"The highest degree of charity is to take hold of persons who have been crushed...to find work for them and thus put them on their feet so that they will not be dependent upon others." (Moses Maimonides, 1135-1204) |
| FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S DESK | |
With Spring hopefully just around the corner, JVS has some exciting developments to share. I am pleased to announce the promotion of Peggy Himsl to the position of Director of Rehabilitation Services. Peggy succeeds Avi Dogim who retired after more than 17 years of service to the agency. Under Avi's leadership the Rehabilitation Department has grown and its services have expanded in many areas. We all wish Avi a very happy retirement.
As JVS continues to expand and meet the ever-changing needs of our clients, I want to bring to your attention two new projects that are featured in this e-newsletter: 1) a job placement program for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and 2) a summer Career Camp for young adults with physical disabilities. Please read on and join me for a preview of "Spring at JVS."
If you would like to help support these programs, as well as the many other services provided by JVS, please visit our website at www.jvsnj.org and click on DONATE NOW to use our secure, online donation server. Or contact our Development Officer, Eileen Weiss (eweiss@jvsnj.org, 973-674-6330 x 267), to learn more about how your contribution can make such an important difference in the lives of the clients we serve.
Thank you, as always, for your continuing friendship and support. I hope to see you on May 23rd at Taste and Toast!
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PEGGY HIMSL APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF REHABILITATION SERVICES
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Peggy Himsl has spent her entire career at JVS, starting in 1974 as a counseling intern. She officially joined JVS as a Vocational Evaluator after graduation and was subsequently promoted to the positions of Vocational Counselor and Assistant and Associate Director of Rehabilitation Services, prior to becoming the new Director.
Ms. Himsl holds a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Seton Hall University and a Certificate in Gerontology from the Hunter College Brookdale Center on Aging. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a National Certified Counselor.
Ms. Himsl was mentored for over 17 years by Avi Dogim, who recently retired as the JVS Director of Rehabilitation Services. She is grateful for his supervision and looks forward to the future. Ms. Himsl observes, "Avi has built up the Rehab Department over the years and leaves me with large shoes to fill. The department has grown under Avi's leadership and offers a broad range of services to individuals with disabilities age 14 to 100+. From providing rehabilitation and job placement services to almost 700 clients annually, to vocational assessments for students with disabilities, to our hand packing and assembly subcontracting services, the department is thriving and growing." Ms. Himsl goes on to express her excitement for the future describing two new programs starting this year. "I am thrilled to announce that JVS will be providing vocational services for "wounded warriors" (US Veterans) returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and that we are establishing a document scanning bureau that will employ people with disabilities. JVS will also continue our summer Career Camp for high school students diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and will launch a new summer Career Camp for young adults with physical disabilities. I very much look forward to enhancing and expanding the excellent rehabilitation programs JVS offers."
Ms. Himsl can be reached at phimsl@jvsnj.org, 973-674-6330, ext. 241.
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JVS CAREER CAMP OFFERS A NEW SESSION FOR STUDENTS WITH MOBILITY DISABILITIES
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Since 2009, JVS MetroWest has been a pioneer in providing innovative services for teens diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by offering a two-week Summer Career Camp for high functioning students ages 16 - 21. The overarching goal of the program is to prepare teens with ASD to make the transition from school to work or higher education. Campers explore career options, improve their social skills, and improve their job search skills and workplace behaviors. According to Lauren Klein, JVS Coordinator of Rehabilitation Services, "After just three days the staff observed remarkable improvement in campers' behavior and social skills. The pride a camper feels when he or she masters a new skill is what this program is all about." A key component of the program is the opportunity for campers to explore career interests through work stations and field trips. Campers participate in a variety of job tasks at work stations including a simulated grocery store, a business office, a shipping and receiving department, and a culinary station. Through guest speakers and field trips, campers also learn about career tracks in high growth industries.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, Career Camp 2011 will once again enable campers with ASD to enjoy two weeks of career exploration activities. They will have opportunities to practice new skills and take exciting educational field trips to master the skills they need for a more promising future. The dates for this program are August 15 to August 26, 2011.
In addition, JVS will expand its summer youth programming in 2011 to include a new Career Camp for Students with Mobility/Cognitive Disabilities. This pilot program is made possible with funding from the Kessler Foundation and will be held from August 1 to August 12, 2011. Modeled after JVS' highly successful Career Camp for young adults with ASD, this program will enable 10 students with mobility and/or cognitive disabilities, age 14-21, to gain a better understanding of work and post-secondary education options. Key program components include vocationally focused field trips, learning computer-based job search skills, practicing interpersonal and workplace skills, exposure to simulated work station activities, vocational and educational exploration and recreational activities.
For further information about the JVS Summer Career Camp Programs, contact: Lauren Klein, LKlein@jvsnj.org, 973-674-6330, ext. 237.
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JVS TO HELP WOUNDED WARRIORS REINTEGRATE INTO THE CIVILIAN WORKFORCE
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JVS, in partnership with JEVS Human Services in Philadelphia and the Tip of the Arrow Foundation, was recently awarded a two-year Signature grant from the Kessler Foundation to assist soldiers who have mobility and/or cognitive disabilities as a result of their service in Iraq and Afghanistan. The project is designed to help wounded veterans throughout New Jersey and greater Philadelphia successfully return to meaningful employment in the civilian world. Tip of the Arrow will assist with the referral of these soldiers to the program. JVS and JEVS will provide the program services which will include vocational assessments, career counseling, education and training opportunities, and placement in internships and jobs.
Contact Becky Shulman, bshulman@jvsnj.org, 973-674-6330, ext. 253 for further information about this program.
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TASTE AND TOAST
May 23, 2011 |
Honoring Michael Goldberg President, Goldberg Realty Associates, LLC and
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
with the
JVS Community Partner Award
For more information click here
.
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JVS Through the Years
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JVS Rehabilitation Workshop late 1990s
Volunteer Fred Goldenberg and Director of Rehabilitation Services, Avi Dogim, observe a client working with the shrink wrap machine in the Joseph L. Weinberg Rehabilitation Center.
Click here to learn more about the history of JVS.
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JVS is a beneficiary agency of the United Jewish Communities of MetroWest, NJ | |
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| In This Issue | |
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Upcoming Events
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Taste and Toast
Celebrate with JVS, Monday, May 23rd The Crystal Plaza, Livingston, NJ
Job Seekers Workshops
Held every other week at the Aidekman Family Campus, Whippany.
Contact Lynne Robbins 973-674-6330, ext. 272 to RSVP.
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