lloyd, Instructor for JEVS Human Services congratulates the graduates, “Most of you today realized that your infrastructure for growth, was greeted with obstacles and challenges. However, you had faith, you believed in your inner abilities. You had enough patience to see the promise and dismiss the pressure. You have released that fear and unwillingness so you could see your way to a brighter tomorrow. Feeling sorry for yourselves was not part of your plan. You could have taken the easy way out and just quit. However, you are overcomers who knew obtaining your high school diploma was the master key that unlocked tangible doors. By enrolling in the Penn Foster program through JEVS Work Ready, you have made a conscious decision to take back your life. Think about it, if you never went through any thing in life, you would never know where your strength lies. Remember you cannot grow without facing opposition to your vision. But you are much stronger than you think”.

Need your diploma or other supports? JEVS can help! Click this link and get started today.

Department of Human Services and JEVS Human Services Celebrate Direct Support Professional Pilot Program

Posted on December 9, 2022January 21, 2023 by Stephanie Marchak

Pennsylvania State Senator Art Haywood

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2022

Philadelphia, PA – Today, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Meg Snead and leadership and participants from JEVS Human Services’ (JEVS) celebrated the successful completion of the Work Ready Direct Support Professional (DSP) Innovation Pilot Project, an initiative that connected people participating in the employment and training program with training necessary to secure employment in this essential field. DSPs are individuals who provide direct support to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities so that they can fully participate in every day live at home and in the community. DSPs are essential to helping individuals with disabilities increase their independence.

“Direct support professionals are the backbone of the human services infrastructure, helping people live at home and in their communities with dignity and independence. However, like so many other sectors, the direct support profession has been hit hard by the effects of the pandemic,” said Acting Secretary Snead. “The caring workforce is essential and touches all our lives. By investing time, resources, and training at the beginning, we know that we are not only preparing people to be successful in their jobs, but we are helping to ensure that those in our communities who need direct support will be able to receive it.”

The Work Ready DSP Innovation Pilot Project created a new pathway for a career as a DSP. JEVS Work Ready, also supported by DHS, helps those Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients prepare, train, and connect to family-sustaining jobs and provides skills and social supports to help them prepare for and succeed and in the workforce. Work Ready and other employment and training programs

“JEVS was proud to partner with DHS to build a stronger pathway for our Work Ready participants to join the workforce as a DSP,” said Cynthia Figueroa, JEVS President and CEO. “This innovative project helped remove barriers to becoming a DSP, and helped connect qualified candidates to jobs.”

About JEVS Human Services:

More information about working as a direct support professional can be found on the DHS website.

MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Keafer, JEVS, [email protected].

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The True Meaning of Friendsgiving

Posted on November 30, 2022January 29, 2023 by Stephanie Marchak

JEVS Independence Network of Collingswood members and mentors enjoying the Friendsgiving photo booth.

If you were to ask the JEVS Independence Network members in PIN Narberth or Collingswood – what is most important about being a part of this community – almost all would immediately respond “my friends”. Sadly, with the seemingly never-ending quarantines and isolations of the last few years, personal connections have been put to the test, with the unimaginable consequence that it is now challenging for some to find the courage to embrace in-person events after repeatedly being told to be mindful of crowds.

So it was quite a response – and reason to celebrate – when over 60 people from both programs gathered in Collingswood on November 17, 2022 to revel in our first Friendsgiving Dinner in three years! For the first time in too long we connected in-person! We ate lots of delicious food. We played our usual Thanksgiving trivia in teams.

We talked, laughed, and hugged each other…often! Mentors past and present joined in the celebration. We openly shared what we are most thankful for, and we created an impressive Chain of Thankfulness that captured our
collective gratitude. It was beautiful and chaotic, and definitely by far our best Friendsgiving ever!

Events like this are much more than a simple social outing for the JEVS Independence Network members and staff. These events represent learning moments and opportunities to practice and build new skills. The support provided in conjunction with events like Friendsgiving provide a comforting safety net to explore new horizons. For example, in preparation for Friendsgiving members participated in recipe searches, signed up for potluck dishes to contribute, grocery shopped, cooked delicious foods, learned to safely store their culinary contributions, and made decisions about how to transport and reheat food.

Many members practiced traveling on public transportation and navigating through the community to get to the venue. We all brushed-up on social skills, dinner etiquette, impulse control, as well as self-regulation in dealing with a whole host of sensory stimulation –noise, smells, new foods, a crowded room, meeting new people, and more – not to mention teamwork during the trivia competition! Many members were brave enough to perform public speaking in front of the group as they shared blessings and expressed what they are most grateful for – with friends and independence being a common theme.

Friendsgiving, especially this year, represented a new start with real connections and real growth opportunities to practically learn important skills relevant to independence and interdependence!

JEVS Independence Network is a whole life program with embedded supports serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Follow this link to learn more about Independence Network.

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