Archives: People

Meet Latasha, a senior HR manager and co-chair of the JEVS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council. She works with her Human Resources colleagues to help employees feel comfortable and supported at work. “At JEVS we understand that DEI is a HR function and it is also embedded in our strategic plan and our growth plan moving forward.”

Meet Ranee, our volunteer manager who oversees in-kind donations and organizing events to ensure all donations are distributed to the participants we serve. “We know we’ve made a difference when we are able to fill a need. Whether it’s a simple pair of socks, toothbrush, diapers, whatever that basic need may be, we can fill it.”

Meet Hamidou, lead IT instructor with JEVS IT Pre-Apprenticeship program. Hamidou and his team work to empower students through a unique six month program helping them to become Microsoft Office specialists and completing their A+ certifications at no cost. “Our trainings empower students to gain more knowledge for corporate America and their future careers.”

Meet Karen, an employment specialist for hireAbility in New Jersey, Karen’s goal is to Make Hope Happen for individuals with disabilities.

Meet Rodney, campus President at JEVS Orleans Technical College. In his role, he works to ensure that all departments are working together towards a common goal of serving our students and introducing them to the plentiful opportunities in the trades. “We make hope happen at Orleans Tech by fostering an environment that’s conducive to learning and ensuring that our students have the support they need to succeed.”

Meet Nicki Woods, executive director of workforce development and a member of JEVS’ Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion council. In her role she makes hope happen by contributing to the growth of programs and making connections to diversify our services. Nicki joined the DEI council to have a voice and contribute to broadening our reach, to network with her peers and staff from other programs, and to participate in this culture shift. “It’s important that we not only foster inclusion and belonging in everything we do but we also need to live and breathe it everyday.”

Meet Jian, the director of employment services at JEVS Work Ready program. In his role, he and his team provide a range of services to meet the needs of participants including access to education and training opportunities to move clients towards self-sufficiency. “I believe I make hope happen by connecting our clients and families to resources, education, and employment.”

Meet Don Brantley, Jr. a community employment specialist with JEVS hireAbility. In his role he searches for job opportunities for people from all walks of life including, job coaching, mentoring, assisting with job applications, and travel training. “If I can make a difference in someone’s day, I feel I have done my job.”

Meet Rabi, a direct support professional and apprentice alcohol and drug counselor who provides healing and promotes hope to her clients through actively listening, empathizing, and offering encouragement. Rabi puts herself in her clients’ shoes and listens to them the way she would want someone to listen to her. “I love my job because it is a call to service and an opportunity to make a difference.”

Rabi is the first employee at JEVS to complete the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals’ (NADSP) national certification program for direct support professionals working in community human services.

Meet Latanya the Director of Student Financial Services at JEVS’ Orleans Technical College where she has spent 20 years making hope happen for students and their families by guiding them through the process of obtaining state and federal funding for their educational career. “We educate the parents and the students…at Orleans Technical College it’s all about getting to know your students and making hope happen.”