Our mission is to empower individuals from diverse communities to find employment and build careers and to partner with employers to find employment and train productive workforces. Our Refugee Employment and Education Programs include ESOL, literacy, job-search assistance, citizenship programs for refugees and immigrants, and a special citizenship program for Russian elders. JVS assists individuals in obtaining a high school diploma. The Skills division teaches computers and medical office skills to low-income individuals.JVS also offers vocational skills training programs to low income individuals interested in obtaining employment in culinary arts, office support, maintenance and technical career. Neighborhood Business Builders helps low-income individuals to start their own small businesses. Career Designs for Individuals with Disabilities helps people with physical and/or mental disabilities find jobs, and does job coaching to help them retain the jobs they obtain.Career Moves helps professionals in their job searches.JVS has volunteer opportunities in all of our divisions.

History:
JVS Partnerships for Careers and Learning is a nonprofit, nonsectarian multi-service organization which has been in existence for over 60 years. In 1938, the founders of Jewish Vocational Service of Greater Boston gave shape and substance to the Judaic teachings regarding charity. These teachings exhort Jews to empower people in hardship to help themselves. Our mission is to help people from all walks of life overcome obstacles to successful employment and achieve their economic potential. Over the years, the agency has developed a wide range of programs to fulfill this mission. JVS makes a four-pronged attack on unemployment--through adult education, skills training, microenterprise training and technical assistance, and employment services. It is one of the largest nonprofit providers of comprehensive job placement, career counseling, ESL,literacy and skills-training programs in the Commonwealth. It serves a registered caseload of approximately 6000 individuals annually. Funding is provided primarily by Combined Jewish Philanthropies, United Way, government contracts and private grants. Our success can be credited to our strong links with neighborhood organizations, our corps of over 500 dedicated volunteers, our hard-working, professional staff, and our longstanding relationships with local employers.

Contact people:

Sharon Zammuto, Volunteer Specialist, (phone), (email) Sharon Zammuto, Volunteer Specialist, (phone), (email)

Address:

29 Winter Street, 3rd Floor Boston, MA 02108 (See a map)

Directions:

Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Park Street Station,   Walk distance (in minutes): 2 For maps or information, please see http://www.mbta.com