JVS SoCal

Zero stars. This probably won't show up on their website as it's not positive, but if it does: Do NOT waste your time with JVS SoCal's "ImagingWorks" program – twelve weeks of unaccredited training that led to absolutely zero job offers and no genuine help finding employment. Despite their promises, I'm now on the verge of homelessness, and this organization has shown they couldn't care less about the truly vulnerable. They push a precarious, on-call job with no security or livable wage, and if you turn it down because you actually need stable work, they abandon you. Begging for their promised help goes unanswered. Their "generous" grants are a cruel joke – awarded arbitrarily with no transparent criteria, seemingly benefiting those with less urgent needs while leaving the truly desperate with mere pittances for non-essentials. JVS SoCal's promises of support are empty, and their lack of action is appalling. This entire organization, from their ineffective job program to their sham grants, needs serious investigation for their failure to help those they claim to serve. Avoid this place at all costs. DOGE needs to investigate this place!

JVS SoCal is one of the best non-profits I have, had the pleasure to be apart of. I am one of the most recent graduates from the CareerWORK$ Medical course. I was invited to be apart of the first class but I needed the proper paperwork and didn’t have it at the time. I persevered and came back with what I needed and I was able to be apart of the second class. Since earlier this year they have lent the most helping hands ever. And in these trying times they not only linked me with job opportunities but my educator Elise continues to check in on me and provide me with help during this COVID-19 pandemic. I am really glad I completed this course. In the future I will continue to recommend this non profit to everyone. I have nothing but gratitude for this process and couldn’t be more grateful to be apart of the class.

JVS helped me with free training to start a new career and a new life. They also provided us with financial advice for life, to raise our self esteem and our spirits. And once we finished our work training, JVS has continued helping us with whatever needs may arise, even financially. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this fabulous organization.

JVS is an extraordinary establishment. At no cost they provide all the practical tools necessary to find work or advance to a new career, including a variety of training programs that teach skills for in-demand jobs.
I am so thankful for everything they've done for me.

Being a college grad I was excited to join a work force. JVS helped me gain the confidence and skills to find a career path. I’ve never experienced so many positive reinforcements and without JVS I know I wouldn’t been given the opportunity to find a career so quickly. I would recommend JVS over and over again!

After being laid off from my job in which I had spent nearly 20 years, I was lost. EDD had sent to a workshop and it was there where Rosa spoke on JVS. I became interested in the healthcare program because was my last occupation. During class I learned so much more about the healthcare field. This is great place to start a healthcare career. The hey help you with everything from Resume to interview. I love my time at JVS. Our class was cut short due to COVID-19, however I really enjoyed the class.

This nonprofit helped me and my family out a lot. They have good resource and connects. They have changed my life tremendously. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do.

Coming here every day helped give me the confidence I was missing. They helped me turn my life around and continue to help, meeting this network of wonderful professionals is inspiring. And seeing all the different backgrounds come together gives me hope for the future.

I started my journey with JVS SoCal because I was at a dead end job with no promotion opportunities. Working temp jobs, no health insurance, and not making a livable wage without working multiple jobs. I wanted a future for myself and a way to provide. JVS not only taught me valuable skills for the workplace, but also educated me on my career options. I’m so grateful for Elise and all of the amazing people that made this program possible with JVS. I now work in the medical field and no more long days and physical demanding work. I can enjoy life and provide for myself. I now have a network of classmates and community to support each other at all times. Thank you for all of your help!

Full of staff that truly want to help and want to educate. They are all so generous in materials and time, providing resources and extra help when we need it the most.

Besides getting free job training which is already awesome, I got help with job placement, financial advice and I got a grant from a generous donor that helped me financially with bills I struggled to pay for while in training and even after I finished my classes, during the pandemic.

I had an amazing experience in the Medical Work$ program. Ms. Elise was a great teacher and really made the class great. I feel prepared and motivated to start working in the Medical field. Even with the set back with the Covid-19 Elise has kept in contact. She still gives us updates on job leads and keeps us updated on what's going on. I'm very greatful and would recommend this program to anyone who is trying to get their foot in the door in the medical field.

I was so fortunate to win a JVS Scholarship! Everyone at JVS was so helpful and supportive of my educational goals. It could not have been a better experience.

I received scholarships through JVS, one of the most ethical and community-oriented Jewish charities. I am so grateful to the service I received from their amazing staff. And so very grateful to the donors. The people who work at JVS invest so much time and effort, and care about every single student who walks through the doors for an interview.

JVS has been a part of my life for over a decade supporting my pursuit of higher education. Their generosity has supported me as an undergraduate at Stanford University as well as my current studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. They are a part of so many families and the scholarship program is just one piece of what they do. I look forward to being part of the JVS community for many years to come.

My experience with Jewish Vocational Service has always been professional, warm, inviting, and genuine. This is an organization that truly cares about helping those who need extra support. The people there always strive to create a personal connection with the students who need their help. We are not strangers to them and they are not strangers to us. In addition, they take their role very seriously, and create an environment in which you strive to be work hard and pursue your passions. They have lifted a huge burden from my shoulders, and make achieving my goals that much more real and tangible. I am so grateful for all they have done for me!

JVS has been a life changing organization throughout my college and now medical school life. It has consistently aided me along my journey of becoming a doctor, not only by providing me with generous financial aid, but with also with a fantastic network of fellow scholarship recipients, alum mentors, and brilliant staff. From the heartwarming award receptions to the proffesionalism among the staff, JVS is a steadfast support system aiding so many people on their unique dream career paths. I am forever grateful for their generosity and cannot wait until the day I am in the position to help the organization positively impact the lives and careers of many more bright scholarship recipients. At JVS, we are all a family and no one gets left behind in pursuing their goals.

As donors, it is very important for us to see results when we give to various charities. That’s why we are so very proud of the work JVS does in our community. They’ve helped many veterans and people in underserved populations reenter the workforce through their amazing programs. We will continue to support JVS because not only are they making a difference in individual lives, they are also positively impacting the local economy.

JVS SoCal emanates an environment of compassion, integrity, and empowerment. In providing support to the Greater Los Angeles Area through their distinguished programs, job seekers and employers are able to succeed to a new degree that once seemed out of reach. The JVS SoCal team strives to see and meet the need of those that request aid and are determined to provide hope and economic opportunity for all.

My biggest concern about donating to any charity is worrying that the money does go to where its needed, with JVS I have no doubt. It is unfortunate that there are so many non profits out there who take advantage which discourage people from helping. Keep up the good work JVS!

It seems we are bombarded to contribute to worthy causes every day. I was pleasantly surprised to have received a personalized greeting card welcoming to the JVS Family. As a first-time donor, I felt that my gift, albeit modest, was truly appreciated and the team at JVS took the time to acknowledge my contribution.

This personalized approach is far different from the larger nonprofits. I will continue to contribute and stay engaged with their mission.

Universal Services is investigated for lying to arbritrator,make false allegations againsy former employee Sean Felder at NYC Small Claims Court 4/28/16.Case is appealed,they owe me backpay,unpaid lost wages.Shady security firm violating labor laws at SkyVeiw Mall

I haven't got a job yet, I am still looking, but I know I am way better off in this quest thanks to the support I am getting from the JVS people! It might take me a while to find my new job, but it won't be because I haven't got the best help! I knew from the get go that I had found I fantastic team to support me in my transition. I actually started attending the JVS WorkSoource Center in West Hollywood, LA before being laid off. So, when the moment I was let go arrived, it wasn't so traumatic. By then, I knew I was already in good hands. I found JVS thru a friend, and every time I talked to her I thanked her for the referral. Now I want to recommend JVS to any one in a similar situation. It is a fantastic organization to help in your work transition. I just hope that public funding doesn't penalize the people that work and struggle to help others in such difficult time as it is looking for a way to make a living.

I've been an ongoing client of the MDR Work Source Center. The local HOA Adm. Asst. position that I had been working at for 2 years recently ended. The position was being restructured to an Accts. Payable position. The day after the position ended, I went to the MDR Work Source Center to register. Right from the beginning, I was very impressed with the professionalism of the case manger, account executive & others that I dealt with. It's now several months later & I just found out that I'm starting a long term temp assignment at a nearby company. I'm very excited about this new opportunity! I would have never gotten through the job search process without the support of the MDR Work Source Center. Kudos to all of the employees that continue to help job seekers on a day to day basis!

I had recently lost my job due to a department closure. I took some time to think about different career paths that would be good for the type of skills that I had. I was introduced to a program called BankWork$ that is run by JVS, I applied and was enrolled in the 8 week course. LIFE CHANGING!!!!!!!!! The program taught me how to utilize my skills and apply it to the banking industry. The instructors Lisa Meadows and Maria Zuniga were extremely helpful. Lisa and Maria guided the class step by step on how to interview, dress for success, show personality and how to succeed as a teller. After completing the course I was able to interview with all of the banks that sponsored the program. I received many offers and decided to become a team member with Wells Fargo. I love my new career and I know that I will go far and continue to climb the ladder of success. I thank JVS for creating such programs that change and empower people’s lives. -----------Courtney, Los Angeles California

After taking the BankWork$ Training Program I was different. I wasn't the same girl as before. This program changed the way I think and the way I feel about myself. I beacme more confident, I believe in myself now. Im not scared to go to job interviews anymore. One thing that i really loved about this program was that it prepares you for the job amd how to take control of some situations. Another thing was, I found/saw a lot of things that I didnt see about myself before.

Contrary to what the latest review might say....I have actually had a very good experience. I am a veteran of the military and for the past two years (since I got out) I have been struggling to find work in my main career field (film/television/radio). As anyone knows jobs in said field(s) are hard to come by...VERY hard. But, with the JVS WorkSource Center team I worked with in Marina Del Rey (Julie Freeland in particular) I was able to "slam dunk" a job at Chipotle. Now, make no mistake it was a lot of hard work and as the Beatles put it a "long and winding road..." it is interim success while finishing my BA in Television Production at Cal State Northridge. And for that I thank the entire WorkSource Center team.

Your staff in Glendale is rude and unprofessional. They are treating the public which they are getting paid to service like they are dirt. And your security company "searching" your customers, is highly uncalled for. This isn't a prision. What are you thinking with not providing parking either? I would suggest you go examine your facility and staff. It's a nightmare.

"It takes a village"

Mentors, counselors, supporters and friends,

I’m writing to tell you that today I received and accepted a job offer for a Corporate Event Specialist position.

As you know it’s been a long, arduous journey and I couldn’t have made it without all of the help I got along the way. For that, I am forever grateful.

My job search didn’t really start to turnaround until I reached out to readily available resources: the JVS Wo-Mentoring program and the Dress for Success Going Places Network course. While support from friends and family is important, it was having access to a network of job search specialists that really made the difference for me. Whether tweaking my resume and cover letters, mock interviews, fine-tuning my elevator speech or just plain giving me the confidence that I was “hireable.” You were all my champions and as the title of my email suggests, sometime it does take a village to turn the corner. In my case, it did.

The first day of my new job is July 11. I don’t think you need to wish me luck because I already consider myself one lucky girl to have had all of you on my side.

Sincerely,

Lauren

Three weeks ago I was offered a course in Fiber-Optic training. To qualify I had to take a battery of tests at one Worksource, provide a copy of my driving record and, of course, all the usual documentation required of a job at another.

I jumped at the chance to take this class because I've been interested in this technology for years. Not knowing what to expect I showed up for the class as required.

What a shock. The instructor has been working in the industry for nearly his entire professional career. He knew every answer, gave tips not covered in the (quite excellent documentation), and answered any and all questions. He was quite the task-master, but always had time to help us work out whatever our issues were and help us through the course.

About the course. It was a very complete blend of lecture, question and answer and "real world" hands on. The hands-on always followed the lecture and was always relevant to the topic we just learned about.

it was intense, often running over eight hours a day with at least four hours of homework per night, but it was worth it. I not only feel competent in the "book learning," but in possible field situations as well.

I now hold three certificates, am a member of the Fiber Optic Association and will be getting a tool-kit very shortly. Best of all I have some experience in working with fiber and feel completely at ease in this complex and interesting environment.

Did I say the instructor was excellent? I don't think Worksource could have found a better trainer than Mr. Pruett.

To All Concerned,

I was at the West Hollywood (CA) Worksource attending a workshop. After the workshop, I went into the computer lab (called the CRC). I was just printing out extra copies of my resume and checking my email. Well, the person who works there as the CRC "monitor," was monitoring my information (exclusively) while I was on the computer.

Again I ask, if I am a "nobody," then why was this person monitoring me while I was on the computer? I know that these facilities have the "right" to monitor whoever they want, but this person was only monitoring me. The person must have seen something that I was doing, because they laughed and ran to tell someone something about what he saw while I was on the computer.

Bottomline, if any of my personal information gets out, I am not concerned about myself. I can protect myself. If any one of my family members is hurt because one person took it upon themselves to expose what they saw me doing on a computer monitor, then you better get more security to protect BP. He can leave the country all he wants to. I will be here when he gets back. I am not playing. That is okay. No one asked me if I was playing or not. The problem is, you are not taking me seriously.

Every time you mess with me, I will tell the whole world about it. It is about time that you realize that "THE PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD." Obviously I was blessed with the "gift of gab," along with the ability and opportunity to use "the pen," because look how everything is turning out. The exact thing that you are trying to take away from me - Is what I am using to "bring you all down." Let me tell you something: I am tired of people bitching at me for telling the truth. I told you all that this was going to happen.

The ones who you sent to "finish me off" are starting to cry, and b*@$h, and moan. I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR IT! I warned them over and over and over and over again - that this would be the outcome. They would not listen. They got cocky from everyone patting them on their backs. They were playing for stripes.

I do not "play for the other team." Ask them. They are the ones who have kept me from having a female. I have been in L.A. for (9) months. Last time I checked, it takes a woman about (9) months to have a baby. I could have been a father by now theoretically. I have met over (100) women over the last (9) months. One of these women could have wanted to marry me by now. These haters are taking it upon themselves stop me, but they are paying a dear dear price for it. One that I do not think they are willing to pay.

They are calling my childhood friends that I have known since I was (10) years old. People who I grew up with. I know their parents, their grandparents, great grandparents, cousins, uncles, nephews, nieces, ect. They are telling them horrible things about me that are not even true, and they are threatening them. How does that make me look? How does that make me feel?

How does that make them look? I know...You do not care, and neither do I. I will continue to dismantle whoever gets in my way. I told you that I was COLD. I am one of the coldest individuals on the planet. I see why you do not want me to have any money - BECAUSE I WOULD HANDLE YOU.

I must let you all know that GOD is in control. He is guiding me every step of the way. Say I am crazy now. I am still alive. I am winning - not whinning. Peace,

Gary P Smith

I was referred to JVS about a year ago because I needed help writing a resume after taking off nearly 10 years to stay home with my kids. I was interested in finding part-work, but since all my past work experience had been as a photographer for various magazines and publishing companies, I had never needed a resume.

While at JVS' offices, I was introduced to their communications director who enthusiastically perused my portfolio and tear sheets from past jobs. I have been shooting events for them ever since.

In a challenging job market, I walked into JVS hoping to find something that might fit both my abilities and my schedule. What I found was a new client that is both creative and SO worthwhile- this organization is doing amazing things that truly turn people's lives around.

I have been a client of JVS since mid-summer, shortly after I lost my teaching job due to downsizing at my school. I can give no less than rave reviews about the friendly and knowledgeable people who work for JVS. Being Jewish, I felt almost as though I had come home for help at my time of need. However, the non-Jews in my various groups and classes seem to feel very much the same. For a modest fee (free to those who can't afford it), I have acquired new skills to focus my job search, "modernize" my resume, interview successfully, and to "network, network, network." Every Monday at the Career Connections job club Bobbi Yanke brings job postings and information about upcoming networking events. I have just completed Maturability, a popular eight-session class that focuses on teaching the "chronologically enhanced" members of our population (those of us for whom the job search is even more difficult than for younger people) to revisit our skills and to reinvent ourselves. Thank you for all of your help, guidance, knowledge, and most of all for buoying my spirits during this difficult time. The people I have met at and through JVS are awesome! I am now ready to say that the ball is in my court!!!

It was an amazing experience that taught me various things about subjects that someone needs to succeed as you move on to the working world.Everyone in the Jewish Vocational Center is hard working and very dedicated to their work of building better lives one job at a time.

I am a business reporter/editor with a varied professional background - this includes public relations, freelance writing, non profit case management and administrative/clerical experience. For lack of any alternatives, I have job searched on their computers almost daily for about eight months. I applied for many positions at JVS/JFS but have never been considered. I am also disabled, but able to perform with utmost professionalism having only a slight challenge in terms of phones (but that is workable). I recently noticed that there is a disabilities specialist on site. No one notified me. My unemployment ran out months ago. The real problem however is while JVS allowed me to use the computers, the compuers are seemingly corrupted. I have been plagued by hacking for many years now (and am unable to find any assistance to remedy this). However the situation has worsened since I began accessing the computers at JVS. I was about to discuss the situation with staff only I am now not allowed in the building. Say what? Why? No one will return my calls or tell me what is going on. Great, eh?

The team at JVS is so helpful, motivational, and professional. I am so glad that I found this organization, and thankful for all of their assistance over the past few months. They have so much to offer - so many helpful suggestions, classes and workshops, and friendly team members to help during a difficult time.

I participated in their 2009 WoMentoring program as a mentor in Marketing. I had a truly wonderful experience. The program staff work hard to find mentors who could really guide mentees during this challenging process. The program continues to thrive year after year because of the dedicated of the staff and volunteers. My mentee reached out to me recently to update me that she's working in Marketing and enjoying it!

From the very beginning of my experience in the WoMemtoring program I felt a sense of genuine caring and a hands on approach to helping me further my goals of finding an employment opportunity and growing my career. During the 8-month program JVS staff members have kept a continuous connection with me and my mentor, encouraging progress and ultimate success. It is truly wonderful to know that there are people who really care about people and I am eternally grateful for this experience. A heartfelt thanks to all of the JVS staff!

I am a medical student who was awarded a scholarship from JVS. While financial assistance is always appreciated, JVS stands for much more. Personally, it has served me with a plethora of opportunities, both personal and professional.

I had many challenges during my childhood, which affected my schooling and subsequent educational opportunities. For many years I worked full time, striving to attain my undergraduate degree so that I could fulfill my long-term aspiration of doing research to investigate factors normally associated with aging and the deterioration of bodily function. JVS helped me to be in a position to go to school full-time and attain my Bachelor of Science degree. JVS has also offered me many opportunities, including internships, summer work, job opportunities, emergency loans, and counseling. During the three years it has taken me to complete my degree, the support of JVS has been invaluable.

Wonderful!!! JVS have provided me with scholarship help as I work to finish my MS in Computational Biology and continue on to doctoral studies. JVS helped me when no other organization did. Their belief in me helped me not only financially but spiritually! Thank you JVS!