Pictured LtoR: TCY Director, Nigel Bowe; US Senator Bob Casey; JEVS President & CEO, Cynthia F. Figueroa; Representative for PA Congresswoman Madeleine Dean; Montgomery County Chair, Dr. Valerie Arkoosh; Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele and JEVS TCY Program Manager, Gary Clark.
To talk about TCY’s history and positive impact for graduates of the program, Montgomery County District Attorney, Kevin Steele invited representatives from JEVS and political leaders to his office in Norristown.
US Senator Bob Casey; Montgomery County Chair, Dr. Valerie Arkoosh; PA Congresswoman Madeleine Dean; TCY Program Director, Nigel Bowe; Deputy District Attorney, Kelly Lloyd; and TCY Program Manager, Gary Clark, got together to talk about The Choice is Yours.
JEVS President & CEO, Cynthia F. Figueroa led the discussion with the PA and Montco leaders about the next steps for the Montgomery County partnership.
Cynthia F. Figueroa, President and CEO of JEVS said, “We’re grateful for the support of Senator Bob Casey and Representative Madeleine Dean to expand TCY to Montgomery County. Through the leadership and partnership of Commissioner Arkoosh and District Attorney Steele, JEVS is able to provide this evidenced-based targeted intervention program will help Montgomery County residents choose the best path forward.”
“The Choice is Yours has a transformative impact on nonviolent drug offenders here in Montgomery County and today I learned that firsthand,” said Senator Casey. “I was proud to advocate for the program to receive $400,000 in community project funding, which will allow JEVS to expand TCY to reach many more people in Montgomery County and give them the tools to work toward a second chance. I will also keep fighting to pass my bipartisan, bicameral Clean Slate Act to help many more Americans rebuild their lives.”
DSPs are important to the people they serve. A Direct Service Provider (DSP) can be a partner, a resource, an advocate, and an encourager.
Earlier this year, JEVS was in a program called the Frontline Worker Initiative pilot program.
Donna Crocker, Director of Staff Development & Capacity explains, “We were working as a group to bring value to our DSP’s so that they realize that this was a career for a lot of folks. We wanted them to feel that their position was extremely important because as we know during COVID, they were essential workers and they didn’t miss a beat. They were here.”
The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals’ (NADSP) E Badge Academy, gives DSPs the chance to earn up to three levels of DSP certifications.
Crocker continues, “Rabi was the first person – she just jumped right in and she received the very first DSP certification for JEVS, which was amazing!”
Meet Rabi – a DSP and counselor, Rabi has worked for JEVS since since 2017.
Q: Why did you go for the DSP-1 Certification?
Rabi: “I guess I went for this certification firstly out of curiosity, especially when it said there will not be any examinations. So, I thought to myself, this should be pretty easy! And also because I just love to learn. I believe no knowledge is ever lost.
The reasons I went for the certification are the belief that now with the certification, the DSP job will be considered a respected profession and not looked down upon. And a certification will be an attestation to the love and pride in the job”.
Q: What was the certification process like?
Rabi: “My first impression was that the certification was going to be as easy as taking a walk in the park; I have never been more wrong! There was a particular write up of mine on a topic that was rejected three times before it was finally approved.
It never crossed my mind to give up on the process, rather I was more determined than ever, I saw it as a challenge that must be overcome. I can’t put into words my feelings when this particular write up was finally approved. I think that was the highlight of the process.”
Q: How did it feel to pass the DSP-1 certification?
Rabi: “This accomplishment gives me a sense of pride that I did not give up half way. But I will be more fulfilled when I get the DSP- 111. I started on the DSP- 11 already”.
hireAbility summer interns work in the cat room at the Animal Adoption Center in Lindenwold, NJ.
Before attending Camden County College this fall, hireAbility participants Keighley and Rommel learned job skills as interns at the Animal Adoption Center in Lindenwold, NJ.
JEVS hireAbility is an affiliate agency of JEVS Human Services that offers programs in PA and NJ, to help teens and adults with disabilities with employment services and support in becoming part of the community.
Students in the program select their interests and complete a Career Cluster to explain the duties and schooling needed for the interests they selected. Keighley and Rommel were chosen for this summer internship by their counselor at Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. With support from hireAbility employment specialist, Karen, Keighley and Rommel both worked a total of 100 hours at the Animal Adoption Center!
Check out this video of Rommel explaining the color codes used to describe the dogs’ personalities. He is hoping to continue on-the-job training at the adoption center after the summer internship.
A traditional school setting doesn’t work for everyone, and life’s barriers can sometimes get in the way of completing your goals. Without support, getting back on track can seem impossible – JEVS Human Services can help!
With options for young Philadelphian’s to build a path forward, our programs can help with:
High school diploma, GED or equivalent completion
Learning a new trade or job skills
Finding employment that offers living wages and a career path.
E3 Services
Education, Employment and Empowerment: E3 provides no-cost educational pathways that include GED and/or diploma assistance, opportunities to find employment, and empowerment opportunities to help our city’s youth & young adult (ages 16-24) develop the skills they need.
“They pushed me even when I slacked,” said former E3 member, Felicity. “I found people that care about my future, too, and see my potential. It wasn’t just about a GED, it was what do you want to do next. They helped with resources, too.”
“If you have the right mindset and you are serious about getting your diploma, go to E3 — they have so many different resources to help you,” said Craig. “It was the one-on-one connection with the staff and teachers that definitely helped me. I got my high school diploma and E3 made it possible.”
JEVS Project WOW (World of Work) is a FREE program that offers skills training, support in achieving high school completion or equivalent, and job placement assistance to help individuals who want to get their lives on track.
The program provides young adults (18–24) opportunities to connect to the education and supports toward a promising future through hands-on training in building trades (property maintenance and repair).
IT Pre-Apprenticeship is a 21-week training program for young adults (18-24) in Philadelphia interested in the world of IT and office technology. Depending on aptitude and interest, participants study for CompTIA certification and/or certification as a Microsoft Office Specialist.
Participants can expect to gain skills in:
PC troubleshooting & repair
installing & configuring Windows operating systems
supporting small networks,
and, office technology basics such as emailing, word processing, and data entry.
STRIVE Future Leaders offers skills training, paid work experience, and job placement opportunities to justice-impacted young adults (18-24), helping to set them on a career path and become thriving adults and community members.
JEVS Human Services teamed up with Forman Mills for a donation event at Orleans Technical College. “Shopping With Dignity” helped community members obtain items they need in a safe, welcoming environment. Items available included clothing, shoes, coats, household items toiletries, accessories, and more.
Recipients of this donation include local families from the community as well as families from the Center for New Americans, whose goal is to help refugees, asylees and victims of trafficking prepare to enter the workforce, find satisfying jobs ranging from labor to professional positions, and become self-sufficient members of society.
Read the article in the Northeast Times and watch the news coverage of this wonderful community event:
Signed into law in 1990, July 26 marked the 32nd Anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act, a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.
The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications.
The CDC reports 26 percent, or 61 million adults in the United States have some type of disability.
For decades, JEVS Human Services has provided programs to meet the needs of people with disabilities. For instance, JEVS hireAbility provides expert employment services and JEVS Assistive Technology Services provides the tools to support individuals in achieving their employment goals.
Madeline Laquer, Assistive Technology Practitioner, reflects on the ADA and the work of the JEVS: “Historically, individuals with disabilities have faced insurmountable adversity in their day-to-day lives. Tasks like entering a building, making a phone call, shopping for groceries, and procuring employment, just to name a few, are all tasks that able-bodied individuals can do with ease. But when an individual with a disability goes to complete one of these tasks, they typically encounter a barrier. Barriers can look like buildings that are not physically accessible; cars parked in the accessible spot or ramp area; doors that are too heavy; cluttered pathways; etc. It’s impossible to truly understand the life of someone with a disability unless you have experienced it for yourself.
As we recognize the 32nd anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is important to remember there is still work that needs to be done. We have come so far in improving access for the disability community but we can do more.
What we do not talk about enough is the stigma the disability community faces, especially surrounding employment.
JEVS Assistive Technology Services has supported 85 individuals with disabilities and older adults to increase their independence at home and at work. Assistive Technology is an ever evolving field. Our focus is on finding solutions to barriers individuals may face.
We implement a person-centered approach to ensure these solutions will meet the needs and goals of the individual. Assistive Technology encompasses no, low, and high-tech devices that support all aspects of life.
After an evaluation is conducted at the individual’s home or worksite, we identify devices or tools that can support them to complete tasks that may otherwise be difficult or impossible because of their disability.”
Anthony and Madeline Laquer via Zoom
For individuals like Anthony, participation in the Assistive Technology program helps to support his work as an attorney and his ongoing professional development. Anthony shares his experience and the impact of assistive technology and support from JEVS.
Anthony: “I’ll start with a little bit of background. My disability is cerebral palsy, meaning that it’s basically quadriplegia, and all four limbs are affected. And I also have, along with that, a visual perception problem that when I read across the line, my eyes skip, and so I have to use audio books and Dragon speech recognition.
JEVS: How did you learn about the JEVS Assistive Technology Program?
Anthony: I heard about JEVS Assistive Technology program through my job coach at Jewish Family and Children Services.
JEVS: How is Assistive Technology helping you professionally?
Anthony: I was formerly an attorney in Pennsylvania for 16 years, and I’m presently studying for the New Jersey bar, trying to get ready, and now what I’ve been able to do with the iPad that I received from JEVS Assistive Technology, it helps to read all my Kindle books without my Kindle, which is a good thing because I use this set of books called nutshells, they’re like law schools feeds.
And then at that point I’m able to read those and take notes on them, you know. And also I’m able to do lectures from Amazon that are that are based on the six subjects of the multi- state.
Something else…I had to read a reciprocity agreement from the University of Illinois College of Law where I went to school, and I wouldn’t be able to do that without the iPad because you have to know what the other schools that are offering you reciprocity.
For example, I requested reciprocity from Temple, Villanova, and Rutgers and so I had I have to know all of their policies as well as my own schools and and from that and so that’s what I’ve been able to do.
How has it been working with JEVS and your ATP, Madeline?
Anthony: Oh, Madeline, does a marvelous job. She showed me all these things and she was even helping me trying to get my recordings to transcribe. So I’m grateful for everything that was done and I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. It definitely made me more independent than I would be, and that was the point of program.
Lifesharing Participant Jessenia and JEVS Lifesharing staff, Gina, share a selfie.
JEVS Lifesharing allows individuals with intellectual disabilities to live with the support of a loving and caring Lifesharer within the community.
Jessenia, 43, has been a Lifesharing participant for six years. Introduced to the Lifesharing program by a staff member from a former residential agency, Jessenia was paired with a Lifesharing family where she lived for her first four years in the program.
Two years ago, Jessienia and her sister, agreed to live with one another, with Jessenia’s sister as her Lifesharer. With the JEVS staff, Gina, Jessenia was supported in her transition to her new home, community, and was the lead in creating a plan for Jessenia to thrive in her new environment.
Most recently, Gina accompanied Jessenia on a trip to Atlantic City. Jessenia expressed that she had saved enough money to take a vacation. Gina supported Jessenia in planning a vacation. Jessenia picked a date, booked her room, and made plans for the weekend with the help of her team.
A month after planning the trip, Jessenia and Gina drove to Atlantic City about a month later to enjoy a weekend of fun, food, and relaxation. Together they enjoyed the Showboat Hotel and Casino, the beach, the boardwalk theme park, the casino, shopping at the outlets, and dinner at The Hard Rock Café!
Jessenia is already planning her next trip with the hopes that she and Gina could duplicate their fun while on the boardwalk of Atlantic City.
For more information on the JEVS Lifesharing program, and how to become a program Participant or Lifesharer, click here.
For the fourth and final episode of the series, AL DÍA delves into the cycle of gun violence Black and Latino youth fall into that is fostered by Philly’s poor education system and marginalized economy.
As published by AL DÍA
Many Philly youth feel without options regarding the future however another option some can find success in is in the trades. Sylvia Ocasio is the Program Manager of Project WOW at JEVS Human Services. There Philadelphia youth obtain their GEDS and can get certified in any number of building trades to start their careers.
“We give young adults ages 18 to 24 an opportunity to come back to school to obtain a high school diploma but to also learn a skill in the trades,” said Ocasio. “What they want to leave behind is failure. What they want to leave behind is what didn’t work. What they want to leave behind is that their lives weren’t working because they didn’t do what they were supposed to do to succeed.”
“That’s the kitchenette for employee at play lounge actually.” One of those young people who wanted to leave their lives behind was Wilson. Caught in the cycle Philly’s poor education system and job market until he found purpose and Project WOW.
“After I got locked up I’m just like what am I gonna do, you know? And that’s why I decided to go to my GED program you know I need to develop some type of skills because I can’t make it out here you know as a felon. I was on house arrest so I was very limited on what I could do and I was just a lost kid. So you know finding a project where I kind of changed my life and I don’t got to turn to the streets for nothing. So that’s what the problem is a lot of the kids they have no skills to do anything so they turn to the streets and you know the streets drag you in and once you’re in the streets it’s hard to get out. I give up all the money in the street right now to do what I do now you know what I mean. I don’t care about nothing like that anymore it’s a totally different ball game now because you know I got kids to live for and I learned that the hard way you know. I proved them right, so now at the end of the day I’m sitting here in a jail cell by myself nobody to back me you know what I’m saying. When in reality all I needed was myself to believe in myself.”
E3 provides education, employment, and empowerment services for out-of-school youth and young adults in Philadelphia. With 46 program completions so far this year, E3 Director, Jamaine Jackson reflects on recent successes of program participants.
Jiana came to JEVS E3 at the age of 17 and ended up becoming our E3 superstar. As someone who moved around a lot, she kept having to start at the beginning of earning credits toward her high school diploma. Due to her transitions, Jiana decided to pursue her GED instead of going through traditional schooling. Everything was going smoothly for Jiana until the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Unfortunately, programming shifted into shut down with the city and all classes were forced to distant learning instead of in-person instruction. This process was new to the program and a shock to the participants. Nevertheless, Jiana didn’t allow this adversity to discourage her progression.
During the Pandemic, Jiana continued to pursue her GED and also took the role of an internship within our program during a Paid Work Experience (PWE) position to become a North Star Digital Literacy Proctor and a Youth Navigator for JEVS E3 Services. Jiana continued to empower herself by obtaining 25 additional certifications utilizing her own research of Digital Literacy trainings while earning and learning to pay for her GED exams independently with her PWE money earned to accommodate taking her exams at home. Jiana’s determination and dedication towards her education qualified her to earn her free college credits after successfully passing her GED exams.
As a graduate, Jiana was also a great asset to the programming by assisting other members of JEVS’ E3 Services during the pandemic as a Peer Mentor/Ambassador. Subsequently, her leadership qualities and experience in the program, led her to create an E3 Newsletter called “Our Voices” for her peers to be recognized for their achievements and provide a platform for young people’s voices to be heard. Jiana was the Executive Editor and delegated new roles and opportunities for other E3 members to participate. Jiana is currently working at a large international company as a Bilingual Customer Service Representative. Her initial goal was to pursue a career in acting – her next step is taking acting classes while working on her admissions to NYU as her dream is to work with Tyler Perry.
Chris came to JEVS’ E3 Services in early July to obtain his high school diploma. He just made the deadline due to our program eligibility requirements and his tenure at previous facilities. Early on, Chris felt devalued by the Philadelphia School District, and even by other educational programs. He didn’t believe he received the attention needed to develop the skills to obtain his diploma nor did he gain access to the support and resources to help him complete his goals. JEVS’ E3 Services was able to provide the guidance to support his reading difficulties and connect him to resources such as our partner program, the Center for Literacy, to assist. Chris would receive tutoring four days a week to work on skills building for reading and math. Then after a few months, he was ready to make significant strides towards obtaining his high school diploma.
He began Penn Foster High School, an online accelerated curriculum program with blended learning programs is a self-paced and accessible to bring education that builds career growth and confidence with flexibility. With the challenges and barriers, he faced in the educational system, JEVS provided Chris an opportunity to enroll into this program for free. Even though it had been years since Chris was enrolled in high school, Penn Foster still accepted the credits from his previous schooling, and he was able to be empowered to push through any adversities with the support of our staff. Chris also worked diligently for two months, utilizing the skills he had developed during our programming, and completed his course work on Christmas Day. Chris’ next steps, as a graduate, are to pursue a career within the automotive technology industry while E3 is providing the essential tools to succeed in his chosen career pathway.
Representatives from JEVS Human Services and Ann Kids Child Care Center attend the Governor’s Employer Award luncheon on May 4, 2022 in Hershey, PA.
Ann Kids Child Care Center was lauded with a 2022 Employer Honor Roll Award at the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association’s 38th Annual Conference held May 4-6, at Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA.
The Governor’s Achievement Awards recognize exceptional employers and training providers that promote outstanding hiring and workforce development practices. Ann Kids Child Care Center was nominated by the JEVS Center for New Americans (CNA) for their ongoing commitment to provide job opportunities for refugees.
A unique place for children in the heart of Northeast Philadelphia, Ann Kids Child Day Care Center was founded in 2007 by Anna and Lev Breyman, their children Maria and Ilya, and Anna’s mother Gita Minkovich – three-generations of educators, former JEVS clients, and TANF recipients, who came to the United States as refugees from the former Soviet Union.
The Breymans started Ann Kids Child Day Care Center with only two children and has grown their business to become one of the largest bilingual day care centers in Northeast Philadelphia, with the remarkable capacity to serve 500 children between two locations. Designated with a 4 STAR rating in 2016 by the Pennsylvania Quality Rating System under the Keystone STARS program, Ann Kids is well-known for their variety of programs, such as, nursery, preschool, kindergarten, after-school program, and summer camp that prepares children for success in early education and helps them learn to become productive members of the community.
The JEVS Center for New Americans has developed a long history of employment support with Ann Kids Child Day Care Center. As Covid-19 permeated throughout society and we were faced with an unprecedented time, JEVS CNA assisted Ann Kids Child Day Care Center with their hiring needs. Most recently, the Center for New Americans referred two refugees from Ukraine to work as teacher’s aides at Ann Kids Child Day Care Center. To date, Ann Kids Child Day Care Center has hired nine refugee clients from the JEVS Center for New Americans and is ready to continue their support of our refugee community by offering various employment opportunities.
Continuing to work in such capacities, they have been promoted and earned pay raises on more than one occasion. The company pays $22.00 per hour, provides employees with great benefits, such as, health insurance, 401-k (6% matching), college tuition assistance, paid time off, paid sick time, paid holidays, paid emergency closing, and free lunches. Ann Kids has established a family-like work environment, where everyone is treated with love and respect.
JEVS Center for New Americans is proud to have Ann Kids Child Day Care Center as a member of our refugee-friendly employer network.
Presented during the Governor’s Employer Award Luncheon, watch the meaningful acceptance speech from Maria, daughter of Anna and Lev Breyman, founders of Ann Kids Child Care Center:
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The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals’ (NADSP) E Badge Academy, gives DSPs the chance to earn up to three levels of DSP certifications.
