March 2021
Client Success: Maxwell English
With a background as an EMT, Maxwell English had a passion and interest for helping people. After learning about the JVS Nurse's Aide Training program from a friend, he decided to enroll in the program. In 2018, he graduated and began working as a Patient Care Associate (PCA) at Spaulding Rehabilitation. Today, Maxwell works as a PCA on the Brain Injury Unit team, where he recently received Spaulding’s Employee S.T.A.R. of the Month Award.
His colleagues all agree that Maxwell is a team play who always goes the extra mile with a positive attitude in everything he does. “On a busy night shift with minimal staff available, Maxwell was quick to offer his assistance.” To put it simply, Maxwell is a wonderful colleague and a superstar employee.
New Staff: Ashely Oguadimma
JVS is thrilled to announce the appointment of Ashley Oguadimma to the role of Vice President of Academic Services. As Vice President of Academic Services, Ashley is a member of the JVS Leadership Team. In her role, she will lead the Adult Diploma Pathway and Bridges to College and Careers programs. Prior roles include Academic Director at Year Up in Boston and Dean of Students at Conservatory Lab Charter School.

Ashley holds a master’s degree in education from Boston College with a focus in education through an urban and special education lens, and a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College. A native of Mattapan, she now resides in Milton, MA. Currently, she serves on the Alumni Board for Thayer Academy, sits on the Board for the WOW Coalition (Dorchester) and is a DEI consultant for Quality Interactions.
Programmatic Update: Client Services Department
In September 2020, JVS launched a pilot to test a new outreach and intake system. This system, overseen by the Client Services Department, was designed to be more client-centered by allowing prospective clients on-demand program matching, as well as one-on-one appointments to discuss their goals and receive a warm referral. Program teams save time, as clients have already been pre-screened for programming. To date, the pilot has made 797 referrals (and counting) – at least one to every department in the agency!

This project is made possible through a grant from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation.
New Partnership: JVS, MassHire and DTA Collaboration
Elizabeth H. (left), JVS Senior Manager of Healthcare Skills Training, delivered a loaner laptop to Yamara, a JVS Pharmacy Technician student who recently started classes.
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) has partnered with JVS and MassHire Career Centers to launch a Pharmacy Technician Program through their DTA Works Internship Program. Each organization plays a different role: MassHire provides training, DTA provides a stipend and wrap around co-case management supports for eligible TAFDC participants while JVS provides laptops to clients who need one to meaningfully participate.

At the end of this program, participants will be prepared to pass the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), allowing them to obtain higher-paying jobs at hospital wages of $16-$22.00 an hour.
Supporter Spotlight: JVS AmeriCorps Service Members
This year, AmeriCorps Week was celebrated on March 7-13. JVS joined many other organizations in thanking and celebrating AmeriCorps service members. Please join us in thanking these individuals for their dedication, service and time:
Dahiana E.
Refugee Services
Doug B.
Refugee Services
Hannah H.
Refugee Services
Matt A.
Academic Services
Charity Navigator Award
JVS has earned our fifth consecutive 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. A 4-star rating verifies that JVS exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in our area of work. In fact, only 17% of charities evaluated have received this exceptional designation.
Donors like you play a vital role in shaping the future of JVS and our clients.