In January 2016, The Boston Home, a residential living facility for adults with Multiple Sclerosis, launched a unique education program with JVS. Twice a week, employees received math and English language instruction and then were tutored by the residents in their care. As a result of this program, residents and staff are collaborating and the time they spend together is working to enhance the overall quality of care.
One resident tutor remarked: "It's a really neat program and gives me a chance to give back to the people who help me every day." The program is also making an impact on employee's career goals, "My dream is to be a nurse and the first step to that dream is to get my GED. These classes will help me achieve that goal."
Two weeks ago, The Boston Home staff, program participants, JVS instructors and resident tutors gathered to celebrate program graduation. Congratulations to all the graduates!
While graduation season may have wrapped up at local universities, workforce training graduation season is in full swing throughout Greater Boston. In the past month we have celebrated over 1,000 graduates at 7 graduations:
Our largest training program - the Healthcare Training Institute (HTI) - partners with 14 healthcare organizations to provide onsite classes and coaching for over 750 employees annually. This year's HTI graduates made gains in English language skills, customer service and computer literacy - and one participant completed our Citizenship Program and became a US citizen!
At some of these celebrations, graduates received gift bags that were prepared by volunteers who participated in a Family Philanthropy activity at the Vilna Shul. Many thanks to these parents and their children.
Thank you to volunteers from Santander Bank US who spent a day at JVS assisting our Refugee Employment Services department. In the morning, these volunteers tutored adult learners in vocational English (photo right). Volunteers also helped clients with interview preparation and shared work place experiences.
Click here to learn more about how Santander Bank invests in JVS.
Volunteer Opportunity
ESOL Teaching Assistant in Dorchesterfor refugees and immigrants whose goal is to find employment. Help teach English class and assist with job search. Multiple class times available. For a full list of opportunities, please visit ourVolunteer Match page.
FACES OF JVS: Jenna Thompsen
Jenna joined JVS in August 2014 as an ESOL and Computer Instructor for the CNA program. She now also teaches for the Pharmacy Technician program, and has taught Citizenship classes, in addition to classes with Business Services at Whole Foods, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Legal Sea Foods.
She graduated from McGill University in Montreal with degrees in African Studies and International Development. In addition, she has studied in London and South Africa, concentrating on Peace & Conflict Resolution and Transitional Justice. Upon graduating, she taught kindergarten in China. Since returning to Boston, she has volunteered at the Boston Medical Center for Refugee Health and Human Rights, as well as the Consortium for Gender, Security, and Human Rights at UMass Boston. She currently volunteers at the HI Boston Hostel, hosting and leading events so that travelers can explore and learn more about Boston's amazing history!
