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Project WOW: Transforming Young Lives in Philadelphia

Posted on by Erin Giberson

For more than 30 years, Sylvia Ocasio has been a dedicated champion for young people in Philadelphia through her work at JEVS Human Services (JEVS). In her role, she provides crucial support to youth and teens dealing with tough situations like an unstable home life and previous involvement with the justice system.

At JEVS’ Project WOW (World of Work), Sylvia works closely with these young adults. Each one gets a personalized plan to meet their needs and goals. Sylvia and her team are always there to help, and many participants appreciate the level of support they receive. Nafesse, a Project WOW graduate now working in JEVS’ IT department said, “they never once gave up on me.”

Project WOW is open to Philadelphia residents between 16-24 and is free for those who qualify. Individuals can earn a high school diploma and certifications in skilled fields such as property maintenance or information technology (IT). After completing the Project WOW program, graduates often find jobs in their chosen fields or continue their CTE training at Orleans Technical College.

Sylvia creates a safe and welcoming space where these young adults can consider alternative paths to a more stable future. Having grown up in the same Philadelphia neighborhood as many Project WOW participants, Sylvia understands their challenges. Her journey at JEVS began with mentorship, and now she pays it forward by offering life-changing support and opportunities to others. For her, it starts with helping them feel comfortable in a learning environment. She sincerely believes in each participant and says, “they’re all my favorite.”

For young adults without high school diplomas or job prospects, JEVS and Sylvia Ocasio make all the difference. Sylvia’s work reflects the power of mentorship, resilience, and commitment. Through her guidance and shared experience, she empowers young adults to create a brighter future, showing that with the right support, they can achieve big goals.

Work Ready Thanksgiving Holiday Giveaway

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By Rossella A.

At JEVS Human Services Work Ready, we are deeply committed to serving single parents living under the poverty line. The holiday season can be particularly challenging for these individuals, as they strive to create memorable experiences for their children with limited funds.

Our goal is to alleviate these pressures, allowing our participants to enjoy the holiday season without the worry of how they will feed their families.

Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway

This year, we hosted our annual Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway. The event was expertly organized by our Resource Coordinator, Nicole Quann, with items generously donated by the Columbus Construction Company LLC and our dedicated Work Ready staff. Each bag included ingredients for classic American side dishes and a $25 Giant Supermarket gift card to purchase a Turkey.

We were thrilled to assist 51 families in total. Despite initially having only 50 bags available, we managed to provide an extra, last-minute holiday bag to an additional family. One participant expressed their gratitude, saying, “I had no idea how I was going to make Thanksgiving dinner for my family this year because I could not afford it.” This feedback underscores the significant impact a single event can have on our clients.

A member of The Columbus Construction Team reflected on the event, stating, “Small actions, big impact. We’re not just building structures; we’re building stronger bonds with our community. Grateful for the chance to give back and spread some holiday warmth!”

These moments motivate us to continue finding ways to better serve and support our community. Nicole shared her thoughts, saying, “When people are going through difficult situations, it is not what you say, it is how you make a person feel through your actions. Seeing the families’ reactions is enough to let me know that I am here for a reason.”

At Jevs Work Ready, we believe in the power of small actions to create big impacts.

Emergency Food Resources

If you or someone you know needs emergency food resources, there are several options across the Philadelphia Area. For more information, please scan the provided QR code.

If you want to see more about Columbus Construction LLC’s service to the local community, click this link to follow and like their Facebook page. 

Kick Off the New Year with a New Skill

Posted on by Jade Daniels

By Jade D. 

Are you interested in gaining a skill or earning a certification in 2024? Do you want free resources to help you land a new job? 

JEVS Human Services (JEVS) has healthcare, IT, and trades programs to help you achieve your education and career goals. Upcoming programs beginning in January include: 

Healthcare Courses 

Phlebotomy offered by JEVS EduConnect 

Sterile Processing Technician offered by JEVS EduConnect

Information Technology Certifications  

Google Certificate offered by JEVS EduConnect 

CompTia A+ offered by JEVS EduConnect 

Information Technology training offered by JEVS IT Pre-Apprenticeship

Trades Programs 

Property Maintenance and Repair offered by JEVS Project WOW 

8-Month HVAC Program (Day) offered by Orleans Technical College 

Contact us today and start planning for your new year! 

Career Opportunities with JEVS’ EduConnect: Tamika’s Success Story

Posted on by Erin Giberson

Since 2018, JEVS’ EduConnect program has been helping people access affordable education. They offer a range of courses, certificates, and degrees to improve job opportunities for individuals. EduConnect’s flexibility and personalized support make it accessible to people with different needs and goals.

About EduConnect

EduConnect is a program that helps people begin or advance in growing career fields. It offers in-demand certifications and different learning options, including online classes. It also provides one-on-one guidance throughout the educational journey.

EduConnect’s success coaches maintain regular contact with participants through phone calls or text messages. They also assist in connecting students with community resources like childcare and transportation. Additionally, EduConnect offers tutoring and encouragement to ensure students stay on track and succeed in their education.

Tamika’s EduConnect Experience

Tamika learned about EduConnect through a referral from the Work Ready staff. The program’s flexibility allowed her to balance her studies with her existing commitments, while the dedicated support from her success coach proved invaluable. The practical experience she gained during her externship prepared her well for her current job.

After successfully completing her coursework and gaining 400 hours of experience at Greater Philadelphia Health Action (GPHA), a dental center, Tamika received an exciting job offer. She is now a full-time Sterilization Technician at GPHA.

Tamika’s story reflects her hard work and EduConnect’s support. Now she’s continuing to motivate others to build a career path through education available at JEVS.

Learn More about EduConnect

Tamika’s success story is one of many that show the positive impact of EduConnect. It’s more than just an educational program; it’s an opportunity to create a career and life path. To learn more about EduConnect, click this link to visit the program website, or contact the EduConnect team.

Career Development Resources at JEVS

Posted on by Jade Daniels
By Jade D.

November is National Career Development Month, for people to assess their current positions and think about their future professional goals.  

JEVS Human Services (JEVS) has several programs that help individuals gain skills and find employment. Our career development resources include: 

JEVS Career Solutions for 55+ provides one-on-one career counseling for mature jobseekers in Philadelphia. 

JEVS Career Strategies uses personal career coaching, assessments, computer training, and workshops to help individuals find and secure jobs.  

JEVS Center for New Americans provides job training and employment coaching to refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking through comprehensive programming. 

JEVS hireAbility offers employment services that help individuals with disabilities, mental health needs, or substance use disorders get employed and be active in their communities. 

Helping Hands offers help to Jewish community members who are looking for a new job.  

PA CareerLink® helps individuals learn new skills like how to write a resume, prepare for an interview, and maintain steady employment. 

Work Ready provides employment services to individuals who receive TANF and SNAP assistance through a team of dedicated case coordinators. 

To learn more about career development opportunities at JEVS, visit the link here and get started! 

From Apprentice to Employee: Meet Nafesse

Posted on by Jade Daniels

By Jade D.

JEVS Project WOW is all about getting young adults, ages 16-24, ready for exciting jobs in the building trades and information technology. It’s done through teaching important skills, helping with professional growth, and making sure they earn a high school diploma or something similar. Project WOW is here to support them in reaching their education and job goals. 

We had a great talk with Nafesse not too long ago about his experience with Project WOW and how it paved the way for his role at JEVS. 

Why did you enroll in JEVS Project WOW? 

I enrolled in JEVS Project WOW because I was lost and didn’t know how to further my life and career. When I was informed that JEVS was enrolling students into their IT Pre-Apprenticeship program, I figured I could go and get the foundational knowledge to pursue a great career in IT.   

What impact has the program had on you personally and professionally? 

After completing the Project WOW Pre-Apprenticeship, I was opened to the broad and extensive path in the Information Technology space. I interviewed with JEVS and became an Intern, which led me to my current Junior Help Desk Analyst role 5 months later.  

 What advice do you have for someone thinking about enrolling in WOW? 

The advice I would give a student enrolling into JEVS Project WOW would be to stay vigilant and open-minded with the intent to learn as much as you can. There’s so much to take from this program, and it can help you become the best you can be going forward.  

What career opportunities do you have now? 

I now have a Junior Help Desk role here at JEVS Human Services with space to grow my career and I can say I am honored to be an apprentice of JEVS Project WOW. 

Learn more about enrolling in JEVS Project WOW by clicking here. 

People of JEVS: Meet Carmen

Posted on by Jade Daniels
By Jade D.

At JEVS Human Services (JEVS) we pride ourselves on not only helping those we serve to reach their goals, but also in finding, keeping, and nurturing outstanding staff members! 

Our employees range from Direct Support Professionals (DSP) and job coaches to communications specialists and accounting professionals, all with a common goal to give excellent service and support.  

Recently, our Help Desk Manager Carmen G. shared about his JEVS’ experience, tech advice, and surprising career background! 

How long have you been with JEVS? 

I have been working for JEVS since December 2021, just under two years.  

What attracted you to your role and JEVS? 

Up until my employment at JEVS, my IT career was in the private sector, but I was interested in succeeding at a nonprofit agency. I did some research and was attracted to the great work JEVS was doing.  I have to say without hesitation that working at JEVS has been an incredible journey so far. The people I work with and support here are true heroes. JEVS is also invests in its employees and encourages us to grow and succeed. I have been active in joining various JEVS committees and was also selected to participate in the Leadership Development Series.  

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in a career in IT? 

A couple of things come to mind; technology is always evolving and changing quickly, so if you want to succeed in IT, commit yourself to being a lifelong learner. Complacency can turn you into a “dinosaur” quickly, especially in the IT industry.  When faced with technical or customer support challenges (and you will be), look at the bigger picture and be curious. Being curious changes your perspective and helps alleviate any anxiety or stress. Focus on a resolution and communicate with the end user and your team, instead of predicting a negative outcome. Make sure that you surround yourself with a great team and ask for help. Lastly, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, you are going to make them, so don’t get discouraged; instead learn from them. 

 

If you’re interested in a rewarding career, view our current job listings by clicking here.  

Supporting Inclusion in the Workplace

Posted on by Erin Giberson

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! Every year, we celebrate the hard work of employees with disabilities and work to make sure that everyone, no matter their abilities, can be a part of our workplaces. 

This year, we’re also marking 50 years since the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 became a law. This important rule makes it illegal to treat people with disabilities unfairly at work. This year’s theme is all about making sure everyone gets a fair chance at work – now and moving forward. 

While we celebrate how far we’ve come, we’re also committed to making sure that everyone has an equal opportunity to find and keep a job. 

What is NDEAM? 

NDEAM stands for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. It’s a national campaign that happens every October in the United States. The history of this event goes back to 1945 when Congress declared the first week of October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” It has since grown to include all types of disabilities and now lasts for the whole month. 

This yearly campaign reminds businesses that they have a responsibility to make their workplaces fair and diverse. It also gives them resources and ideas to support NDEAM throughout the year. 

When organizations create places where everyone can do well, it helps us reach our full potential, work together better, and grow. 

How Can You Support NDEAM? 

You don’t need to be an employer to help NDEAM. Here are some ways individuals can get involved: 

  • Educate Yourself: Learn about what it’s like for people with disabilities at work. Understand their rights and why it’s important to have workplaces that are open and welcoming to everyone. 
  • Advocate: Speak up for hiring practices that include people with disabilities in your community. Encourage local businesses to think about hiring people with disabilities. 
  • Volunteer: Many organizations and charities focus on disability awareness and advocacy. They can use your help, whether it’s offering your time or skills. Your support can make a big difference. 
  • Raise Awareness: Share information about NDEAM and why it’s important to have inclusive workplaces with your friends, family, and on social media. Just spreading the word can make a difference. 
  • Support Inclusive Brands: When you shop or choose services, consider businesses that are known for being inclusive and for employing people with disabilities. 
  • From Celebration to Action 

National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time to celebrate the special skills and contributions of people with disabilities at work. By promoting inclusive workplaces and fighting for equal opportunities, we can create places where everyone can succeed. This NDEAM, let’s work together to make our workplaces open and supportive for all people! 

Employee Town Halls with CEO Cynthia Figueroa

Posted on by Erin Giberson

JEVS Human Services (JEVS) President and CEO Cynthia Figueroa had Town Hall meetings with JEVS employees to celebrate all the good things and important milestones achieved in the programs and groups during the last year. These meetings also gave the staff a chance to get to know each other better. In total, 500 employees joined these meetings, both online and in-person!

Cynthia was thrilled to hear so many staff members share their experiences. She asked everyone to answer the question, who is JEVS? Everyone gave excellent responses, including: JEVS is “humanitarian gladiators!” Other answers were: “JEVS is a large social services agency that helps individuals meet their life goals and live independently.” “JEVS recognizes that everyone deserves to live with dignity.” “JEVS is an opportunity provider.” 

She also went over big wins for the organization for the past year, including the following: 

  • JEVS Community Living and Home Supports division expanded its work to Trenton, NJ 
  • The Diversion and Reentry Services program within JEVS’ Workforce Development division also expanded its reach. The Choice is Yours program, a diversion program for first time nonviolent drug offenders ages 18-24, opened a second office in Montgomery County, PA.  
  • Orleans Technical College, JEVS’ vocational training school added Health Care Training to its suite of training offerings. 

Staff Town Halls are one way that JEVS continues to improve the collaboration and integration of its programs and services.  

For more information on our programs, please visit www.jevs.org. 

Congratulating JEVS Employees on Milestone Achievements

Posted on by Erin Giberson

At JEVS Human Services, many of the nearly 2,000 employees are long-standing. Whether they’ve been here for a few years or a few decades, JEVS staff is dedicated to helping people get education, jobs, and vital services.

To honor 27 employees reaching 20, 25, 30, or 35 years of service, JEVS held its Milestone Recognition Event at the Duke & Duke Boardroom in Philadelphia. 

Giving the opening remarks, JEVS President and CEO Cynthia Figueroa emphasized, “it really is the people of JEVS that makes JEVS so extraordinary and special.”

Direct managers for the honorees gave introductions and presented the milestone awards.

Speaking of her experience, honoree Eleanor of JEVS Lifesharing program said, “I love what I do. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but JEVS.”

Darlene, of JEVS Community Living and Home Services (CLHS) division, added, “I want to thank JEVS for allowing me to come in 35 years ago and be part of the family. I love the people I work with and the people I serve.”

Following the ceremony, everyone enjoyed a reception, sharing memories and expressing gratitude for working at JEVS.

Congratulations to these employees for their dedication and service!

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