A new partnership between Jewish Family and Children’s Services of the East Bay and the S.F.-based Jewish Vocational Service could help kick-start the job hunt for those who were laid off or had their work hours slashed.
The two agencies have teamed up to offer free, ongoing individual sessions and group support for community members impacted by the economic crisis, marking the first time that JVS’ individual job search services and counseling will be offered in the East Bay.
“We’re thrilled to provide this service to clients who really need it more than they ever expected,” said Avi Rose, executive director of the East Bay JFCS. “The partnership is a positive example of the transbay collaboration that benefits our community.”
Individual sessions at the JFCS’ Berkeley office are offered 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Wednesday; the support group is 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month beginning Wednesday, March 10.
At JFCS’ Walnut Creek office, individual sessions are offered 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Friday; the support group is 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the third Friday of the month starting March 19.
Sessions, which are available by appointment or drop-in and are slated to continue throughout 2010, cover an array of topics: how to research careers of interest and refine career goals; develop strong networking techniques and write a resume; and tailor a cover letter to a specific position and practice interview skills.
The group sessions, specifically, boast an “open-ended environment,” according to Abigail Emerson, career develop manager for JVS, with an employment specialist/facilitator tackling any and all job-related questions asked by JFCS regulars and new clients.
“We’re hoping to serve more than 500 people,” Emerson said, “with our specialist working with 50-plus people at any given moment.”
Rose noted that in the past 18 months, JFCS has been working with JVS solely on a referral basis, in addition to offering its own financial support groups, job counselors and links to resources. A grant from the David L. Klein Jr. Foundation is now making it possible for a JVS representative to cross the bay to provide on-site services.
“When we offer anything job-related, there’s a strong response,” Rose said. “This is a wonderful way to complement our services.”
JFCS of the East Bay is located at 2484 Shattuck Ave., Suite 210, Berkeley and 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 200, Walnut Creek. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Laurie Nelson at (415) 596-0056.