JVS Boston

I sincerely thank the JVS staff for their exceptional support in academic, professional, and financial coaching, and for offering the prerequisite academic classes for a smooth transition to college

JVS has been so supportive of my son. All staff that work with him assumes competence and listens to his goals and suggestions. They have been able to assist him in his transition skills that were interrupted due to COVID during his final years in high school. He has learned how to take the T, work in the Hope shop, trained in the CVS training area, and move independently to get his lunch while downtown and come back. His job coach, Ellen, has been working with him while he had a job and while while he is looking for his next opportunity. She works well with him and our family as we support his goals. The other staff members like Val and Erin also support him while he is with the CBDS program and at offsite activities. I love the out of the box thinking and how they are connecting him to the world around him. Overall, I cannot say enough about JVS, We feel well supported and respected part of the team.

I am so grateful for Jvs. I found it at the right moment and helped me a lot. Now i am part of an involving career in the healthcare industry.

I have always dreamed of working in the healthcare field. When I came to live in the USA, I found JVS with an enriching program and dedicated teachers, and my dream finally came true. Truly, you are a blessing to people like me, thank you.

When I came to Boston, I came to know about JVS from my friend. I joined information session and registered for Pharmacy Technician Program last December at JVS. After I completed program and passed PTCB exam, JVS helped me to find a job. Thank you JVS for giving me this opportunity to change my career. The employees/ faculties at JVS are so nice and supported me a lot. I must say that joining JVS, is one of the good decisions that I took in my professional career.

I do my due diligence when I give money or volunteer for not for profit organizations. JVS spends its money wisely and carries out its mission effectively and efficiently and currently serves 10,000 clients per year. I have continued to increase my donations to them every year for the past 15 years and I know these dollars are well spent. Being on the Board of Directors, I know what is happening within the organization as the leadership is transparent and engages the board deeply in the work of the organization.

Clients from diverse communities consistently and enthusiastically tell stories about JVS' transformative impact on their lives and lives of their families. JVS' results demonstrate qualitatively and quantitatively the power of its programs to uplift and empower folks who have the desire and capacity to go far.

I'm a volunteer and see JVS in real time from the "inside". It is a well run organization that supports so many valuable and important people in strengthening their individual opportunity set which also fills an important need in society. I'm glad to play a role with JVS.

I have been a volunteer and Board member, and also a relative of clients. In all of these instances I have been impressed with the quality of the staff, leadership and most importantly the quality and outcomes of services for clients. The models of programs, the coaching that is provided to all clients, and the emphasis on career advancement and high quality jobs makes JVS an exemplar in the country.

When I just arrived in US I heard about JVS then i met them that was my biggest decision I did the Organisation has a strong program with challenging courses and dedicated teachers students are well prepared for college and beyond. I am very happy today to be a CNA and all this wonderful training couldn’t be better done without you JVS. Thank you for being here for people like me.

In January 2024, I heard about an opportunity to join the Biotech program at JVS. I thought it would be a good chance to try another approach at obtaining education and employment opportunities. I never thought in a million years that I would have an opportunity like this! I finished the JVS Bridges to College and Careers Biotech program in June 2024 and now am in my in his final semester at Quincy College’s Biotechnology & Good Manufacturing Program(GMP). “” Biotech is an up-and-coming career” Thank you to JVS for making it all possible
V. Smith

I joined JVS in 2023. JVS is an incredible nonprofit organization that provides skills training, life support, career coaching, and employment guidance for those in need, helping them find suitable jobs. It fosters an inclusive, diverse community that offers equal opportunities for everyone, respects various cultural backgrounds, and promotes cross-cultural communication. Here, you can feel valued and, more importantly, experience the satisfaction and fulfillment of helping others succeed.

We started working with JVS Boston in the Spring of 2024 through their Transitions to Work Program and through their excellent work and offerings we look forward to our blossoming partnership. The opportunities they give for our students with disabilities allow our students to be successful as they transition into the adult world.

We have partnered with JVS for several years, with students benefitting greatly from detailed skills assessments and analyses as well as the Transition to Work Program (TTW). TTW's hands-on training with 1:1 job coaching has meant quality job placement for several of our students. The initial and ongoing supports (days 1 - 90+ of placement) have resulted in students increasing hours and responsibilities within their jobs. As a staff, we have benefitted from JVS's consultative leaders, developing policies, procedures and documentation to support, expand and sustain our mutual work.

Our young adult son struggled to find employment due to his disability. JVs provided both group and individualized training and support, and with their help our son was able to find meaningful employment. He has now been with the same employer for over 10 years! Periodically over the years our son has reached back out to JVS when his position required new skills, changing job requirements, and dealing with the special circumstances of COVID. JVS' outstanding staff are sensitive, responsive, realistic and effective. We are grateful for the difference they have made in his life.

JVS helped me find my current place of employment 13 years ago through their Transitions to Work program. Every year since I completed the program they have been supportive of me in my current place of employment.

JVS Boston is a forward-thinking organization with deep knowledge and experience in workforce development. Staff and leadership permeate a deep mission to improving the lives of individuals and local communities by advancing employment opportunities, and building the skills and systems necessary for success.

I have been a volunteer with the adult diploma program and now with a class of English learners aiming to get jobs. In both situations I was impressed with the amazing amount of hard work teachers do. They go beyond what is required, providing not only subject matter but wonderful personal interaction that makes students feel comfortable and cared about. I see students making amazing progress in their efforts to become self-sufficient. My own daughter, adopted from Guatemala at age 7, attended the Bridges to College program at the age of 25 which prepared her well for community college. Now 28, she is finishing an associates degree in biotech, a field she would not have considered without JVS. She received an internship over the summer at Dana Farber and thanks to her good start at JVS she is ready to either continue her education or find a job in a thriving field.

My journey with JVS was amazing. From the day I got the flyer in one of the community agency, to the first interview with a staffing member. The best was yet to come ; and darlings how awesome has it been.
JVS allows the individual to know that their hope is still alive. I know for me; I over came the fear of Math, I was able to look into my soul and say that I am not a dumb person (which I was called in school, back in the days of high school. I love what this place does for the human spirit. That is because you have human beings who see the hope in the individual that comes into that wonderful place. I am a senior and older than most of the students that I attend classes with. I am so happy that I had the support of the instructor and the staff and the amazing students. We supported each other and the instructor supported us. If the school system sat down with the student and staff of JVS, the numbers of Boston public schools would break the stock market!

JVS supports the Community by giving light to the spirit of folks who have a real purpose. I am Honored to be a part of the JVS family.

I registered Pharmacy Technician Program last March at JVS. After I finished, I got a job at BIDMC. Thank you JVS for giving me this opportunity to change my career and get a better life. The employees at JVS are so nice and support me a lot. It makes me have motivation to complete my course.

Thank you Jewish Vocational Service for opening your door to all your students, without any condition, just to be serious about change. Today I want to admit that you are the best school, by your unique programe. My journey to gain the diploma took me long time, but finally JVS help me to reach my goal. I want to thank every teacher and volunteer for their effort, and concern about each student. Thanks for your help to your student to move Forward, and start new chapter in their life with confident.

Your student Awatif.

I’m very glad I heard about JVS from a friend of mine. JVS organization helped me reach my goal of getting my high school diploma. Also, I’m joining the ECE program with JVS which going to help me reach another goal to become an elementary teacher. I wanted to thank all the teachers in the ADP program they are amazing and very helpful.

My name is Youssef ,JVS is a great organization that is run by professional team.I’m grateful to JVS for helping me achieve what I thought was Impossible.

JVS is amazing and I'm glad I was recommended to them by my family. I was already over the age of 21 and out of highschool for about 4 years and didn't think there was any way of getting a highschool diploma or even a GED considering my lack of school at the time. Thanks to JVS I obtained my highschool diploma and managed to get a job even before my graduation. I appreciate them a lot.

I volunteered with JVS as part of the VITA tax program. My experience was fantastic and I encourage others to get involved with JVS. JVS is a very professional non-profit. JVS works closely with volunteers and makes sure they are getting the most from their experience. I was struck by how professionally the organization is run and the offices are beautiful. Clients are treated with dignity and respect. The staff is great and committed to the work.

JVS Helped me to reach my goal of becoming a scientist. For many years I dreamed of working in a Biotech lab making medications, without JVS, this dream has become a reality.

Wedman Jonathan

I'm an older adult and when the pandemic hit I was layed off my job of 20 yrs. I saw an ad for JVS pharmacy training and found out more about it because I really wanted to go into the industry. It really changed my life for the better. I now work in the pharmacy in a Boston hospital. Everyone at JVS was so great and helpful.

I started the Biotechnology Program at JVS in January 2023, and am at Quincy College now. The teachers and coaches at JVS made it so easy for me and my classmates to succeed in College and took an interest in how we are doing. JVS is tops!

JVS Boston assisted me with job placement and resume building when I was laid off from my job of almost 6 years. They went above and beyond to ensure I was well prepared to obtain another job.

As a new immigrant I didn't know how things work here in the US, I really needed help until this day where I was looking for a job in indeed App. this is where I saw this offer from JVS offering help to new immigrants. To be honest when I read the offer, I thought that it was to good to be true , JVS was offering teach you English to become more fluent and help you find a job, So I did some research and turns out every thing they said was true. I joined JVS after that as a Biotech student where I had the best teachers, not only that but every one in JVS was more than ready to help you in every way possible. Now I'm a Biotech student at Quincy college and I can say that JVS was the best thing that happened to me since I got here to this beautiful country.
One of my teachers at JVS said to me : once you are a JVS you will be always a JVS and now I'm proud to be one.

its an amazing organization with amazing people who only want the best for you they never ask for anything and are always there for you when ever you need the especially craig misner he is an amazing human being i would would like to say thank you jvs and craig.

Hi,
My name is Umme. Since I came to USA I have a desire to obtain my degree from here but I was confused about the procedure to start and then I applied to JVS for Bridges to College program. Now I’m a student of. Biotechnology and GMP at Quincy college . JVS help me to fulfill my dream. They are very helpful. They didn’t stop by sending me college, they’re helping me with my financial aid. JVS gave us career coaching service so that we won’t have any problem to get the job. They always keep connected.

I join JVS program January 2021 to continuing program of BIOtechnology .As an adult who completed high school in foreign country going to college was the hardest way to go.Thanks to JVS after attending a six month bridges to college program my dream of going to college comes true.Thanks to God I made the right decision .And thanks to JVS for walking me towards my dream .Now I am a student at Quincy College majoring Biotechnology .

Aklile

My name is Muntasir. I came to know about this organization from one of my friends. Surprisingly found they are way better than my expectations. They offer good courses for free. Knowledge and dedication of the teacher is outstanding. They provided all the support that I could think off. They opened a door for me and also for a lot of other to make their life better. And it's all for free. I wish them all the best.

When I found JVS I thought that the English classes were going to be regular classes. But when I met this organization I was very impressed. They gave me free English classes, a professional counselor helped me to get my first job in the US. I felt like I had won the lottery. After a couple of months I went to the next level and also with the help of my career advisor I got a better job. That story seems like a dream but it is real. JVS truly supports immigrant people with all their staff: customer service, teachers, career coaches.

At JVS you can find specialized training that drives you to find better opportunities for you and your family.

JVS has a wide range of excellent services and serves a wide variety of clients of all backgrounds and educational experience. The seminars, webinars and one-on-one help are all excellent! JVS was instrumental in my successful job search!

When I think about my JVS Boston experience, two words come to mind: welcoming and trusting. They immediately welcomed me into the agency with a smile and put me to work. I specifically worked on the development team, who are collaborative and available to help with whatever is needed. Teamwork radiates throughout the organization; they truly operate in accordance to their mission.

As a volunteer and donor, I cannot be more confident that the time and resources I provided to this organization will be put to good use in innovative and client focused ways. JVS’s commitment to bettering others at all stages of their working journey makes them so valuable at confronting all issues of the day - from health care access to equity and inclusion and so much more, the dignity that JVS fights for is so critical in mission accomplishment.

I've been a volunteer with ESOL classes at JVS for more than three years, both in the classroom and, since the pandemic, in virtual classes. All three of the teachers I've worked with have gone far above and beyond the basic; they are genuinely interested in our students' success and provide personal and professional support to all. The students come from many countries and cultures, and it's a joy to share in their exposure to each other as they travel similar paths to economic and educational achievement as New Americans. I'm so grateful to JVS for allowing me to be part of my students' journeys.

I have been volunteering at JVS since 2015 and have been consistently impressed by the quality and range of services and programs the organization provides to enable people to develop and/or improve their academic, vocational, and professional skills. JVS provides support and counseling as well as practical instruction, and their partnerships with local colleges and prospective employers have a proven track record of success. Moreover, JVS is equally dedicated to giving refugees the tools necessary to find jobs and launching them into new careers. The organization has pioneered many creative and innovative solutions in the world of employment and is a model for workforce development agencies throughout the country.

I have been tutoring mathematics in the Adult Diploma Pathway program at JVS for 2 years. This program enables adults to earn a high school diploma from the Boston Public School system. I am totally impressed with the professionalism and commitment of the staff and with the commitment of the students to this program. I am very proud of the work of JVS and my role in that work. The ADP program gives people the opportunity to improve their lives through a long-term process that will lead to productive and meaningful work. I work with high-quality staff and faculty who care deeply about their students and who engender a mutual respect with their students. In the process, I have also learned much about the JVS organization and the other terrific services that it provides for its clients - college prep, employer-based training, immigrant and refugee services - just to name a few examples. In my humble opinion, JVS is a superstar organization.

As a volunteer for JVS, I have seen first hand the entire organization's commitment to unlocking new opportunities for its clients and providing overall support to the community. From ESL classes, to resume writing, to job preparedness and training, JVS provides the skills and confidence its clients need to succeed. I have never met a group as kind, thoughtful and dedicated as the team at JVS.

After retirement from a career in healthcare management I began volunteering at JVS and working with immigrants involved in the healthcare sector. Every person at JVS, be they teachers, staff, or other volunteers, has an intense commitment to its mission, and this commitment Is reflected in the quality of services provided. As the pandemic shut down the in-person work, JVS quickly pivoted to on-line services. They managed to assist clients in obtaining and using devices to patriciate on-line very quickly. That model continues and thrives today. It might be hard to believe a review that includes only positive superlatives, but these words truly describe the values demonstrated at JVS: high quality, respect for individuals, commitment to mission, and flexibility in difficult circumstances. I am grateful to be part of this amazing organization.

I have been tutoring mathematics in the Adult Development Program at JVS for 5 years. I have tutored in many other settings but JVS has been the best experience because of its professional staff and setting. Tutoring adults is especially rewarding in that the students are striving to excel. They realize the importance of an education to find a worthwhile employment to support themselves, and many times a family also. I have seen students come in at 9 AM after working the 11 PM-7 AM night shift. They are committed. They realize that JVS is presenting an opportunity to advance and they are embracing that opportunity. From a personal perspective I love the thrill of when a student proclaims “I get it, this is easy, who said math is hard?!”. This is accomplished by a dedicated staff of educators. Realizing the impact of JVS raising people up, I also make financial contributions to the organization. My investment of time and money to JVS is one of the best investments I can make to society.

I have worked once a week as a volunteer at JVS since 2011. I first volunteered in the Bridges to Success Program in which students take classes to prepare them for going on to community college. The program was first rate with excellent teachers. After several years
I started volunteering, also once a week, in the Refugee ESL Program in which teachers help
students improve their English language ability and teach them skills they need to know to
apply for jobs and be successful in the workplace. I was impressed by how quickly JVS was
able to switch from in-person to online classes once COVID came on the scene. I am now
volunteering online with a wonderful ESL teacher who is very adept at teaching online.
JVS is a wonderful, well run organization that has helped so many people achieve success
in the world of work.

I have served as a volunteer classroom tutor in two different adult education programs under the auspices of JVS.

The first program is an ESOL course for employees at a local hospital. The course is taught contextually to help hospital staff become accustomed to vocabulary and phrases that will help them to do their jobs. We also helped with language that employees need for successful employment reviews and to advocate for themselves at work. During the several years I have spent tutoring in this program I have witnessed tremendous personal and professional growth on the part of the adult learners, many of whom have moved on to better positions within the hospital.

The second program I tutor in is an Adult Diploma Pathway, which allows adult learners to earn their Boston Public Schools High School diploma. This is a shorter term class, with trimesters lasting around 10 weeks and a new group of learners each term. The challenge for both instructors and students is to complete the rigorous curriculum in a fairly short amount of time. Pre-Covid this was all done in person. Post-Covid it has been entirely over Zoom. JVS was able to convert all of their instruction to on-line in a very short period of time in March and April of 2020. Students without laptops were able to borrow them from JVS.

JVS is very much a "hand up," not a "handout" type of organization. Clients willing to put in the work and commit to finishing assignments will nearly always achieve their goals. It is the type of place which seems to get $1.10 of value out of every $1.00.

JVS is a great organization for training service. I was trained here for Pharmacy Technician Program in July 2018. Instructors were great, knowledgable. I will suggest this place for whom looking a job, a training program like I used to.

I was a client in JVS in 2013. I had the pleasurer to meet wonderful people. Teachers that cared about their students and coaches that supported me step by step even after I finished the program in JVS.

I am very excited to share my experiences since I joined Bridge to College offer from JVS. It is a great place to start for someone who want to look for a better and well paying job. I experienced the program designed strongly enforce students ability to maximize their learning. Instructors and career coach look every corner to help student needs those include to get ready transitioning to Quincy College and job interview. After I finished Biotechnology and Good Manufacturing Certificate from Quincy College, JVS actively provided resources to me during my job search. The organization not only help to get a better life, but make me a better person.

JVS Boston transformed my life. About 4 years ago I did not have any idea that I will be able to have a job and be independent. JVS Boston helped me to get into college through their Bridges to College program. Through Career coaching, I was able to successfully enter the Biotech industry.
The education, guidance, coaching provided by JVS shaped my professional life. I wish all the best to JVS Boston.

JVS is a great starting school, the team are amazing. Especially, Paige, Greg, Leizly . I highly recommend it for all.

I came to know this non-profit organization through a Social worker at Community Legal Services and Counseling Center. I got what I was expecting .I was assigned to a Career Counselor who made arrangements for me to start individualized classes at JVS computer tutoring, interview practice and sending out resumes. By so doing, my computer skills have improved thus making it easier for me to send out resumes and cover on line. I have gained confidence in preparing for job interviews. Thank you very much JVS for your services. Looking forward for job placement.

I joined a professional training, PCWD, done by JVS, partners and Project Hope. It was wonderful.The training focused on customer service, resume building, medical terminology, computer skills and internship.

JVS has partnered with CVS/Pharmacy to create a Regional Learning Center, where CVS and JVS offer training and development not only to CVS employees, but also to the JVS client population as well. Our partnership is very unique, and incredibly rewarding for CVS/Pharmacy. CVS provides JVS with use of the technology and training programs that CVS offers, in hopes of providing jobs to those JVS clients who show the skills and desire to join the CVS team. The staff at JVS is second to none - they do incredible work every day with persons with disabilities, The staff at JVS is second to none - they do incredible work every day in providing job skills and development in creative ways to with persons with disabilities, refugees - people of all backgrounds. The dedicated staff that work there every day care deeply about their work and their clients, and to me, this is what makes them a true asset to our community and our city. Rick Laferriere CVS/Pharmacy