Career

JCFS Chicago received an AARP Foundation grant in February to help fund job training for individuals over 50 through Project EM.

To promote the development of employment skills in a supportive environment, the Student Work Program at Knapp School & Yeshiva provides students in grades 6-12 with supervised work experiences in the school and at community work sites.

It’s probably no surprise that jobseekers face emotional challenges while looking for that next position.

“I think a lot of it is the employment marketplace today. People feel qualified and apply to positions, get interviews, maybe second interviews, but never hear from anyone again,” said JVS Career Counselor Sandra Saltzman. “That is a frustration."

John came to JCFS Chicago looking for a part-time job for after school and weekends. John is funny, lighthearted and sports-obsessed, and he wanted to utilize his passion for athletics.  

When Alan reflects on his career and personal journey since working with JVS Career & Employment, he can’t believe how far he has come.

People turn to JVS Career & Employment when they need help with their job search. Oftentimes, after gaining employment, those same people will contact JVS to share a career update.

In the early 2000s, Sarah was struggling to pay her bills while living in Chicago and attending medical school. Her grueling academic schedule didn’t allow time for a job to help. A classmate, who also was Jewish, told her about a JVS Career & Employment scholarship offered to Jewish students studying in the health field.

When Alex moved from Israel to be closer to family in the Chicago suburbs, he did not have a plan in place for employment.

“My transition to the U.S. was a little stressful,” he admits.

Among the hundreds of negative effects the pandemic caused people across the United States, one of the most distressing was the rapid rise in unemployment and underemployment. People who had been working in the same industries and companies for years suddenly saw their lives upended

When describing how JVS Career Services can help, JVS Career Services Director, Jeff Blumenfeld explains, “Ari came to us confused about his career path. After a number of one-on-one career counseling sessions, he was able to move forward and land a good job.”