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JVS Career & Employment’s Contracted Employment Services (CES) is committed to assisting adults with disabilities and other barriers to employment find and maintain jobs. CES pairs qualified candidates with open positions in janitorial and administrative support services. During this past year, these jobs were not just meaningful to the employer and employee, they were essential.

Youth with disabilities, ages 16-24 living in Cook and Lake Counties who meet eligibility requirements can work with a team of JCFS Chicago employment experts to reach their employment goals.

“I knew I would be able to do the things I wanted to accomplish,” Brandon Bures, a JVS Career & Employment client said. This Spring, he shared his story and represented JCFS Chicago at a Source America Grassroots Advocacy Conference with Marlies Gramann, Associate Vice President of Disability Services. The conference provided advocacy and self-advocacy training for non-profit executives and people with disabilities.

“JVS was instrumental in helping me recognize and support my own growth, strengths and confidence as I switched careers,” Carrie said. “All the counselors, workshops and events were of great value. I feel my search would have been a lot tougher without the invaluable support and education provided by JVS.”

In 2012, Samuel was a recent high school graduate with little work experience. Unsure of his next steps, Samuel felt nervous about his future. That’s when his Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) counselor referred Samuel to JVS Career & Employment. 

February is Jewish Disability, Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month. In recognition, each week we will be highlighting a client success story. 

After immigrating to the United States, Fedir and Maxym turned to JVS Career & Employment for assistance. 

Sean Nebel came to JVS Career & Employment with the goal of getting out of his comfort zone. “I had a hard time breaking out of my shell,” he recalled. Eddie Baturin, a JVS senior vocational trainer, who has worked with Sean the past eight years said, "Over the years, you could really see him change his personality. From being the guy that wouldn’t talk or stand up for himself, now he has a strong personality and is independent."

With the help of JVS Career & Employment, Louis has been working at MOD Pizza since October of last year. His job coach reports that Louis has become a pizza box folding master, and after working together Louis is able to independently clock in and out, bus tables, check in with customers and navigate the kitchen safely.

JCFS Chicago is proud to join the nonprofit community and celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Each week, we will be highlighting a client success story of someone who found meaningful employment through JVS Career & Employment. This is Luba’s story.