JVS NEWS: APRIL 2016 
JVS ♥'s BOSTON

JVS is proud to be part of the community of Boston. Last week, we honored One Boston Day by sharing the resiliency, generosity and strength of those we serve.  Our commitment to Boston extends both to local employers and residents, working collaboratively to help workers enter Boston's booming economy and move up. 

In line with this effort, w e welcomed City Council President Michelle Wu for a visit of our Center for Economic Opportunity in March to discuss workforce development and making the American Dream accessible for lifelong Boston residents, along with recent refugees and immigrants. We  were inspired when President Wu shared her own immigrant story at the recent ADL "A Nation of Immigrants" Community Seder . 
Our Digital Makeover

Last month, we launched the new www.jvs-boston.org!  This upgrade was part of our rebranding efforts that began when we moved to the Center for Economic Opportunity last year. We invite you to spend some time navigating the site, learning about our programs, our impact and what's new. 
Jerry Rubin with our Shiluvim colleagues in Haifa working on Ethiopian integration through workforce development and partnership with JVS
REMEMBERING THE PAST, AS WE WORK TOWARDS THE FUTURE

JVS serves over 500 refugees and immigrants annually through intensive vocational English classes, job placement and ongoing support. Our work with refugees reflects our Jewish heritage, values, and JVS's mission. Each year at the Passover seder, Jews share the story of their exodus from Egypt and the importance of remembering what it is to be a stranger. As Passover approaches, we are reminded of the need for understanding and empathy - and are re-energized in our work to build opportunities for those we serve who are strangers in a new land.

Last month, JVS President & CEO Jerry Rubin went to Israel to work with our friends in Shiluvim who provide a range of services, including training and employment for the Ethiopian community in Haifa. Similar to our Refugee Employment Department, Shiluvim's work includes helping Ethiopian immigrants to Israel learn Hebrew, gain jobs skills, move from low-quality to better quality jobs, and get settled in a fast-paced, high-tech environment.  
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April
Job Fair: Healthcare & Human Service Industries

JVS CareerSolution will host over 10 employers - including Boston Children's Hospital, Fenway Health and Hebrew SeniorLife - at its upcoming job fair. Over 300 people attended the last job fair at JVS. Registration is now open. 
Volunteer Opportunity

Interested in engaging more deeply with a JVS department and its clients? Volunteer as a Program Assistant, working with clients and supporting staff with administrative work. To learn more about this opportunity, and others, visit our Volunteer Match page .
FACES OF JVS: Aseel Sharif and Afrah Farah, Refugee Employment Services
Aseel is a Vocational Case Manager serving as an AmeriCorps member since March 2016. He is originally from Baghdad, Iraq and moved to the United States as a refugee 7 years ago. Aseel graduated from Suffolk University with a Bachelors in International Affairs, and a minor in Economics. He enjoys live music, poetry, and riding motorcycles.

Afrah is a Vocational English Instructor/Career Coach serving as an AmeriCorps member since October 2015. Born and raised in Kuwait of Somalian heritage, Afrah was educated in Germany, where she earned a Masters in Biology from the University of Heidelberg. She speaks four languages Somali, Arabic, German and English. She is passionate about teaching English to refugees and immigrants from diverse countries.
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