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JEVS Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) Earn Credentials and Demonstrate Excellence

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By JEVS Staff

Congratulations to JEVS Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) on their DSP I, DSP II, DSP III, and Front-Line Supervisor certifications! These certification courses test how a DSP responds to different situations. At JEVS, many DSPs complete additional training to gain these certifications. Front-Line Supervisor training focuses on leadership and professional development geared toward supporting DSPs in the field.

JEVS DSPs go beyond caregiving and manage many responsibilities to support people every day. They help with daily tasks like getting dressed, eating, and cleaning. They provide support for going to appointments and taking medication. DSPs also organize rides for outings and activities, and they encourage being part of the community. They are there 24/7 to ensure the individuals they serve feel safe and respected while maintaining their independence. 

Congratulations to these DSPs and Front-Line Supervisors on achieving their certifications!

DSP – I Certification 

Joseph Gaines
Itallia Merriweather
Kristan Samuels
Felicia Coley
Tanya Brown
Nicole Bell

DSP – II Certification 

Ngozi (Jane) Odor
Jamar Clark
Michael Barnett
Warren Akers
Erica Bantum

DSP – III Certification 

Kharriyyah Tumaini
Jennie Redman
Barbara Williams
Chinyere Mbah
Temika Pearson
Luis Santos Barreto
James Hunt
Nikkia Williams
Karen Jones
Gianna McCallough
Iesha Thompson
Rosemary ThankGod
Naiya Messam
Faith Oyugi
Robin Weaver-Olabode
Elizabeth Oglesby
Rabi Umoru

Front-Line Supervisor Certification

Kendorra Brown
Laurie Sanders
Pam Williams
Maria Ellison 
Kelley McCormick
Glecina Bethea-Tumaini
Gianna McCallough
Keisha Caldwell
Jason Tadlock
Lawrence Harrington

Become a Direct Support Professional at JEVS!

Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are an essential part of providing care and independence for JEVS clients with disabilities. Join the JEVS team as a DSP and choose from full-time, part-time, or weekend shifts. Click here to learn more.

C2L-PHL Behind the Scenes: Maniya’s Amazing Experience

Posted on by Cassandra DeMas

Career Connected Learning Philadelphia (C2L-PHL) is a life-changing experience for many young Philadelphians. Maniya, a C2L-PHL participant this Fall, said the program brought her meaningful personal growth. She added, “it helped me build my skills, build my communication, and be an independent young woman.”  

Maniya took part in C2L-PHL through the provider Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) at one of PYN’s partner sites, Bebashi Transition to Hope. Angela Ayukachale, Senior Hunger Relief Outreach Specialist at Bebashi, spoke highly of Maniya. “She can do the job and is equipped to manage all scenarios that have been thrown at her. We’ve had difficult clients; we’ve had pressured situations where you have to hurry up and work. And she was not deterred by that. She managed it with grace.” 

C2L-PHL offers young Philadelphians the opportunity to get paid to learn. The goal is to prepare participants for success by building strong skills and confidence. No matter which program young people join. “The first day I was nervous because it was so busy,” said Maniya, “and it’s still busy, but now I’m used to it.” You would never guess she ever felt nervous given her confidence today! 

Young people like Maniya at Bebashi are gaining experience that will serve them well in the future while also supporting the health and well-being of their community. 

Bebashi offers a wide range of services, including food and nutrition support, health and wellness resources, and more. Philadelphia Youth Network participants placed at Bebashi help out at the food pantry. Young people at Bebashi really do it all—they check guests in, assist them as they shop, check out their groceries, and more. 

While C2L-PHL participants are young, Angela knows they can handle important tasks. “It’s invaluable to have real world experience and real-world expectations,” she said. “They can take this back to school, they can take this back home and be like ‘people count on me, they rely on me’.” 

Maniya is doing amazing work and growing as an individual as well as a young professional. Angela said, “My goal is to train her well, so she feels comfortable and let her thrive.” Maniya is doing just that—thriving while helping others in her community. 

To stay updated on all things C2L-PHL, join our mailing list.  

A Second Summer of Success with C2L-PHL

Posted on by Cassandra DeMas

Career Connected Learning Philadelphia (C2L-PHL) had a second great summer of learning and growth! The program, which began in 2024, kept growing in 2025 with tremendous learning opportunities for its young participants. 

This summer, C2L-PHL teamed up with 53 non-profit groups that help young people learn new skills. Some programs engaged directly with participants for the entire summer. Others partnered with local businesses to give youth hands-on experiences. Young people took part at 550 different sites around Philadelphia. 

In all, more than 7,000 young Philadelphians aged 12-24 joined the program! 

These young people in C2L-PHL got paid to learn. That’s one of the best parts of the program! This summer, about $8.5 million went to young Philadelphians. That money supported students, helped families, and boosted the local economy. Above all, it gave young people a chance to focus on their career growth. 

Altogether, participants spent 864,511 hours gaining experience this summer! They used this time to build a strong start for their future careers. Along with hands-on learning, they also took part in helpful training. Topics included money management, good professional habits, and physical and emotional health. 

At summer’s end, the students took part in a survey to offer their feedback. They shared that they learned important money skills, like how to save, make a budget, and spend wisely. Most people said they felt satisfied with their experience.  

We shared these results at the C2L-PHL Summer 2025 Provider Convening, held on October 16, 2025. At the event, we took time to celebrate the amazing providers who make C2L-PHL happen. We also shared our successes from the summer and discussed the ways we plan to keep growing and improving C2L-PHL programming.  

This summer was a big success for C2L-PHL, and there’s more to come! Sign up for the mailing list to stay in the loop.

Congrats, JEVS Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), on your achievements!

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By JEVS Staff

Congratulations to JEVS Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) on their DSP I, DSP II, and DSP III certifications! These certification courses test how a DSP responds to different situations. At JEVS, many DSPs complete additional training to gain these certifications. JEVS DSPs go beyond caregiving and manage many responsibilities. 

DSPs do many important things to support people every day. They help with daily tasks like getting dressed, eating, and cleaning. They provide support for going to appointments and taking medication. DSPs also organize rides for outings and activities, and they encourage being part of the community. They are there 24/7 to support individuals, making sure they feel safe and respected while maintaining their independence. 

Congratulations to these DSPs on achieving their certifications!

DSP – I Certification 

Nicole Bell
Tanya Brown
Felicia Coley
Itallia Merriweather
Kristan Samuels

DSP – II Certification 

Warren Akers
Erica Bantum
Michael Barnett
Jamar Clark
Ngozi (Jane) Odor

DSP – III Certification 

Luis Santos Barreto
James Hunt
Karen Jones
Chinyere Mbah
Gianna McCallough
Naiya Messam
Elizabeth Oglesby
Robin Weaver-Olabode
Faith Oyugi
Temika Pearson
Jennie Redman
Rosemary ThankGod
Iesha Thompson
Rabi Umoru
Barbara Williams
Nikkia Williams

Become a Direct Support Professional at JEVS!

Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are an essential part of providing care and independence for JEVS clients with disabilities. Join the JEVS team as a DSP and choose from full-time, part-time, or weekend shifts. Click here to learn more.

Spotlight: Working with the Bank of America Student Leaders®

Posted on by Cassandra DeMas

Career Connected Learning Philadelphia (C2L-PHL) gives young people ages 12-24 a chance to get paid while they learn. This summer, C2L-PHL also worked with the Bank of America Student Leaders® program. Five interns helped behind the scenes to make C2L-PHL a success.

While the interns want different future jobs, they all want the same thing now—to get real work experience. Barakey, an incoming freshman at the University of Pennsylvania, said, “I applied for the Bank of America internship because it offered a significant opportunity to experience real world work before starting college. I was also drawn to the chance to work at a nonprofit in my own community.”

Caring about the Philadelphia community has helped the interns succeed. Hana, a rising senior at Masterman School, said, “the rest of the Bank of America interns [and I] helped change the C2L application by making it more user-friendly.” Working at C2L-PHL meant they had to think about what other people needed in the application process

The interns didn’t just learn about working in an office. They also learned about building their careers. Alejandro, a rising senior at Friend’s Central School, said, “I learned how important networking is to create long lasting connections that will benefit my future. I gained valuable connections that I can use for a lifetime in the business world and outside.”

This internship was more than just something to do over the summer. The Bank of America Student Leaders® gained real experience helping their community, and it shaped how they see their futures. Isabella, an incoming senior at Carver High School, said, “it’s made me more interested in mission-driven work. Whether I go into finance or tech, I want to stay connected to projects that create real social value.”

The eight-week internship went by fast. Looking back on it, Ridham, a rising senior at Camden County Technical School, said, “From day one, the people were amazing, friendly, supportive, and welcoming, which made every day enjoyable. I learned important skills like time management, staying organized, paying attention to detail, and how teamwork makes a big difference.”

One thing is clear: these young leaders have bright futures. The JEVS C2L-PHL team is proud of them and excited to see what they do next.

C2L-PHL Program Spotlight: Discovery Pathways

Posted on by Cassandra DeMas

Career Connected Learning Philadelphia (C2L-PHL) helps young people in Philadelphia, ages 12 to 24, earn money while they learn. This summer, they’re teaming up with more than 50 groups across the city—including a partnership between SEAMAAC (Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition) and Discovery Pathways at FDR Park.

At Discovery Pathways, young people are getting paid to support and celebrate FDR Park. They learn about the park’s history, plants, and animals—then share what they’ve learned with others!

The leaders at Discovery Pathways guide nature walks, show people how to kayak and fish, and teach others to lead the program in the future. These young leaders don’t just help little kids—they also teach teens and adults. Brianna, a rising 10th grader at Gerard Academic Music Program, said, “Other people are not experienced with this knowledge, and I’m able to give them that knowledge, so hopefully they can share it with someone else.”

While they’re learning about the park, they’re also picking up important life skills. They’re becoming better at talking with others, teaching, and leading. Melissa, an incoming freshman at Temple University, shared, “[The program] really helped me open up, because I used to be quiet… we’ve learned a lot about public speaking, and it really helped me.”

They’re also getting ready for future careers by building their resumes and practicing interviews. Eh, a rising senior at Carver High School, said, “I’ve never done a real interview before, so I feel much more prepared for the future now.”

For many of these teens, FDR Park is more than just a fun place to learn—it’s a big part of their lives. They live nearby and have built strong friendships and community through the program. Chris, an upcoming 10th grader at Cappa High School, said that without C2L-PHL, “I’d be laying in bed on my phone and doing chores. I’m really happy that I’m here, doing something outside and being productive.”

Want to stay in the loop? Sign up for our mailing list to hear about more C2L-PHL opportunities!

C2L-PHL Summer 2025 Kickoff: Urban Affairs Coalition

Posted on by Cassandra DeMas

Career Connected Learning Philadelphia (C2L-PHL) helps young people in Philadelphia, ages 12 to 24, get paid while they learn. This summer, young people are connecting with over 50 organizations across the city.

We visited some of the young people at the Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC). They were getting ready for a summer full of learning and new experiences.

At UAC, all students start with a week-long bootcamp. In this bootcamp, they learn important life and job skills. They talk about how to manage money, how to get ready for a job, career options, and more.

After bootcamp, each student is paired with a local business that fits their interests. UAC partners with over 100 businesses in many different fields. They get hands-on experience with businesses in health and beauty, banking, science and tech, social justice, and the arts.

Some students can even earn certifications! Some earn a cosmetology license or an OSHA safety certificate. These are great for building their resumes. Young people are getting paid while building skills for their future careers!

UAC is just one of more than 50 organizations that C2L-PHL works with during the summer. Every program is a little different, but all of them help young people in Philly learn, grow, and get paid.

Want to learn more? Sign up for our mailing list to hear about upcoming C2L-PHL opportunities!

It’s Time to Apply for C2L-PHL Summer 2025

Posted on by Cassandra DeMas

The application for Career Connected Learning Philadelphia, also known as C2L-PHL, is now open! This program is open to any Philadelphia resident aged 12-24.

C2L-PHL is a great chance for young Philadelphians who want to get paid to learn about careers and money management. There are so many opportunities, including internships, service learning, mentoring, and professional development.

The application will close on Sunday, May 18. Applications that are not completed by the deadline will not be considered, so start working on the application today!

Apply Now!

To apply for C2L-PHL, youth will need to answer some questions and submit a few documents. These documents are needed to verify applicants’ identity and eligibility. All documents will be kept private and secure.

Applicants will need to submit a document from List A and one from List B below. Additional documents may be needed on a case-by-case basis.

  1. Social Security Number
  • Social Security Card
  • Social Security Benefits Documents
  • Pay Stub/W2
  • Social Security Number Notification Letter/Printout
  • Employment Records
  1. Identity/Age (12-24 Years Old)
  • Birth Certificate
  • S. Passport
  • Driver’s License
  • Federal, State, or Local Government ID
  • Work Permit
  • School Records/School ID
  • Baptismal Certificate (if place of birth is shown)
  • Hospital Record of Birth (if full name is shown)

*Additional documents may be needed in some cases.

A Summer of Growth: The C2L-PHL Experience

Posted on by Cassandra DeMas

Career Connected Learning Philadelphia (C2L-PHL) offers Philadelphians between the ages of 12 and 24 the opportunity to get paid to learn about career options. Keep reading to learn about one of the many C2L-PHL programs across the city.

One of our program providers this coming summer is CORA Services. The CORA program is for young people from the ages of 12-14, hosted in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. We got to hear from Amiya about her experience with CORA las summer.

My name is Amiya, and I would like to share my experience with the CORA Services C2L-PHL middle school program. I would describe my time in the program as fun, scary, life-changing as well as a time to remember. I started the program when I was 12 and I am now 14.

When I first started, I was timid and closed off, I did not know anybody, and I did not know my surroundings. But the teachers there made it very easy for me to get comfortable. I have now made amazing bonds and relationships. Throughout my time in the C2L-PHL program, I have been on various college trips such as Cheney, Widener, LaSalle, and many more.

Being in C2L-PHL has given me a chance to learn how to manage money. We would have people from banks and other professions come and talk about their time and experiences working at their jobs. Being a part of C2L-PHL and being with other students helped me learn teamwork and leadership skills for the real world.

All the teachers, site directors and students have helped me come out of my shell. They have all helped me learn and experience new things, they’ve helped me grow as a person and helped me break down what I want to be in life.

I have seen and heard about many professions, so I know when I grow up, I would like to work in the medical field as a nurse or doctor working with kids. I would like to thank everybody at the C2L-PHL program for my experiences and all the help they gave me.

Without my time in the program, I don’t know if I would have the tough skin I do now or if I would have the experience I do. Being exposed to colleges and financial literacy is something people my age don’t get to do.

I take pride that I worked this summer and was able to not only earn money but understand the importance of saving.

To close out I would like to say thank you for everything and I hope the program continues so other kids get to experience it.

If you would like to learn about how you can be a part of C2L-PHL this summer, come visit us on Saturday, April 26 at the 3rd Annual Parent & Youth Resource Fair. The resource fair is a great opportunity to learn about some of the resources and programs available to support young people and families in Philadelphia.

We also invite you to join our mailing list to get notified when applications open.

Congrats, JEVS Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), on your achievements!

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By JEVS Staff

Congratulations to JEVS Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) on their DSP I, DSP II, and DSP III certifications! These certification courses test how a DSP responds to different situations. At JEVS, many DSPs complete additional training to gain these certifications. JEVS DSPs go beyond caregiving and manage many responsibilities. 

DSPs do many important things to support people every day. They help with daily tasks like getting dressed, eating, and cleaning. They provide support for going to appointments and taking medication. DSPs also organize rides for outings and activities, and they encourage being part of the community. They are there 24/7 to support individuals, making sure they feel safe and respected while maintaining their independence. 

Congratulations to these DSPs on achieving their certifications!

DSP – I Certification 

Chinyere Mbah

DSP – II Certification 

Michael Barnett

To learn more about JEVS Home Care and Residential Services, click here.  

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