I was referred here by MRC after some life probs left me houseless and jobless. I worked with two different people there and they helped me get my life back on track. I had weekly sessions with a career counselor and she helped me find a position that mirrored the one I had previously (shout-out to Ellen Shaw-Peterson). I also worked with a housing advocate, Helen Hawkins, who helped me find the place where I live now. There is nothing negative I could possibly say about this place....they transformed my life. read more

An incredible kind and patient organization offer services to Jews and non-Jews alike. Most of their services are absolutely free, making this a no-brainer for anyone struggling in the Commonwealth. They helped me with a number of things, including finding employment. I don't know how you can beat the value of this. read more

JVS Boston it's time you guys come up with a new system that will allow employees to get paid every two week. We submit our timesheet every two weeks but have to week an extra week for our timesheet to be processed? I believe JVS should consider the bills your employees have. Having a system that will allow employees to get paid every two weeks would allow employees to pay their electrical bill, rent, mortgage and other bills they may need to pay quickly. Also JVS employees work way too hard not get paid while taking their lunch. There have been some changes in JVS Boston but this is something that needs to be addressed. JVS does a great job offering flex funds supports to their client but this service should be also offered to our wonderful staff. As well as financial coaching. I believe if JVS staff members are paid on time, paid better and given opportunities within to grow more people would stay. read more

my son was in the Transition To work program for young adults with disabilities. it is a mock CVS. He loved it until yesterday when he made an autistic comment that would seem rude to a teacher. With no compassion they sent him home crying and told him not to return. This is supposed to be for kids with special needs and yet he was made to feel like a complete failure. very disappointed in this organization. read more

As part of this whole unemployment gig, there are certain things I have to do -- keep a work log, certify my weekly activities online, and not flee the country. I recently received a letter in the mail saying I had to attend a career center seminar to further my job search. Aw, maaaaan. Do I have to? I checked out the list of career centers in Boston, and The Work Place was by far the most conveniently located. I signed up for an introductory seminar, not knowing what to expect, and was blown away by the amount of resources they offer for free: - One-on-one counseling sessions with an expert - Workshops ranging from how to put your resume online to tips on your career transition - Computer tutorials on popular office software - A resource center where you can apply for jobs online, print and fax Being a nonprofit organization, I expected the staff to seem downtrodden and jaded, but nope! Perky and smiley. Quite suspicious. My one-on-one counseling session was lovely, and I walked away with a bunch of job leads and the confidence to apply for a position with Google. read more

JVS Boston - Language Schools Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Attended many years ago, but am successful today due to the great training program at JVS. I landed a job at The Cambridge YMCA before I even finished the program! The other attendees and I organized a clothing swap and really bonded. Years later I returned to serve on a panel about continuing education and to mentor. I highly recommend JVS because all those years ago when I was downtown Boston going around looking for a training program, they were the only ones who gave me hope and had the resources to get me started on my career path. The fact that Jewish Vocational Service is still in existence and has grown is a testament to what a great organization they are and that their services are in demand! read more

The place was ok. But the advice that was given was ridiculous. Hal Surgecoff looked like he didn't want to be there teaching; moreover, his advice that we leave our resume at the barber's, was ridiculously absurd. Hal only appears to have gotten a 2 year degree, yet he tries to tell people with a Bachelors and Masters how to get jobs when he hasn't even achieved or worked at the jobs he is recommending. Just asked for other individuals for help, with Hal Surgecoff, you'll get where he got, not very far. read more

I went to JVS for free tax prep help with VITA and they handled things pretty professionally. Not everyone knew the ins and outs of taxes, just the basics, so there were phone calls made and a bit of waiting to ensure they didn't mess up my taxes. I really appreciated the time they took, but there were times when I questioned how well some people knew their tax rules, guess my situation really challenged them. The tax prep office I went to was a pretty small open computer learning classroom, so it was weird hearing people talk about their situation, including me talking about my situation out loud. I wish there was more privacy and appointments would be upheld. I arrived early for my appointment and there were accountants just lingering at the door way peering out into the waiting room already done with the last person's taxes and I sat there for a good 15 minutes twiddling my thumbs. read more

The Transitions to Work (TTW) Program run through JVS is stellar! I just finished a "cycle" myself. My cycle was working in the in house Regional Learning Center (RLC). The RLC is basically a fake CVS. Working in the RLC teaches you customer service, cash register operations, and other important aspects of working in retail (ex. giving the right amount of change). For more information or a program application, you can contact: Madeline Wenzel Director, JVS Disability Services 617-399-3241 mwenzel@jvs-boston.org read more

Volunteered for about a year here and was an overall great learning experience. The only criticism worth mentioning is the lack of professionalism exhibited by several of the teachers at times. Whether it's personal issues they've brought to work with them or whatnot, talking down to volunteers or intentionally trying to embarrass them in front of the class is never ok. I had this happen to me once in a Level 1 class, and immediately after the students I was working with lost interest in paying any attention. If you don't respect the volunteers, neither will the students. I don't know if Afrah is still teaching Level 2, but she indirectly encouraged me to leave in front of other volunteers after getting me to help out when she went on holidays, or fill in for other absent volunteers constantly. It was strange, because I'd never heard of volunteers being turned away from any organization, and without reason. Perhaps with the many volunteers JVS gets, this isn't an issue. On other occasions, I would show up for a session in her class at 9am and be told that the class was canceled, and had received no prior warning, and no apology but was insead told I could "go home." These incidents showcased a lack of professional etiquette, which unfortunately can sour the otherwise meaningful experience once can get at JVS. Some volunteers are there in good faith, not just to gain college credit, and being dismissive of them reflects badly on those meant to teach students professional skills for the workplace. read more

Maybe Yelp could have a time limit for how long a review stays up. To have negative reviews from 8 years ago is not helpful or generally accurate. read more

I went there last year, they help you prepare for schools or jobs or what ever goals you have and it is free! so what is there to complain about? The staffs was great and passionate, they want to help you to succeed. However they want you to act like you are in a job, if you behave like a freshman in college, wearing sandal and shorts, joke in class, or if you complain in front of everyone that may seem like you are not appreciate or grateful, they will kick you out in a nice way. Which for some people will think is reasonable and some think that is too much. You can have a controversies about it, but either way, i stand in a neutral position. Their environment of classroom is a little out-dated, they try to fill as much students as they can in one classroom and it is crowed and hot. Its understandable because the resources are limited. Nonetheless i hear they are moving to a better place last year so hopefully they do. Stars for passion teachers and some other staffs. No stars for two things, first the equipment and some inconvenience useless rules such as if you arrive early you cant stay in a classroom because that is not the time JVS bought. Second after i left JVS for a while i receive an E-mail regarding a post office job opportunity, so i called and the guy who i spoke to was RUDE!!! he sounds so arrogant and impatient, like I am not fit for this position cuz i am TRASH!!! well maybe thats abit too much but you know what i mean, He is just not helpful at all! Very negative and discouraging. I find this amusing because JVS is suppose to inspire and help people who needs help. This guy sound like its a corporate job that the people who apply for this job are talented, competence, well educated people. So yea another star off for that employee. read more

A couple of years ago, I was told that JVS could help me out with finding a career direction, so I signed up for an appointment with one of their counselors. a) The woman that I was talking to on the phone prior to making an appointment with JVS wasn't terribly nice, even though the advice she gave me was good. b) After I made an appointment with them, I was talking to George, one of their counselors, who was constantly telling me that I should get off the internet and start talking to people in real life. Few years later I was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome and found a great job via online job board. Much of their advice proved to be useless, unfortunately. read more

Like anything in life the time and effort you put into something is what you will get in return. Approach situations with a positive spin and you will be surprised what will happen. Learn to accept constructive criticism, life is a learning process, there is always room for growth. Learn to advocate for yourself. In life you are not just a student, but also a teacher, show others the way. If you are willing to work hard for what you want in life you can attain just about anything, but you have to want it. These are just a few things I have learned in my journey with JVS. These mottos have molded me into the person I am today. I am enjoying the fruits of my labor. Thanks to JVS and their citizenship classes and bridge to college program, I am now a proud US citizen with a bright outlook for my future. I will be returning to college to pursue a career not just a job. I now have the opportunity to be able to provide a nurturing and stable home, for my family. read more

As an employer that has worked very closely with JVS for many years, I can't say enough about the amazing work that JVS is doing for their clients and the community. I have seen first hand the quality, commitment and dedication that JVS staff puts into the many personal and career development programs they offer. I continue to be impressed with the innovative and creative ways that JVS is delivering top-notch adult education and lifelong learning and career skills. JVS is large enough to support the needs of larger employers in and around the city, but small enough to have personal relationships that lead to customized solutions. As an employer partner, we have been welcomed by JVS as if we are part of their family. The caring staff is what makes JVS Boston truly special. Whether you are an employer or a job seeker, JVS is the best choice in Boston for your needs! read more

I Volunteered for JVS for few months, it was great experience and I was looking for a professional job meanwhile, after few month of leaving JVS they contacted me and connected me with a job which is perfect fit for me, I got the job and I love it. I wouldn't get it without their help. read more

The JVS is one of the most poorly run organizations ever. I met with a worker there, who without permission gave out my personal information without my permission. I also met with a worker there, who sent me to a job fair for handicapped and disabled, when I had neither of traits, and only had a mild learning disability. They clearly don't care about their clients. read more

Since being "separated from my job" on January 11, I have used CareerSolution for help finding a new job - actually a career. In earlier years I had used this non-governmental agency for paths to the workforce with mixed results. I took one former employee's advice and applied at one place and got the job, but that turned out to be a disaster. Since that time Jewish Vocational Services, the umbrella organization for CareerSolution, seems to have tightened up. There are some good people there, such as a few of the Career Navigators, as they are called. They helped me to good effect by rearranging my resume and doing some redactions on my cover letters. This will up my chances of getting the calls for interviews. There are a couple of employees who could use some more sensitivity training, as many of us are very damaged after our lay offs, but the red tape here is kept to a minimum, unlike the mounds of paperwork and torturous intake processes at some government bodies. All in all CareerSolution is a helping hand that you should take if you want to find a new job. read more