In Trinidad, Mary owned her own business. After moving to the United States, she struggled to receive an education that met her needs. In 2015, Mary learned about JVS and enrolled in the Adult Diploma Pathway program. Dedication toward achieving her dreams drove Mary to work hard in her classes and show up early every day.

“I found a lot of motivation from the teachers here,” said Mary. “Everyone was always here to help me achieve my heart’s desire.” A proud graduate of the class of 2019, Mary is excited to continue her education by earning her degree in business management at Bunker Hill Community College, as well as provide a bright future for herself and her daughter.

Join congregations and individuals in the United States and around the world for HIAS Refugee Shabbat, on March 5-6. Refugee Shabbat offers a time to raise awareness in our community, to recognize the work that has been done, and to reaffirm our commitment to welcoming refugees and asylum seekers.

For 140 years, HIAS has been at the forefront of helping refugees escape persecution and resettle in safety; reuniting families who have separated and helping them build new lives in safety and freedom. Learn more about HIAS and how they continue to resettle the most vulnerable refugees of all faiths and ethnicities, and from all over the world by visiting their website.

JVS and House of Possibilities (HOPe) have partnered to launch Career & Community Access Program (CCAP), a new program to provide career and community access for individuals with disabilities living in the Boston area.

CCAP was initiated in collaboration with Boston Public Schools and the Boston-area Department of Developmental Services, and is being created to equip Boston graduates with the array of career development, community access, and personal wellness skills needed to develop exceptional lives. Learn more about CCAP, the eligibility requirements, and how to apply here.

When the pandemic hit Massachusetts in March 2020, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley was one of our first partners to reach out and offer support to JVS and our clients. Many JVS clients lost their jobs, or saw their work hours reduced, as a result of COVID-19. The generous grants from the United Way have helped our clients respond to emergency financial needs such as rent and utility bills. We are honored to be a Lead Partner of the United Way, working together to provide support to individuals and families who have been greatly impacted by the pandemic.

Learn more about the important work the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley is doing to assist our communities during this challenging time.