April 2021 Newsletter
Client Success Story: Mahilet Abirha
In December 2020, Mahilet Abirha completed the JVS component of Bridges to College & Careers Biotechnology pathway and continued in the Biotechnology and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) program at Quincy College. Within 3 months, all her classes shifted to remote learning. Mahilet demonstrated commendable resilience by completing her coursework amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, while also working at her family’s restaurant. 

In December 2020, Maehilet completed her studies and received her college certificate. Shortly thereafter, she secured a job at Takeda as a Manufacturing Technician. In this role, she is learning something new every day and is surrounded by great colleagues who are always willing to lend a hand.
Partnership Highlight: Access to Recovery
The Massachusetts Access to Recovery (ATR) is a six-month program designed to help people in early recovery from substance use disorder move forward in their recovery and successfully re-enter the community.

As part of the ATR Program, JVS MassHire Downtown Boston offers the Paths to Empowerment Program (P2E), a three-week job readiness class taught by a team of facilitators to help participants gain the skills, training, and knowledge necessary for success in today’s workforce. In their classes, participants learn more about themselves, as well as financial management and job search techniques. They explore how their skills align with the job market and the expertise they will need to reach their career goals.

Participants in ATR learn about other services both at JVS and at other service provides including vocational training, further education, recovery coaching, and more.
Event of Note: National Volunteer Month
April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, a time to recognize the support and hard work of our amazing JVS volunteers. JVS volunteers have served above and beyond, and we honor and celebrate them. Throughout this month, there are fun and interactive virtual events planned for JVS volunteers.
Ross & Rozz Skit
The first event was a virtual Comedy Night. The Improv Asylum, a local Boston comedy club, delivered a 60-minute private virtual show for JVS volunteers.

The show, broadcast live from their stage in the North End, featured a comedic host, 4 main stage actors, and a musician
Over 20 volunteers attended, accompanied by their household guests, and provided hilarious content for various comedic skits.

Additional events planned for this month include:
Paint Night, Italian Cooking Class, and Coffee & Conversation with Jerry Rubin, JVS President and CEO.
Final Skit
Supporter Spotlight: Lori Spencer
Soon after arriving at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in 2019, Lorie Spencer became an indispensable champion and advocate for JVS clients and the agency overall. As a key liaison with community-based partners, Lorie plays quarterback to every referral sent by the JVS Employer Engagement team. She reviews applications, researches the status of applications, and provides essential feedback so that our clients can succeed and land the job.

Lorie is always willing to take an extra moment to help our candidates navigate the hiring process and find positions that fit the skills and experience that they offer. She also coordinates BIDMC’s very successful involvement in MassHire Downtown Boston Healthcare in-person and virtual job fairs.
#ICYMI: March & April Edition
JVS in the News:


Programmatic Update:

  • The Jewish Re-Employment Program (JREP), a partnership between JVS & CJP, seeks to provide employment support for anyone in the Greater Boston Jewish community. Learn more and apply here.

Webinar Recording:

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