The Choice is Yours (TCY), a program of JEVS Human Services (JEVS), celebrated 12 graduates who earned their high school diplomas. TCY supports individuals with a first-time nonviolent felony drug offense by helping them overcome barriers to success and employment. For many, this diploma is a crucial step toward career readiness and breaking the cycle of poverty.
Congratulations to the graduates!
Watch the feature about the JEVS TCY graduation at 14:00.
The 15-month program beginning this Fall, will train the Philadelphia region’s next generation of construction managers, putting them on track to earn a six-figure salary in the fastest-growing occupation
Philadelphia, PA (July 9, 2024) Orleans Technical College, a program of JEVS Human Services (JEVS), has announced the launch of a new Associate Degree in Specialized Business (ASB) – Construction Management program. Through the help of JEVS strong partnerships, this program will help connect individuals in the Greater Philadelphia region to high-paying jobs with economic mobility, within a little over a year. This extends upon Orleans Technical College and JEVS commitment to promoting economic stability in the region through expanding offerings for high-demand careers, including Orleans Technical College’s recent healthcare expansion.
The courses will be hybrid with technical courses held at Orleans Technical College, located in Northeast Philadelphia, and general education courses held online. Over 15 months, students will study blueprint reading, estimating, business law, and more. They will be prepared to plan and supervise construction projects, from start to finish. This program is an essential asset to the region, as the demand for construction managers is increasing faster than any other jobs by 2032 at 5% each year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In recent years, state and federal lawmakers have invested millions of dollars into repairs for roads, bridges, and infrastructure projects, making these jobs abundant and appealing for trades workers looking to upscale their careers without a 4-year degree. Students can graduate from this program and make upwards of $87,000 and eventually average 6 figures a year at around $130,000. This means construction work can help move Philadelphians from historically disadvantaged backgrounds to middle-class wages. The new ASB program will help create growth opportunities for individuals in our region and the overall construction industry.
Orleans Technical College’s new ASB program will provide training for Philadelphians and surrounding county residents to enter the workforce prepared to handle the full process of delivering a construction project to completion and boost their careers. Graduates of this program will be equipped to begin careers as construction managers, construction estimators, site inspectors, surveyors, and more.
“Orleans Technical College, of JEVS Human Services, is proud to launch this new ASB program, which solidifies our position as a leader in fueling a diverse pipeline for trades jobs that provide a career path for growth and economic mobility,” said JEVS President and CEO, Cynthia Figueroa.” “This program will be a game changer in the Greater Philadelphia region for years to come, through dually empowering the lives of individuals and filling in-demand careers in the construction industry. JEVS is proud to continue our mission in creating opportunities and paving the way to sustainable career paths to independence and economic security.”
Enrollment for the program is now open, with classes beginning in the fall. For more information visit the Orleans Technical College website.
ABOUT JEVS
JEVS Human Services (JEVS) has an 80+ year history in working with individuals to create sustainable paths to independence and economic security. JEVS’ vision is to help every person achieve personal independence and fulfillment. Our mission and vision reflect JEVS’ long-standing history of helping people connect to opportunity and cultivate independence.
Orleans Technical College, operated by JEVS Human Services, is an accredited, non-profit career training school. It prepares adults for careers in building trades and healthcare. Since 1974, Orleans Technical College has helped students move toward one common goal: learning new skills to enhance their success in the workforce. Orleans Technical College offers job training programs in building trades and healthcare.
Over thirty JEVS Work Ready graduates received their diplomas with family and friends in attendance. Congratulations to all the graduates!
Watch the feature about the JEVS Work Ready graduation at 19:50.
By Cassandra D.
Update: Applications for summer 2024 are closed.
Did you know you can get paid to explore career paths, grow your skills, and find new passions? If you’re 12-24 and live in Philadelphia, you can apply to Career Connected Learning PHL (C2l-PHL) today.
C2L-PHL works with organizations all over the city doing amazing things. Program options include opportunities in music, the arts, sports, the outdoors, and more. Program activities may include:
C2L-PHL is a great time to learn about the kind of jobs you like and discover your strengths. Programs will run from six to eight weeks over the summer. All participants will have the opportunity to earn a stipend of up to $1500.
If you’re interested in making the most of your summer, applying is easy. Browse the C2L-PHL Program Locator to find an open program near you. Once you’ve found an opportunity you like, click “APPLY” and fill out the survey to get started. After you’ve clicked “SUBMIT,” keep an eye out for an email with next steps to complete your application.
Summer is the season for fun and adventure, so take this time to start a journey of growth and self-discovery. You can even make friends and earn money along the way! Programs are filling up quickly, so start your application today. Don’t forget, you must follow the steps in your follow-up email to complete your application.
The application deadline for this summer is Friday, June 7, so be sure to apply before it’s too late! If you need help completing your application in a language other than English, please call (833) 750-5627.
By Erin G.
Thanks to our sponsors, attendees, volunteers, and staff, Grow with JEVS was a huge success! Held at Water Works in Philadelphia, this 2nd annual fundraising event consisted of a cocktail reception, dinner, and entertainment. Key speakers included Dan Fitzpatrick, Mid-Atlantic President of Citizens; Laurie Franz, Chair of JEVS Board of Directors; Cynthia Figueroa, JEVS President & CEO; Revena Washington, JEVS ambassador; and Heather Keafer, JEVS’ Chief of Communications & External Affairs. Among the distinguished guests were Pennsylvania State Senator Jimmy Dillon and Councilmember Rue Landau, who contributed to the festive atmosphere with their presence and support.
Emcee Heather Keafer led the opening presentation and highlighted JEVS accomplishments over the last year. Click here to see the JEVS video. Laurie Franz praised the opportunities that JEVS provides as it explores ways to expand its services. “As we address our communities’ most pressing challenges,” she said, “we must continue to grow our network, grow our partnerships, grow our services, and grow solutions.”
Cynthia Figueroa previewed JEVS strategic plan, to be unveiled in full later this summer. She addressed JEVS’ focus on increasing services to youth, growing healthcare programs, expanding geographically, and fostering financial stability. She also announced that, “just last week, JEVS was selected as one of four organizations globally for an investment from ServiceNow.”
JEVS is grateful to all the sponsors who supported Grow with JEVS – thank you! Citizens, presenting sponsor, continues its long-standing partnership with JEVS. Dan Fitzpatrick stressed the importance of a thriving Philadelphia workforce and a healthy local economy. He also emphasized the role that JEVS plays in providing vital services for the city.
Speaking of her personal and professional experience with JEVS over 15 years, Revena Washington gave a moving speech about the impact the organization has on individuals. From being a program participant to becoming an employee, Revena has earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and today is a Clinical Services Supervisor for JEVS. She specifically thanked the JEVS employees who supported and encouraged her: “they believed in the future me; embraced the current me; and helped me let go of the old me. They showed me that I had the ability to conquer the world.”
At JEVS, we continue working with individuals to create sustainable paths to independence and economic security.
However, we can’t do it alone. Your contribution, no matter the size, can make a significant difference in our ability to reach more people and create a lasting impact. When you donate today, you help JEVS provide services for more than 16,000 individuals every year. Together, we can help every person achieve personal independence and fulfillment.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to a memorable evening. Click here to see the event gallery. Be sure to follow @jevshumanservices for future updates, news, and ways to get involved!
By Erin G.
Dan Fitzpatrick, a commercial banking executive with over 25 years of experience, is the President of Citizens’ Mid-Atlantic Region. In this Q&A, Dan shares about Citizens’ role as the presenting sponsor of Grow with JEVS and the impact of this partnership on Philadelphia’s economic growth and community enrichment.
Through Citizens’ giving strategy, we support initiatives that lift people up, so that our local economies also succeed. Citizenship is at the heart of our company’s identity, and when people and communities reach their potential – we all thrive. By sponsoring Grow with JEVs, we can fund both JEVS’ mission and a convening event for influential leaders in Philadelphia.
Events like this shine a light on the needs and opportunities that exist within our city. And most importantly, what solutions JEVs brings to the table. While we celebrate their successes, it is also a call to action on what more needs to be done to help people reach their full potential.
We can’t solve community problems alone. We need to team up to provide multiple opportunities for people to succeed.
At Citizens, we believe that supporting workforce development is a key part of having a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive business environment and society. We believe that employed communities drive economies and lead to entrepreneurship.
By investing in job training and wrap around services, you’re helping to set people up for financial success, which in turn helps Philadelphia to thrive as an economy. And when our city succeeds – we all succeed.
With gratitude for Citizens’ support for Grow with JEVS, we acknowledge their pivotal role in fueling Philadelphia’s economic growth. JEVS remains steadfast in its mission to work with individuals to create sustainable paths to independence and economic security. Together, we establish lasting impact and build brighter futures for our community.
In today’s job market, job seekers who are older often face age discrimination. However, nearly 40% of employers prefer hiring older candidates. So, what’s behind this apparent contradiction?
According to Jackie Savoy and Sarah Goodman-Strong, counselors at JEVS Career Solutions for 55+, the issue is the technical skills required in job descriptions. Many jobs require savviness with newer technologies. That’s why continuous learning is vital. Staying current with training appeals to employers and boosts confidence, whether for full-time or part-time positions.
If you’re over 55 and are looking for your next position, now is the time to invest in yourself!
Join us for a free, virtual job search seminar, Strategies for Success, on Thursday, June 6th, from 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. Connect with your community and discover available training and resources for older adults. Learn about free career counseling, job search support, skills training for 55+, and computer classes.
Award-winning keynote speaker Michael Robinson, Director of Community Outreach and Hiring for the Lenfest Center at Temple University, is the keynote speaker. Participating agencies include JEVS Human Services, PA CareerLink, and the Mayor’s Commission on Aging, along with an age discrimination attorney and a panel discussion with local employers.
Attendees joining the live Zoom webinar will have the chance to win Amazon gift cards in drawings!
Save your spot for the virtual webinar: click this link to register.
JEVS Human Services works with individuals to create sustainable paths to independence and economic security. For over 80 years, JEVS has been providing jobs, education, and vital services. JEVS offers almost 40 programs in PA, DE, and NJ, and is an inclusive, equal-opportunity employer.
From Workforce Development to Career and Technical Education, Community Living and Home Support, and JEVS Care at Home, JEVS’ programs work together to help people meet their goals. Click this link to read more about available programs and review services.
Whether you’re passionate about providing support to individuals with disabilities, working with youth, or helping adults achieve their career goals, there’s a place for you at JEVS. Become part of a team dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Click this link to learn more about employment at JEVS and to explore current openings.
JEVS serves almost 16,000 individuals annually. Its programs range from career strategies to skills training and support services. JEVS sees a future where every person achieves personal independence and fulfillment. Through receiving services or working here, we invite you to join us.
The work at JEVS goes beyond providing exceptional care and support to our communities. It includes creating an environment where everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, can thrive. As a leading nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia, serving Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, we are committed to creating equal employment opportunities for all.
We firmly believe in the power of diversity and inclusivity. That is why we stand against any form of discrimination or harassment based on factors such as gender, age, race, color, religion, creed, sexual preference or orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military status, veteran status, handicap, disability, or membership in any other protected group. At JEVS, every individual is valued and respected.
In line with our commitment to fairness and equality, we adhere to the Fair Criminal Records Screening Standards Ordinance. This ensures that employment decisions are based on candidate qualifications and abilities, rather than any past experiences.
By joining JEVS, you become part of a team dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Whether you’re passionate about supporting individuals with disabilities, empowering at-risk youth, or helping adults achieve their career goals, there’s a place for you here.
We encourage interested individuals to explore the career opportunities available at JEVS Human Services. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, we offer positions across various departments and locations.
Join us in our mission to build a more inclusive and equitable society. Together, we can make a difference. Visit our website to learn more about our organization and current job opportunities.
By Ashley R.M.
“Diversity doesn’t look like anyone. It looks like everyone.” –Karen Draper
Celebrate Diversity Month encourages us to embrace our unique differences and recognize the commonalities that unite us.
The purpose of this month-long celebration is to promote acceptance, inclusion, and understanding of different cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives. It’s a time to recognize and honor the diversity of all people, including differences in culture, gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, age, religion, abilities, education level, and other aspects of diversity.
Most importantly, it is a time to reflect on our journey and recommit ourselves to creating more inclusive environments for all employees and the communities we serve.
At JEVS, we recognize Celebrate Diversity Month and are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.
