JFCS Career Development Center is expanding services outside of Allegheny County to reach job seekers across the region. Through a new initiative of the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies (NJHSA) and in partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America, JFCS will be one of 19 organizations across the country launching Project EM: Empowering and Employing our Community, a nationwide network to provide jobseekers with assistance, resources, and tools they need to find work.
A Changing Workforce
The ups and downs of the pandemic have thrown a curve ball into the job market. Many workers remain on the sideline, find themselves severely underemployed, work multiple jobs, or lack access to benefits. Others, who have up-skilled during the pandemic, need help breaking into new fields.
The goal of Project EM is to ensure that no matter where someone is on their career path or where they are located geographically, they can get the support they require to get a job–or a better job–free of charge. Through Project EM, job seekers can access interactive workshops, technical skills training, financial literacy sessions, resume writing assistance, and personalized career coaching, as well as job listings.
Expanding Career Services
“We’re so proud to be a part of this initiative because it gets our services into the hands of those who need it most,” says Becky Johnson, Director of JFCS Career Development Center. “Looking for work is hard, it’s exhausting, and this is an opportunity for us to help people feel supported and confident as they navigate that process and hopefully find a job that will work for them and their families.”
This initiative will expand JFCS Career Development Center’s existing services in Allegheny County, helping job seekers in Butler, Beaver, Westmoreland, and Washington counties and throughout the country to navigate the job search, build their resume and networks, advocate for accommodations for invisible disabilities, and plan their future.
“No matter where someone lives, they can connect with a career counselor or attend a workshop, all for free, all from the comfort of their home. If someone is looking for work, this program could help them,” explains Johnson.
Support for Project EM
JFCS, an NJHSA member agency, is supported by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh in administering Project EM, which relies on the partnership and generous funding support of The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies, and additional funding partners.
Project EM’s resources are available at https://www.jewishtogether.org/project-em.
About JFCS Career Development Center
JFCS Career Development Center works with our community’s jobseekers and employers to create a diverse and thriving regional workforce. Our client services focus on building job search skills for career success, offering expert guidance, proven strategies, and personal attention every step of the way. When it comes to recruiting talent or downsizing, JFCS Career Development Center partners with employers to handle their workforce needs with expertise and compassion.
About JFCS
Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS), was founded in 1937. Our mission is to help individuals and families through life’s changes and challenges. We do so by providing comprehensive, innovative social services and empowering people with the resources and supports they need to improve their lives and regain self-sufficiency and stability. www.jfcspgh.org
The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies (NJHSA) is an international membership association of more than 150 non-profit human service agencies in the United States, Canada and Israel. Its members provide a full range of human services for the Jewish community and beyond, including healthcare, career, employment and mental health services, as well as programs for youth, families and seniors, Holocaust survivors, immigrants and refugees, persons with disabilities and caregivers.
The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) are the backbone of the organized Jewish community in the U.S. and Canada, representing over 300 Jewish communities. They raise and distribute more than $2 billion annually and through planned giving and endowment programs to support Jewish communities domestically and in Israel.