My Nonprofit Reviews

I am a disabled person with an invisible disability that causes a lot of problems for me at work. JVS, as they are known here in San Francisco, has an excellent vocational program specifically tailored to the disability community. I worked with Brandi Mandato as my careeer counselor who was very, very, good. She had great professional boundaries while at the same time was genuine and empathetic to my particular case. With Brandi, I learned that I could actually find work that could meet my personal and professional needs. She actually convinced me that a primary goal of finding a job was for me to be happy. I had never been taught that before. I actually began to cry. With her help I was able to discover a field that meshed with my schedule and ADA accommodation needs. In addition to the counseling services I utilized and occassionally still use the TAC which is JVS' computer lab and resource center for all matter of job search needs. Directed by the marvelous, Rachel Schapira, the TAC is a place for all JVS clients to check their email; revise and update their resumes; create cover letters; learn new or sharpen skills with current and vital computer applications; and, of course, to search for and apply for jobs. It is an excellent resource!! The TAC is staffed by Rachel, an intern, and a slew of volunteers. Rachel is kind, gentle, professional and very knowledgeable about the tools needed to effectively communicate with prospective employers. Same for her support team. Always gracious and focused, it is easy to ask questions ranging from the seemingly minor ("Do you like this font on my resume?") to the very technical and/or nuanced (in my case: how to write a pungent yet brief cover letter, for example.) Excellent! Excellent!! Excellent!!! I could go on for hours singing the praises of this outstanding, professional, well-run, and mission-achieving organization. I am so glad I finally let myself stumble through their doors. I didn't really stumble, I walked upright--but it took me a long time to give myself the gift of this organization. And I am so glad I did! USE JVS! Just go there, no matter what your issues are, they have tools to help address them. Excellent workshops, recruiting sessions, mock-interviews: all of which I participated in and all led by dedicated, and conscious, knowledgeable professionals who have the outstanding knowledge and expertise to effectively educate the job seeker. Finally, I'll close with this anecdote: When your esteem is low because you are out of work, it easy to feel like your questions are an inconvenience, and I found myself and heard many of my fellow job-seekers open a request for help in the TAC with, "I'm sorry, but..." Rachel Schapira unfailingly responded with this very generous reply, "There's no need to apologize," and then get down to the business of helping us clients find good solutions. That really impressed me! And I now use that same expression often in my dealings with all matter of people who apologize to me when they haven't harmed or offended me in any way. I find it is a subtle reminder to people that it is always safe to ask to have their needs met. As a PTSD sufferer as a result of childhood abuse and neglect, this practice and gentle reminder of my own dignity is a great, great gift.

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