A second chance. That’s what the students in JVS’ youth programs need, a chance to get away from poverty, drugs and gangs, being told they can’t go to college or find a job. Typically, the unemployment rate for this group tends to be the highest.
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Project YES
JVS’ Youth Employment Service (YES) program, challenges low-income youth to set goals and to reach them. This program reaches out to students at Fairfax High School and the West Hollywood Community Day School as well as any youth residing in West Hollywood. Over the years hundreds of students have graduated despite academic, social and economic obstacles. Many secured vocational training, jobs or college degrees. The Project YES program is funded by the City of West Hollywood. |
| When two young women from Fairfax High School showed up for their YES appointment, they did not expect to meet their local Councilman, Tom LaBonge, who was touring the WorkSource Center. The students were learning how to find after school jobs to raise funds for cheerleading uniforms and activities. LaBonge was impressed by their story, and suggested they write him a letter. The girl’s JVS counselor advised them on how to write an advocacy letter. As a result, their school received a $500 donation from the Councilman’s office on behalf of the cheerleading program. The girls also found a job at a local popcorn stand, and the owner reports that sales have doubled. |
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First Chance
JVS’ track record with its youth programs is what inspired the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office to collaborate in starting First Chance, which targets young people at risk of gang involvement. The program, announced at this year’s Strictly Business, offers them educational support, job training and placement, with referrals from local law enforcement agencies. Participants will also have access to other supportive services including after-school tutorials, GED assistance, community college or vocational training, drivers license assistance, substance abuse counseling, transportation assistance, childcare assistance and mental health counseling, as each client requires. (SB Photo of announcement) |
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High-Risk/High-Needs Youth on Probation
In partnership with the Los Angeles Probation department, JVS offers young people on probation communication workshops, employment plans specifically targeted to their needs and resources to help them obtain their high school diploma. For young people with few options, JVS is now giving them a way out. Students can also choose to start an employment track, which focuses on resume building, appearance and finding a job, or they can choose vocational training paid for by JVS. |
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Focus on the Future
This program assists high school students at Fairfax High School, West Hollywood Community Day School and Culver City Park High School in transitioning from the schoolyard to the workplace with comprehensive career guidance and education with the goal of turning these students away from a path of gangs, drugs and violence to a more productive future. |
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College Exploration and Employment
A Workforce Investment Act program that reaches out to Santa Monica students with personalized career and education workshops/assessments. JVS also provides motivational presentations on topics of interest. |
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Youth Advocacy Program
The mission of the YAP program is to provide early intervention and diversion services to at-risk youth ages 6-17 and their families. The YAP seeks to enrich the lives of its participants, while fostering individual growth and direction through innovative and interactive activities. Some of the specific topics covered by the YAP include: Goal setting instruction, educational support, tutoring, drug and alcohol abuse prevention activities, mentor involvement, college and career exploration, cultural activities, community service activities and neighborhood improvement projects. |
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Santa Monica Youth WIA
The Workforce Investment Act program reaches out to economically challenged
Santa Monica youth. The focus of the program is to provide youth with tools to be successful in the world of work and to enhance their educational opportunities. Youth receive an array of services from job readiness workshops to employment services, college and career exploration, financial education, and paid internship opportunities working in the local community. |
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Family Development Network
The Family Development Network provides emergency services to low income families on the Westside in partnership with a number of community based organizations including St. Joseph’s Center, Boys and Girls Club of Venice, COPE, Latino Resource Organization, Legal Aid Foundation of LA, Westside Children’s Center, Project HEAVY West and the Venice Family Clinic.
For more information on the above programs, please call JVS’ West Hollywood WorkSource Center at 323-904-4900 or the JVS/Mar Vista WorkSource Center at 310-309-6000. |
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SAGE
JVS’ SAGE (Skills, Aptitude, Guidance, and Employment) program is available to assist JVS Scholarship recipients, alumni, and other Jewish youth ages 16-25 in making a successful transition into the working world. The goal of the program is to provide young adults with employment search skills, resume writing and interview workshops, and individualized career assessment. SAGE is sponsored by the Newton and Rochelle Becker Foundation. For more information, contact the SAGE Program Coordinator at (323) 761-8888 ext 8877.
Fresh out of college, 24-year old Jessica S. had landed a job with an advocacy center for adolescents. But she wanted to expand her horizons. Her father suggested she contact JVS. Thanks to her JVS counselors, Jessica was able to successfully prepare and interview for a position with the Carter Center. Her boss later told her she had the job before she even walked out of the interview.
» Scholarship Information
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New Linkages
JVS’ New Linkages Program provides community service internships for Jewish students attending colleges and universities in the Los Angeles area. New Linkages is sponsored by the Melvin N. and Eunice Miller Foundation and the Chevra Chai Charitable Foundation of California.
» Additional information / Download an application
» Scholarship Information |
Several of JVS' youth programs are also available at the Teen Center in Virginia Avenue Park. For more information, please
click here
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