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Tag: Work Ready

JEVS Work Ready Get Paid Work Experience through Glitter

Posted on by Rossella Alla

JEVS Work Ready and Glitter recently partnered to provide paid work experiences for individuals in the JEVS Work Ready program. Through this partnership, 1,200 city blocks were cleaned. Plus, 8 participants became permanent workers.

From April to June 2024, 19 clients from JEVS Work Ready got jobs cleaning up neighborhoods around Philadelphia. Work Ready is a JEVS program that offers resources and training to help move clients to a path of self-sufficiency. Glitter is a mission-driven company that hires cleaners to maintain residential blocks throughout the city. Through the Glitter partnership, clients earned $20 an hour to pick up litter from sidewalks, streets, and storm drains. Over this time, Glitter supervisors helped train clients to do a great job.

Emily, one of the Glitter supervisors, said leading the group was a great experience. “It was a privilege and an amazing experience,” she said. “Despite the weather, people kept their spirits up, and the amount of work we got done brought residents to tears. It’s great to do a job where you are constantly acknowledged.”

The program was a success because of teamwork. The clients were able to get great work experience, and neighbors got cleaner, nicer blocks. Many neighbors were happy with the changes they saw and thrilled to share their excitement about the improvements.

Albresha was one of the clients who got a job cleaning with Glitter following the pilot. “In my second week, someone told me they were proud of me,” she said. “I feel that I’m making a difference, and my kids are proud of me. Now I’m coming up with ideas to start cleaning my own blocks.”

Luis Gonzalez, JEVS Vice President of Workforce Development, said, “This is the outcome of a great collaboration.”

Congratulations to JEVS’ Work Ready Graduates!

Posted on by Erin Giberson

Since 2021, JEVS Human Services’ Work Ready program has helped 88 individuals earn high school diplomas through its partnership with Penn Foster.

Now, the 2023 graduating class sets its own record with a graduation rate of 100%.

Graduates, staff, and loved ones gathered at the Duke & Duke Boardroom at 123 S. Broad St. to celebrate the accomplishment.

Overcoming Obstacles to Obtain a High School Diploma

Many of the 23 graduating students spoke about challenges they experienced as young adults that led them to leave high school. They also shared how they knew that getting a diploma was important to getting a job and taking care of their children and families.

One of the graduates and event speakers, Yanamea T., was also recognized for academic excellence. She admits, “When I first enrolled in Penn Foster, I was nervous, but I knew I needed to put my best foot forward and take a leap of faith.” In the program, she gained confidence in herself and made it her goal to graduate for herself and her kids.

She’s grateful for instructor Alberta Lloyd, who works with students through the program: “My instructor Ms. Alberta was there every step of the way encouraging and reminding me that this is part of my goal.”

She encourages her peers to remember “to keep moving forward and hold your head high. If the naysayers say you can’t do it, don’t listen to their negative words. We are living proof.”

Celebrating a Strong Foundation

Those in the room held back tears as the graduates exclaimed, “we started together, and we’re finishing together!”

They spoke about encouraging each other and not giving up. They also praised Ms. Alberta, who received an award for her dedication and commitment to helping people succeed in the program. She told the graduates to remember that “you can do anything because you have persevered.”

JEVS’ Work Ready Director of Learning and Strategy Mark Webb gave closing remarks and emphasized the significance of earning a high school diploma. He reminded the graduates that their diplomas give them the foundation to build on toward their biggest dreams.

Individuals who are interested in JEVS’ Work Ready program can learn more by clicking this link. 

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. 

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