Showing posts with label JVS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JVS. Show all posts
Friday, September 4, 2015
Monday, August 31, 2015
LA Fellows in the News
The LA Fellows program, like so many of the wonderful nonprofits we work with, often struggles to get the word out that we're here and ready to help those who need us. We were very fortunate earlier this year to get a grant for our current cohort, as well as the next two which start in October and February, so there's no cost to unemployed job seekers or the WorkSource centers that sponsor them. But how to get the word out?A reporter from the Los Angeles Daily News heard about the program and asked if she could sit in on a class and speak to some of the people involved. We happily agreed and the result is a front-page story that ran in the August 31st edition. We think it is a great representation of what LA Fellows does best: bringing hope (and empowering) the unemployed. You can read the story here: Article -how-the-la-fellows-program-is-putting-people-back-to-work
The Daily News website also has a couple of videos from the day, capturing a bit of wisdom from our instructor, Lynnette Ward, and a few words from one of the Fellows. One of those videos can be seen here: video-how-the-la-fellows-program-is-putting-the-unemployed-back-to-work/
There's a link to another video on the Daily News site, as well as more information on how to become an LA Fellow. Our next class starts October 26th, and informational orientations are scheduled for September 9, 18, and 30 at Los Angeles Valley College, and October 7 at the JVS West Hollywood AJCC at the West Hollywood Library. All the information for those sessions are posted at http://lafellows.org/apply.html.
There's a link to another video on the Daily News site, as well as more information on how to become an LA Fellow. Our next class starts October 26th, and informational orientations are scheduled for September 9, 18, and 30 at Los Angeles Valley College, and October 7 at the JVS West Hollywood AJCC at the West Hollywood Library. All the information for those sessions are posted at http://lafellows.org/apply.html.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Orientations Scheduled for West Hollywood and Marina Del Rey, Two More at Los Angeles Valley College - Attend One Session to Learn About Becoming an LA Fellow
Who
are the LA Fellows?
Los Angeles Valley
College’s LA Fellows program is a unique collaboration combining professional
development and volunteerism as a meaningful pathway to employment. LA Fellows
are motivated, hard-working, enthusiastic professionals with solid work
experience who are unemployed and are actively seeking their next career
opportunity. A highly recognized program, LA Fellows has appeared in
Forbes.com, the New York Times, KTLA Channel 5 news, and has been spotlighted
by the Department of Labor.
Make a Difference in Your Career
LA Fellows receive nine
weeks of free training in advanced job-seeking skills and executive-level
topics including leadership, critical thinking, and generating job leads. Optional
classes in advanced computer skills and grant writing are available to
participants. Training begins July 27, 2015.
Be the Difference in Your Community
LA Fellows volunteer their
professional expertise through project-based roles at local nonprofit organizations.
Designed to use the skills and ideas taught in class to augment the nonprofit
experience and reinforce learning, the program provides participants with
invaluable career growth skills, job search assistance, and the opportunity to
give back to the community while seeking full-time employment.
Become
an LA Fellow
Attend an informational session to
learn more about the program and application process. Job seekers only need to attend one informational session. Be prepared to stay two
hours. Visit www.lafellows.org or
call 818.947.2941 for more information.
Information
Sessions:
June 26th - 10:30 a.m.
JVS West Hollywood AJCC
at the
West Hollywood Library
625 N. San Vicente Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Parking is in the building and is validated for 3 hours.
July 1st – 10:00 a.m.
JVS WorkSource Center
13160 Mindanao Way #240
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Check in at Suite 105
Free validated parking
July 7th & 10th - 10:00 a.m.
Los Angeles Valley College
5800 Fulton Avenue
Valley Glen, CA 91401-4096
Located in the Library building, Second Floor, Room 201
Free parking on the 4th floor of the Parking Structure at the corner of Hatteras St. and Ethel Ave. Campus map is available at www.lavc.edu/map.
Monday, June 15, 2015
My Experience With LA Fellows by Jen Johnson, Cohort 11
This special guest post is from a recent graduate of the program, Jen Johnson. She volunteered to speak at one of our recent orientations to let prospective applicants know how the program can change lives. Jen agreed to let us post her story here.
Why I applied to LA Fellows
I applied to LA Fellows because I was at an impasse career-wise. I was burned out and a little lost. I had been pursuing acting during the day and waiting tables at night for about 7 years. I was making great money and enjoying my life, for the most part.
Then I had a milestone birthday. My friends and family began asking me what my long term plan was and when I was going to get a "real job." I started to get really down on myself.
I suddenly wanted something more out of my work life. One night at the restaurant, a gentleman at one of my tables ordered swordfish and he didn't get the tartar sauce that was supposed to come with it. He went off on me. He lost his temper and was yelling at me so loudly that other tables were staring, trying to figure out what the commotion was about. As I stood there being berated by this stranger, I thought, "Wow. With all the things in the world to get upset over, this guy chooses to become irate over some missing fish sauce. There are people starving to death, wars being fought, and this guy is directing pure rage towards me over a condiment. I need a new job."
I was looking for contacts on LinkedIn one December afternoon when I saw the page for LA Fellows and decided to check it out.
What I gained from the experience
I was reminded of the things I do well. One of the first exercises the Fellows were asked to do is list the things we were best at. I stared at that blank page for quite a while. I couldn’t think of
one thing to write on that list. It had been a long time since I had a job that I was passionate about, where my skills and talents were nurtured. And an even longer time since I had a job where my natural abilities rose to the top.
Over the course of the next 9 weeks, I heard a lot of the same sentiments from the Fellows in my cohort. Comments were made about being burned out, not wanting to return to the same line of work they once belonged to, not being appreciated for what they had to offer. I found myself countering their statements and giving them positive feedback. It got me out of myself and I finally remembered what it felt like to be confident and to contribute to the workplace dialogue. I remembered the things that made me ME at work.
The benefits of being in Cohort 11
The instructors were great. Of course they expected us to be professional, but they created a space for us to be real. We didn't have to put on a brave face if we weren't feeling brave. A lot of times, we were frustrated, emotionally spent and lost. Allison, Mary and our instructors created a safe space for us to be heard and be honest.
Without this crucial first step, I don't think the growth that occurred would have been possible.
With the support of our Fellow members of Cohort 11, a sense of camaraderie grew. Through the classroom instruction and dialogue, we got to know each other and were able to point out one another's strengths. Talents long since forgotten about rose to the top, brought to our attention by our peers in Cohort 11.
Where I volunteered/ what I got out of the experience
I volunteered at Therapeutic Living Centers for the Blind, or TLC for the Blind for short. TLC for the Blind was started in 1975 by a group of families who had relatives living with being blind and/ or deaf, and some also had developmental disabilities. The usual course of action for people with these circumstances was to be institutionalized. But a group of relatives got together and decided to create a better way for their loved ones to live- enabling them to create lives full of dignity and independence.
I liked the idea of a group of people banding together to improve the lives of the people they loved. They didn't wait for something to happen; they took action. 40 years later, TLC remains the only facility of its kind of the San Fernando Valley. I thought, "This is the kind of place I'd like to spend 100 hours volunteering."
My boss at TLC allowed me to work independently- which is something I value. I didn't even know that about myself until LA Fellows. My boss also gave me the opportunity to write a grant. I applied for a grant to get a shade structure for the playground at TLC. It felt so empowering to have the opportunity to potentially affect the lives of hundreds of children, who wouldn't be able to play outside without the grant and a shade structure.
I could not have had a better volunteer experience!
How LA Fellows helped me move forward
I also got a job out of the LA Fellows experience! A week before speaking at this orientation, I was offered a position as a Grants Coordinator at a very well-known and respected nonprofit. I will be writing reports to wealthy donors who have the capacity to help people who need it; people who may be in a similar position as I was in just 6 months ago. I'm sort of like Robin Hood!
LA Fellows helped me redefine my sense of purpose in the world. I couldn't have imagined that after 3 months as an LA Fellow, I would find a job, let alone one that incorporates so many of my passions and talents in a way that is going to help people who need it! I cannot encourage you enough to apply to this program. LA Fellows will not just change YOUR life- it will change the lives of individuals in your cohort, in your community- and beyond.
Why I applied to LA Fellows
I applied to LA Fellows because I was at an impasse career-wise. I was burned out and a little lost. I had been pursuing acting during the day and waiting tables at night for about 7 years. I was making great money and enjoying my life, for the most part.
Then I had a milestone birthday. My friends and family began asking me what my long term plan was and when I was going to get a "real job." I started to get really down on myself.
I suddenly wanted something more out of my work life. One night at the restaurant, a gentleman at one of my tables ordered swordfish and he didn't get the tartar sauce that was supposed to come with it. He went off on me. He lost his temper and was yelling at me so loudly that other tables were staring, trying to figure out what the commotion was about. As I stood there being berated by this stranger, I thought, "Wow. With all the things in the world to get upset over, this guy chooses to become irate over some missing fish sauce. There are people starving to death, wars being fought, and this guy is directing pure rage towards me over a condiment. I need a new job."
I was looking for contacts on LinkedIn one December afternoon when I saw the page for LA Fellows and decided to check it out.
What I gained from the experience
I was reminded of the things I do well. One of the first exercises the Fellows were asked to do is list the things we were best at. I stared at that blank page for quite a while. I couldn’t think of
Over the course of the next 9 weeks, I heard a lot of the same sentiments from the Fellows in my cohort. Comments were made about being burned out, not wanting to return to the same line of work they once belonged to, not being appreciated for what they had to offer. I found myself countering their statements and giving them positive feedback. It got me out of myself and I finally remembered what it felt like to be confident and to contribute to the workplace dialogue. I remembered the things that made me ME at work.
The benefits of being in Cohort 11
The instructors were great. Of course they expected us to be professional, but they created a space for us to be real. We didn't have to put on a brave face if we weren't feeling brave. A lot of times, we were frustrated, emotionally spent and lost. Allison, Mary and our instructors created a safe space for us to be heard and be honest.
Without this crucial first step, I don't think the growth that occurred would have been possible.
Where I volunteered/ what I got out of the experience
I volunteered at Therapeutic Living Centers for the Blind, or TLC for the Blind for short. TLC for the Blind was started in 1975 by a group of families who had relatives living with being blind and/ or deaf, and some also had developmental disabilities. The usual course of action for people with these circumstances was to be institutionalized. But a group of relatives got together and decided to create a better way for their loved ones to live- enabling them to create lives full of dignity and independence.
I liked the idea of a group of people banding together to improve the lives of the people they loved. They didn't wait for something to happen; they took action. 40 years later, TLC remains the only facility of its kind of the San Fernando Valley. I thought, "This is the kind of place I'd like to spend 100 hours volunteering."
My boss at TLC allowed me to work independently- which is something I value. I didn't even know that about myself until LA Fellows. My boss also gave me the opportunity to write a grant. I applied for a grant to get a shade structure for the playground at TLC. It felt so empowering to have the opportunity to potentially affect the lives of hundreds of children, who wouldn't be able to play outside without the grant and a shade structure.
I could not have had a better volunteer experience!
How LA Fellows helped me move forward
 |
| Jen (right) with her WorkSorce case manager, Candis Noel from JVS in West Hollywood |
LA Fellows helped me redefine my sense of purpose in the world. I couldn't have imagined that after 3 months as an LA Fellow, I would find a job, let alone one that incorporates so many of my passions and talents in a way that is going to help people who need it! I cannot encourage you enough to apply to this program. LA Fellows will not just change YOUR life- it will change the lives of individuals in your cohort, in your community- and beyond.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Three More Orientations - Find Out About & Apply to be an LA Fellow
We are very proud to have been invited back to conduct an information session for Cohort 12 of the LA Fellows at the JVS WorkSource location at the beautiful West Hollywood Library on June 26th at 10:30am. We have also added another on-campus orientation on July 10th at Los Angeles Valley College, home of the LA Fellows program, where we'll be answering questions and explaining the program to all interested job seekers and others. Go to www.lafellows.org/apply for all the details.
Friday, April 10, 2015
Graduation Guests - A Community of Partnerships
If no man is an island, the same is true of programs that serve the community - we cannot exist without a network of partners who understand the importance of what we do and put their words and deeds behind supporting its success.
The first time guests join us for an LA Fellows graduation, they are often surprised and impressed by the caliber of the speakers and the amazing people and organizations who show up to support the success of this program. The most recent graduation was no exception.
The president of Los Angeles Valley College, where the program is based, Dr. Erika Endrijonas, took to the podium to open the ceremony on occasion of the 11th Cohort's graduation on March 13th, 2015. Our partnership with the LACCD system is an important one and we are honored that they value the way our missions mesh and compliment each other. Dr. Endrijonas spoke with great inspiration and passion about this synergy.
LA Fellows are very proud of the men and women who serve in our armed forces and especially those who conscientiously strive to bring the skills they learned in the service to their lives and work in the civilian world. We take time every graduation to recognize the veterans in our midst to thank them for their service with the presentation of a very special certificate.
We were pleased to be joined this time by Mark Brenner, President and CEO of Silhouettes for Vets, an organization that educates and coaches veterans and their families for employment transition, and David Fierro, Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist with the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs, to honor our LA Fellows vets on graduation day.
Kenn Phillips has been a valued guest at almost every LA Fellows graduation ceremony. He represents not one but THREE very important partnerships: he is a member of the advisory board that conceived and founded this program and continues on as a resource for information and growth; as CEO and President of the Valley Economic Alliance, he represents the business community that needs the types of talent that LA Fellows attracts and fosters; his organization, in its capacity as a nonprofit, is hosting an LA Fellow for her 100 hours of volunteer service. Our LA Fellows have come to know him as a valued mentor and advisor, and we were honored once again that he was able to join us to share words of wisdom with the graduates.
The first time guests join us for an LA Fellows graduation, they are often surprised and impressed by the caliber of the speakers and the amazing people and organizations who show up to support the success of this program. The most recent graduation was no exception.
 |
| LAVC President Dr. Erika Endrijonas addresses the graduates and guests. |
 |
| LAVC's Lennie Ciufo looks on as Mark Brenner with Silhouettes for Vets and David Fierro with the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs prepare to present certificates recognizing the LA Fellows who served in our country's armed forces. |
We were pleased to be joined this time by Mark Brenner, President and CEO of Silhouettes for Vets, an organization that educates and coaches veterans and their families for employment transition, and David Fierro, Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist with the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs, to honor our LA Fellows vets on graduation day.
 |
| Mark Brenner presents a certificate of appreciation to Navy veteran and LA Fellows graduate Regina Shelton, as David Fierro, right, holds a certificate for Mark Manculich, a Marine veteran from LA Fellows Cohort 11. |
Kenn Phillips has been a valued guest at almost every LA Fellows graduation ceremony. He represents not one but THREE very important partnerships: he is a member of the advisory board that conceived and founded this program and continues on as a resource for information and growth; as CEO and President of the Valley Economic Alliance, he represents the business community that needs the types of talent that LA Fellows attracts and fosters; his organization, in its capacity as a nonprofit, is hosting an LA Fellow for her 100 hours of volunteer service. Our LA Fellows have come to know him as a valued mentor and advisor, and we were honored once again that he was able to join us to share words of wisdom with the graduates.
Perhaps our most important partners are those who make the program financially possible: the WorkSource centers of the LA area. After the initial grant that funded our early Cohorts, we have relied on WIA funding to pay for the training - the unemployed job seekers who are chosen for the LA Fellows program don't pay a dime. Our WorkSource partners commit a portion of their budget based on their experience and confidence that the LA Fellows model works and that the Job Training staff at Los Angeles Valley College is committed to finding individuals ready to say "Yes" to instruction and passionate about succeeding in their job search.
Our WorkSource partners for Cohort 11 were Community Career Development, El Proyecto del Barrio, JVS West Hollywood, Rescare Workforce Services, the Santa Clarita WorkSource Center, and Youth Policy Institute.
 |
| Candis Noel, Case Manager for JVS West Hollywood, which sponsored some of the Fellows in Cohort 11. |
 |
| Carlene Gepner of Community Career Development. CCD sponsored some LA Fellows of Cohort 11 |
The LA Fellows program thanks and appreciates all its partners and looks forward to building new partnerships and strengthening existing ones in the months and years ahead.
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