JVS Boston

JVS closes at 3pm on Wednesday, October 2 in observation of Rosh Hashanah. We will reopen at 9am on Monday, October 7.

This article from the Boston Globe Media, which features poignant personal stories and highlights the work of Thrive, names all the components we’ve been thinking about in terms of hiring immigrants new to our state. Immigrants are a valuable resource and a solution to the problems we have. JVS has advocated for this over the last few months, and we have seen similar success stories in our services, so it’s great to see the Boston Globe highlighting these stories from Thrive Support and Advocacy. One key need is employers who are ready to do this, have a business need for this, and are willing to think differently about how they welcome and incorporate new talent into the workforce. This is one of the major levers the state can pull to meet the workforce needs in Massachusetts, in many sectors. It’s like what JVS has been saying all along – hiring immigrants and refugees is a win-win-win for immigrants, the business community, and the Commonwealth. Congratulations, Katie Johnston, on a really thoughtful piece, and Amanda (Mandy) Townsend, my colleague, who is quoted in this article and has been working to advance immigrants and refugees through her work here at JVS. https://lnkd.in/ejQ3DT-P

Congratulations to our CNA graduates! A special thanks to Hebrew SeniorLife and Quincy College for their valuable partnerships. Wishing our graduates great success in all their future endeavors!

JVS Boston's own Jake Sugerman was featured in the Jewish Journal! He said, "I get to be a part of us working with Jewish individuals across Greater Boston, and finding quality jobs and rewarding career pathways and seeing them get back on their feet, and knowing that my work with JVS helps get people to careers and jobs that they deserve. To me, that is the definition of community..." Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/eeHznkwY

This year, for International Week of Deaf People, we’re recognizing WORK Inc., DEAF Inc., and the Mass. Rehabilitation Commission, now known as MassAbility for the great work they do in support of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population. It’s critical to recognize this population as part of the competitive employment sector in Massachusetts. However, as recently as 2023, a large portion of the population was underemployed. The employment gap is even larger when considering Deaf/Hard of Hearing people of different ethnic and race groups, those with multiple disabilities, and gender. For more information, read “Supporting Deaf People: Closing the Employment Gap,” published by the National Deaf Center in October 2023: https://lnkd.in/gDdRhXqV

Now is the time to boost your financial stability in just 20-25 minutes with a FREE Financial Wellness Check session at JVS. Here's what you will focus on: 💳 Developing credit-building skills 📝 Personalized plan of action 💯 Review of credit score (without affecting your score) 💲 Access to valuable resources and referrals Sign up for a Financial Wellness Check with one of JVS's Financial Coaches today by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3ZyJ3Co

Huge thanks to Josh Cutler, Undersecretary of Apprenticeship, Work-Based Learning, and Policy, and Cindy Rowe, Executive Director of JEWISH ALLIANCE FOR LAW AND SOCIAL ACTION INC (JALSA), for speaking to the JVS Board of Directors at our Annual Meeting last night. The Undersecretary spoke about the Healey-Driscoll Workforce Agenda, and discussed the ways JVS has partnered with the Commonwealth to advance our state's workforce. He said, "JVS has been there, a tried and trusted partner with us, and we really value your work." Additionally, JVS President & CEO, Kira Khazatsky had a Fireside Chat with Cindy Rowe, where they discussed lessons in partnership and advocacy. Thank you, Cindy and Undersecretary Cutler, for sharing your time and expertise with us!

On Saturday, Jeff Gentry and Karen Cobb (not pictured) joined Taciana Ribeiro Saab (pictured) from the New England ADA Center and hundreds of others to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of the Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL). BCIL is a powerful, disability led nonprofit that has been advocating for, serving, and working beside the disability community in Boston for 50 years. JVS partners frequently with BCIL to provide career services for their members and any number in independent living supports (information on housing, applications for disability benefits, and connections to Personal Care Attendant services, just to name a few) for our clients. We could not be more proud to advocate and work for a more inclusive world alongside BCIL. Happy Anniversary!

JVS Boston's partner, Massachusetts APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First), is hosting the annual "Employment Matters!" conference on October 10, 2024. This is a great opportunity to network, connect with others who share your passion for inclusive employment. Speakers include Oz Mondejar from Mucho Gusto Consulting, Colleen Moran from Mass General Brigham and JVS Boston's new Sr. Director of Employer Engagement, Elyse Forbush, all of whom have demonstrated their committment to inclusive and equitable employment. JVS Boston strongly believes in the mission of MA-APSE. We're proud that several members of our staff are deeply involved in this partnership, including Jeff Gentry, Senior Director of Disability Services at JVS, who serves as the MA-APSE President. Registration is $100 for APSE members, and $125 for non-members. Members will receive a discount code via email. Not a member? Annual memberships start at just $60. Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eC6R8Tit

To wrap up Workforce Development Month, we're highlighting one of our long-standing employer partners, CVS Health! CVS Health has partnered with JVS for 16 years and counting. We are honored to work alongside them to deliver high quality training for job seekers. Kira Khazatsky, JVS President & CEO, says, "What has made this partnership such a success is our shared goals and values...We could not be prouder or more grateful to be part of their extended team.” Thank you, McKenzie Schiavone, Rick Laferriere, Jonathan DaSilva, Herber Ibanez and everyone else on the CVS WITC Team, for your partnership, support, and collaboration over the years!