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Tag: JEVS Human Services

JEVS Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month!

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By JEVS Staff

Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th – October 15th) is a time to celebrate the accomplishments, histories, and traditions of Hispanic culture. The Hispanic population in the U.S. is very diverse, including many different people and backgrounds. This month is a time to remember the histories, ideas, and contributions that these communities make to improve our workplaces and society.

JEVS recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month and promotes Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-being (DEI-W) in the workplace. JEVS Latin@ Employee Resource Group (ERG) celebrates the Hispanic Heritage Month theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together”. It invites all employees to join in special activities that honor Hispanic Heritage and build community.

Its first event, Pastelillo and Sorullo Making, brought together JEVS staff and showcased Puerto Rican dishes. Many employees from different departments worked together to organize the making and sharing of pastellio and sorullo.

Luis Gonzalez, Vice President of Workforce Development, said that the Latin@ ERG group saw Hispanic Heritage Month as an opportunity engage staff, especially the Latino community, and bring everyone together. Rossella Alla, a JEVS employee in the Latin@ ERG, added, “I’m really thankful for today. It felt like a big family coming together to prepare a holiday feast.”  

JEVS Latin@ ERG plans to host other activities to recognize the diversity, impact, and history of Hispanic culture. Remember to also check out the Hispanic Heritage Month activities hosted by the City of Philadelphia, including salsa and bachata dance parties at Love Park! 

JEVS Human Services Announces Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-2027

Posted on by Erin Giberson

The plan will guide the organization over the next 3 years in meeting the needs of various communities in the tri-state area.

Philadelphia, PA (September 18, 2024) — JEVS Human Services (JEVS) has announced its strategic plan for the fiscal years 2025-2027, titled “Expanding Opportunities. Fostering Independence.” These priorities merge the mission and vision of JEVS into a forward-looking plan to address the growing and changing needs of the Greater Delaware Valley communities we serve. 

The plan was developed by more than 500 voices, including interviews with external stakeholders, participants, guidance from the employee strategic planning committee, executive leadership, and the board of directors. Over the next 3 years, we are committed to the following strategic priorities:  

  1. Expanding integrated, innovative, and sustainable programs. 
  2. Increasing visibility and influencing stakeholders to benefit those we serve. 
  3. Maintaining JEVS’ financial sustainability. 
  4. Being a mission-driven employer of choice.  

“Our new strategic plan rests on a solid foundation of more than eight decades of experience, passion, and our resolve to work with individuals to create sustainable paths to independence,” said JEVS President and CEO, Cynthia F. Figueroa. “This plan will help position JEVS as a leading nonprofit, locally and nationally.”  

“This strategic plan is a testament to our dedication to serving Greater Philadelphia communities with excellence and compassion,” said JEVS Board Chair, Laurie Franz. “We are excited for what lies ahead and confident that with the collective efforts of our staff, partners, and supporters, we can make significant strides in addressing unmet needs for the communities we serve.” 

The plan will occur during JEVS’ 85th year of operation, which we will celebrate in 2026, as the U.S. celebrates its 250th founding. JEVS began in 1941 to help Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis during World War II resettle in the United States and find meaningful work. The strategic plan builds on those roots and will guide us into the future as a leading force in workforce development, healthcare programs, youth services, and essential careers which provide pathways to independence.  

We look forward to sharing our progress with our stakeholders and supporters in the coming years.  

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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.    

JEVS Direct Support Professionals (DSPs): Providing whole life support for people with disabilities

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By Clara T.

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) goes beyond being a caregiver. A DSP provides whole life support for people with disabilities so they can be active in their communities, find jobs, and live fulfilling lives.
DSPs at JEVS Human Services (JEVS) help people learn how to do things for themselves and how to live and make decisions independently.

For example, a caregiver will do things for someone, like pick out groceries, but a DSP will work with someone to help them to learn to pick out their own groceries. This difference is important because it helps the person be as independent as possible.

Each person is unique, with different needs and abilities. DSPs are trained in a variety of methods and interventions based on the needs of the person they support. They perform some functions of therapists, service coordinators, administrators, managers, maintenance and clerical staff as they support people. DSPs are held to a high Code of Ethics and set of Core Competencies validated by the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals.

Providing whole life support

DSPs support activities of daily living such as grooming, household care, meal planning and preparation, and taking medication. They also support with health-related tasks such as making and keeping medical appointments along with any necessary follow up. They help people learn to speak up for themselves. They help people stay connected to friends and family as well as exploring their neighborhood and local community or find a job. DSPs are there to provide emotional support as people navigate life’s hills and valleys.

There is no typical day for a DSP. Much of the job entails responding to unanticipated needs, from minor to more significant, including personal tasks that require mutual trust and respect. This job takes grit and compassion. On tougher days a DSP must remind themselves that their support is vital.

Making vital contributions 

DSPs make vital contributions to our society and economy. Historically, this work has not been given the respect it deserves, and the pay is entry level. Nationally, 87% of DSPs are women, and 53% are women of color. This brings longstanding inequities based on gender and race to the forefront. There is currently a bill in Congress to give DSPs their own occupational classification which will recognize this profession and start the process to give respect and acknowledge contributions these employees make.

DSPs are a quarter of the workforce at JEVS. With their support, the people who live in our residential program thrive. Our staff make sure each person has all needs met – food, clothing and other belongings, medication, healthy environment, safe travel, and social engagement. They help people find activities that bring them joy. They celebrate holidays, pay attention to help maintain relationships, scour the city for interesting things to do, try new recipes, and encourage hobbies. DSPs are there to coach people in navigating and enjoying their lives.

From IT Training to IT Intern: Meet Khandaker  

Posted on by Jade Daniels

JEVS Human Services (JEVS) provides free IT training for qualified individuals interested in obtaining their CompTia A+ and Google certifications. Both certifications provide you with the skills to start your IT career. 

Individuals like Khandaker chose to enroll in JEVS EduConnect’s IT training courses to help him gain skills and guide his career path.  

Khandaker completed the CompTia A+ certificate and credits the skills he learned to his current internship with JEVS in the Information Technology department. In this role, he works directly with JEVS staff to help with technical issues and getting new employees’ computers set up.  

While in his internship, his supervisor encouraged him to enroll in the Google certificate course which is made up of modules, practice questions, labs, and assessments entirely online. He also completed this certificate successfully while maintaining his internship.  

With both certifications completed, Khandaker can integrate the skills he learned into his role at JEVS and throughout his IT career.  

Get started on your free IT training today!  

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.”

From Haiti to Philadelphia: A JEVS Center for New Americans Story

Posted on by Rossella Alla

By Miguenson N. 

In Haiti, James M. worked as a police officer. This job involved many challenges and risks that put civilians and officers in dangerous situations.

In search of a stable and secure life, James M. and his wife left Haiti. They lived in Chile for a while, where their son was born. Then they traveled to Mexico and eventually arrived in the United States. James M. and his family faced daily challenges, including how to provide for his family’s basic needs.

The Philadelphia County Assistance Office referred James to JEVS Human Services in February 2024. He applied for training and employment services. I enrolled James M. in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and started looking for a job for him. He applied to Amazon where he completed the drug test and background check and was offered a job.

Today, James M. is happy and is grateful for the support and help from JEVS Center for New Americans (CNA).

The Choice is Yours (TCY) Graduation Featured on 6abc Action News

Posted on by Erin Giberson

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.

 

Orleans Technical College, a program of JEVS Human Services, announces new Hybrid Construction Management Associate Degree Program

Posted on by Rossella Alla

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. 

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