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.”
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