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Tag: JEVS Human Services

Celebrating Community: Acrisure/Odell Studner Group Sponsors Grow with JEVS

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By JEVS Staff

For decades, Brett Studner has supported JEVS Human Services (JEVS), helping the organization grow and serve the community. A former board member and current advancement committee member, Brett continues as a donor and advocate. As a Partner at Acrisure (formerly the Odell Studner Group), he and his organization are sponsoring this year’s Grow with JEVS. In this Q&A, he shares how JEVS creates opportunities and positively impacts the lives of those it serves.

1. What motivates Acrisure/Odell Studner Group to sponsor Grow with JEVS?

I am excited about every event that JEVS has where we can show the tremendous impact we have in changing lives for so, so many deserving individuals. For every person that gets involved & every additional dollar we can raise, JEVS can further impact our community.

2. What inspires you (or surprises you most) about JEVS’ work?

The incredible work that they do, along with the people – including JEVS employees, leadership, volunteers, and most importantly, the wonderful people they assist – creates an environment where tear-jerking positive stories are commonplace in the JEVS world. As a volunteer, JEVS is “work” that you feel & that makes all the difference.

3. How do you see the partnership between Acrisure/Odell Studner Group and JEVS? 

Acrisure/Odell Studner Group has been serving the Philadelphia community for over 90 years and JEVS almost as long. Giving back to OUR community and helping people in need is part of our core values and culture. Doing so through JEVS, an organization that changes so many lives and lives our values, is an easy decision for us.

4. What would you say to encourage other businesses in Philadelphia to support JEVS’ mission?  

JEVS does so much for so many in our community, but the one thing that attracted me the most was their commitment to help people help themselves. Unlike many other social service organizations that are awesome at assisting people with immediate needs (financial support and food for example), JEVS takes it one step further by teaching people how to pull themselves up, regain self-worth & self-confidence and fend for themselves.

Supporting the Mission of JEVS 

Acrisure/Odell Studner Group’s support for JEVS demonstrates how community involvement drives meaningful change. To be part of the Grow with JEVS annual fundraiser, click here to purchase tickets. If you’re interested in sponsorship, please contact Katherine Shinholster, Chief of Advancement, for details. 

JEVS Staff Gathers for Third Annual Employee Winterfest

Posted on by Erin Giberson

JEVS Human Services staff had a blast at the 2025 Winterfest – a country-themed bash at Rivers Casino. Colleagues from across the organization gathered for this year’s annual employee celebration.

Winterfest 2025

Winterfest 2025The festivities kicked off with welcoming remarks from JEVS President and CEO, Cynthia F. Figueroa. Her message set the stage for a fun and welcoming evening.

Many employees decked out in western attire. They also enjoyed delicious food and lively atmosphere. Games, prizes, line dancing, and even pony races made it a great time!

The fun continued with a raffle featured themed baskets, and each person’s entry ticket became a chance to win. To get an extra raffle ticket, employees were invited to bring a donation of a baby item like diapers or wipes. Donated items are shared with JEVS program participants.

Melissa K and Devez P tie for best dressedThe winners of the basket raffle were: Maritza D. (Rivers Casino basket); Iryna H. (Home Depot basket); Nina H. (Movie Night basket); and Salimah S. (Dinner & Wine basket).

In the trivia challenge, multiple winners received prizes for correctly answering all questions. Two employees tied for best dressed: Melissa K. and Devez P., who placed for the second year in a row! 

The event brought staff together for a special evening of celebrating and connecting.

2025 Winterfest Committee

Special shoutout to the 2025 JEVS Winterfest committee for putting together an unforgettable celebration!

Many thanks to JEVS Human Services for this fun annual employee event. 

Want to join our team? Click this link to see current openings.

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).

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