February is Jewish Disability, Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month. In recognition, each week we will be highlighting a client success story. JCFS Chicago is proud to join Jewish organizations and communities to raise awareness and champion the civil rights of people with disabilities.

When Joyce* was laid off from the administrative assistant position she had been working at for eleven years, she turned to JCFS Chicago's Duman Opportunity Center for assistance. Joyce was connected with an employment specialist in February 2019 where they discussed Joyce’s goals of finding another administrative assistant role.

With the help of her employment specialist, Joyce revised her resumé to highlight her 20 years of experience as an administrative assistant, along with her associates degree and strong computer skills. After sending out her application for a few job openings, Joyce had a promising interview in March, but the position became unavailable at the last minute.

Joyce was concerned that she would have to leave Chicago because of financial  challenges. Her employment specialist requested a clothing voucher and emergency funds to help Joyce pay her rent. She also  continued to look for suitable openings and got Joyce another interview. In May 2019, Joyce was hired as an administrative assistant. 

Joyce is still happily working and shared, “I am very grateful and blessed to have been referred to JCFS Chicago for placement services.”

*Name changed for confidentiality