Stephanie Marchak, Author at JEVS Human Services

November is Assistive Technology Awareness Month in Pennsylvania

Posted on November 8, 2022December 8, 2022 by Stephanie Marchak

Photo courtesy of PATF

On November 1^st, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf proclaimed the month of November 2022 to be Assistive Technology Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. Follow this link to read Governor Wolf’s Proclamation

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology (AT) is anything that is used to help a person with a disability do things they might not be able to do on their own.

AT helps people who have difficulty with many things like seeing, hearing, speaking, typing, writing, remembering, pointing, learning and walking.

JEVS Assistive Technology Services

Different types of disabilities require different types of assistive technologies. JEVS Assistive Technology Services provides assessments to customize what works for you.

Follow this link to learn about JEVS Assistive Technology Services.

JEVS Awarded Autism Speaks Grant to Expand Assistive Technology Services

Posted on November 1, 2022November 9, 2022 by Stephanie Marchak

With the support from Autism Speaks, JEVS adds $5,000 in assistive technology equipment to the Independence Network in Narberth, PA.

The assistive devices include a range of smart technology like large a format touch screen monitor, HD webcam, Amazon communication devices; DigiGuard finger protectors, cut resistant gloves, adaptive cutting boards, weighted blankets, and sensory toolkits.

Participants in other JEVS programs such as Work Ready and PA CareerLink® programs may benefit from Assistive Technology Services.

For more information about Assistive Technology Services and to check your eligibility contact us.

Celebrating 77th Disability Employment Awareness Month

Posted on October 28, 2022November 18, 2022 by Stephanie Marchak

To celebrate the 77^th National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), JEVS hireAbility and the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services held a job fair and award luncheon at Camden County College in Blackwood, NJ Individuals with disabilities were encouraged to attend the event where dozens of employers offered interviews to eager job seekers on campus.

Following the job fair, hireAbility employer and employee participants were recognized during an award presentation.

Cynthia Figueroa, President and CEO, JEVS Human Services welcomed over eighty guests to the event. “Partnerships like those represented here today are critical to JEVS Human Services’ mission to enhance employability, independence, and quality of life for individuals, their families, and their communities. At JEVS Human Services, we are proud of the work we do to support and connect individuals with disabilities to meaningful jobs in the community”, says Figueroa.

Braheim Knight, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development and Master of Ceremonies, talked about the importance of supporting programs like JEVS hireAbility as part of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives.

Karen Carroll, Director, New Jersey Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services Office, shared her enthusiasm in celebrating employers Forman Mill, Giambri’s Quality Sweets, and Sodexo, as champions for the disability community and kicked-off the award presentation.

Congratulations 2022 NDEAM Award Recipients

Employer: Forman Mills
Employee: Melvin Cave
SE Provider: Karen Dawson, JEVS hireAbility

Employer: Giambri’s Quality Sweets
Employee: Anthony Bailey
SE Provider: Karen Dawson, JEVS hireAbility

Employer: Sodexo
Employee: Giovanny Galarza
SE Provider: Kim Callahan, JEVS hireAbility

Outstanding Employer Award
Franco Fusaro
Virtua

2022 NDEAM Outstanding Employer Award: Franco Fusaro, Virtua

Posted on October 25, 2022October 28, 2022 by Stephanie Marchak

Franco Fusaro

Franco has partnered with JEVS for many years. We first met him when he was with a major financial institution headquartered in NJ.

When Franco left a job, he never forgot JEVS. He made sure that he kept in contact with hireAbility Employment Specialist, Rhonda Rogers.

When he joined the Virtua Health recruiting team, Franco brought JEVS with him. He has been instrumental in assisting Rhonda by giving her clients the opportunity to enter the financial world, helping her clients through the entire process.

Franco was instrumental in assisting clients obtain an interview with Virtua and many have obtained long term positions. In addition to employment opportunities, for our clients, he hosts job clubs, conducts mock interviews, assists with client resumes and council’s clients on job preparation.

Franco makes time to assist JEVS with anything employment related. He’s accompanied Rhonda to meet and greet events even when they start at 7:00am!

There is one attribute that cannot be manufactured, bought, copied, or underestimated, is the human spirit. Franco has that spirit, which is why we honor him with the Outstanding Service Award.

2022 NDEAM Award Recipients: Sodexo and Giovanny Galarza

Posted on October 25, 2022October 28, 2022 by Stephanie Marchak

Giovanny Galarza

Giovanny was referred to hireABility by his girlfriend. He shared that he had decided to go to college after graduating high school, but it was online and found it difficult without the in-person support. Gio decided to enter the workforce.

Giovanny was referred to the Department of Vocational Services (DVRS) when he chose JEVS hireAbility as his provider of service. Gio discussed several options for employment with his job coach Kim Callahan and applied to Sodexo, a food service company for the Atlantic City School District.

Gio was nervous but did great on his interview. He was hired by Sodexo in January 2020. Since then, Chef Joe Hendri has taken Gio under his wing. He is always there to support Gio and has given him many different tasks in the kitchen, all of which he has mastered.

Gio has a great work ethic and his commitment to his position. He is always offering to help co-workers or identifying a task that needs done and doing it. Gio received the first ever Employee of the Month Award!

The hireAbility team is so proud of Gio and how he values his position with Sodexo and how he has worked so hard to prove himself. Gio is not only making strides in his employment, but he is also taking steps to increase his independence at home.

2022 NDEAM Award Recipients: Giambri’s Quality Sweets & Anthony Bailey

Posted on October 25, 2022October 28, 2022 by Stephanie Marchak

Anthony Bailey

With help from a JEVS hireAbility employment specialist, Anthony landed a position at Giambri’s

Karen Dawson has worked with Giambri’s and Dave Giambri for 15 years. Dave and Giambri’s has always been more than accommodating and willing to work with us. Dave has hired many individuals that Karen worked with in the past, including Anthony Bailey. Anthony was originally hired by Dave to do maintenance work. Karen was his Job Coach. Together we worked with Anthony to teach him all of the duties that he loves. Anthony has been employed by Giambri’s for several years. Anthony’s job duties have grown as Giambri’s grew.

2022 NDEAM Award Recipients: Forman Mills and Melvin Cave

Posted on October 25, 2022October 28, 2022 by Stephanie Marchak

Melvin Cave

With support from a JEVS hireAbility employment specialist, Melvin landed a position at Forman Mills.

Forman Mills in Deptford has been proud supporter of JEVS Human Services and hireAbility for many years.
hireAbility employment specialists Karen Dawson and Peter Dawson, met with the Retail Development Specialist for Forman Mills and introduced her to Melvin Cave.

Melvin was hired instantaneously due to his infectious smile and personality. Due to the bus schedule, they allow Melvin to come in early and work with his schedule. They are always so thankful and happy to see him and always say what a great job he does. Melvin is one of the few people who actually enjoys all aspects of his job!

Forman Mills is great with words of affirmation – always telling him what a great job he does!

We are proud to partner with Forman Mills and recognize them with everything the do to support Melvin!

Get Out the VOTE on November 8th!

Posted on October 11, 2022October 28, 2022 by Stephanie Marchak

Midterm elections are Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
If you live in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware, we have the resources you need to get out to vote this election day!

Delaware

State of Delaware Voter Services
Accessible Voting
Find your Voting Site

New Jersey

New Jersey Voter Information Portal
3 Ways to Vote
Find Your Voting Site

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania DOS Voting Portal
Accessible Voting
Find Your Voting Site

For trouble voting in any state, call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-687-8683

Still have questions? Check out VOTE.org for more information by state.

Reflections on JEVS Retreat in Barcelona

Posted on September 22, 2022October 28, 2022 by Stephanie Marchak

I was incredibly honored to travel abroad as a Mandell Fellow, representing JEVS Human Services, along with fellow JEVS’ Workforce Development and disability leaders to Barcelona and Girona, Spain. This opportunity was generously funded by the Samuel P. Mandell Foundation with the goal to promote learning and development between JEVS Human Services and Israel Elwyn, where our disability workforce professionals joined us in Spain.

Barcelona was a stunning city scape full of rich architecture, music, art, history, and lovely beaches. During the trip, we had the opportunity to discuss JEVS’ response with our Elwyn colleagues to the COVID-19 pandemic and learn how Spain and Israel responded, too. We found solace in reflecting that though our experiences were separated by different worlds, our experience was very similar. We found companionship in sharing our mutual desire to seize the current opportunities to further the progress of ensuring communities and workplaces are equitable and inclusive for people with disabilities. A highlight of Barcelona opportunity to visit a service provider for people with disabilities, GroupSifo, an employment and support programs for persons with disabilities.

We had the opportunity to head 90 minutes north of Barcelona to visit Girona, Spain. Girona is a charming city full of culture, narrow cobblestone streets, impeccably preserved medieval building, and a web of bridges spanning the Onyar river. After Barcelona, Girona had the second-largest Jewish community in Catalonia and it played an important role from the 10th until the 15th century, when they were forced to convert to Catholicism in 1492, just like the rest of Spain. Jews who refused to convert were expelled from the country.

A highlight of Girona was our visit the Jewish History in Museum in Girona, Spain. Located in the Jewish quarter, also known as “El Call”, which comes from the Latin “callis” for “streets”, the Museum preserves and reflects on the history of the Jewish communities of Catalonia, which throughout the entire medieval period made a decisive contribution to the history of the country and its cultural development. Girona was an enchanting and sobering learning experience shared with colleagues.

It is incredibly important that JEVS continue to elevate and champion efforts such as Employment First that further empower people with disabilities to be financially empowered and live independent lives. The passion and professionally demonstrated by our colleagues at Israel Elwyn was particularly impressive and certainly sparked a sense of professional energy. I am most grateful to the Mandell Foundation, JEVS Human Services, and Israel Elwyn for this important and meaningful sharing of experience and program.

JEVS President & CEO, Cynthia Figueroa Moderates Roundtable with Senator Bob Casey in Montco

Posted on September 21, 2022September 29, 2022 by Stephanie Marchak

Pictured LtoR: TCY Director, Nigel Bowe; US Senator Bob Casey; JEVS President & CEO, Cynthia F. Figueroa; Representative for PA Congresswoman Madeleine Dean; Montgomery County Chair, Dr. Valerie Arkoosh; Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele and JEVS TCY Program Manager, Gary Clark.

Thanks to the support of US Senator Bob Casey and PA Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, the JEVS program The Choice is Yours (TCY) is expanding to Montgomery County.

To talk about TCY’s history and positive impact for graduates of the program, Montgomery County District Attorney, Kevin Steele invited representatives from JEVS and political leaders to his office in Norristown.

US Senator Bob Casey; Montgomery County Chair, Dr. Valerie Arkoosh; PA Congresswoman Madeleine Dean; TCY Program Director, Nigel Bowe; Deputy District Attorney, Kelly Lloyd; and TCY Program Manager, Gary Clark, got together to talk about The Choice is Yours.

JEVS President & CEO, Cynthia F. Figueroa led the discussion with the PA and Montco leaders about the next steps for the Montgomery County partnership.

Cynthia F. Figueroa, President and CEO of JEVS said, “We’re grateful for the support of Senator Bob Casey and Representative Madeleine Dean to expand TCY to Montgomery County. Through the leadership and partnership of Commissioner Arkoosh and District Attorney Steele, JEVS is able to provide this evidenced-based targeted intervention program will help Montgomery County residents choose the best path forward.”

“The Choice is Yours has a transformative impact on nonviolent drug offenders here in Montgomery County and today I learned that firsthand,” said Senator Casey. “I was proud to advocate for the program to receive $400,000 in community project funding, which will allow JEVS to expand TCY to reach many more people in Montgomery County and give them the tools to work toward a second chance. I will also keep fighting to pass my bipartisan, bicameral Clean Slate Act to help many more Americans rebuild their lives.”

What is Assistive Technology?

JEVS Assistive Technology Services

Delaware

New Jersey

Pennsylvania

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