Jewish Vocational Service will honor four of its former clients and its longstanding partnership with San Francisco General Hospital at its 21st annual Strictly Business awards luncheon next week.
The S.F.-based nonprofit is honoring Yasmeen Gonzalez as its 2013 employee of the year. A victim of domestic violence who suffered many other hardships, she is now a patient care coordinator at UCSF. The Excel program (Excellence Through Community Engagement & Learning) at JVS helped the mother of two turn things around; she now has a job, an apartment and health benefits for her family.
Others being honored are Joseph Kolaski , John Scott and Alfonso Cortez, all of whom used JVS guidance and assistance to help get themselves out of desperate straits.
At the luncheon, JVS also will pay respect to its partnership with San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, a relationship that has resulted in more than 110 hires over the years. And it works both ways: In 2012, the hospital turned to JVS to strengthen its workforce, as the agency helped provide more than 4,500 hours of instruction and professional development for 200 employees.
The luncheon is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, May 13 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, 55 Fourth St., S.F. For more information, visit www.jvs.org/strictly_business.shtml or call (415) 782-6311.