Employment Specialist Helps Families Stay in Boston

With the costs of living in Boston rising, it has become increasingly diffi cult for those with a limited education to meet day-to-day expenses and support their families. JVS is addressing this problem by providing supplemental services for clients enrolled in its education programs. JVS hired an employment specialist to provide clients with career counseling and job readiness training.

JVS is now better able to help clients find first jobs, better jobs, and jobs with flexible schedules that allow clients to continue to take English classes and earn high school diplomas. Serving native and foreignborn students from countries such as Haiti, Morocco, and China, the program addresses the difficult balance of earning familysustaining wages and the importance of continuing education. Thirty-six people have enrolled in the program, and to date, 11 clients have been placed in jobs, one has received a job upgrade, and another has enrolled in JVS’ Culinary Arts Certifi cate program.

This capacity was made possible with the support of the Community Development Block Grant, which helps low-income Boston residents remain in the city by helping them fi nd jobs, pay taxes, and support their families.

To read the full Spring 2007 Newsletter please click here