Annual Reports & Financials

Meet Oxana

Oxana had a vision of what she wanted her career to be. However, she faced barriers as a result of her Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She worked temporary contract positions and struggled to find meaningful employment. After completing our ASD Job Readiness program and learning how to disclose her challenges and advocate for herself, Oxana found a permanent job she enjoys as an Office Clerk at a residential construction company. She’s happy with her new position and tells us she’s “loving every minute of it!”

“Thanks to JVS Toronto, I have a knockout resume and cover letter. I found a job I enjoy and I am happy at. It really feels great.”

Meet Yvonne

Yvonne had a vision of a new life in a new country. Despite having 10 years of experience as a Senior Architect in her home country, she faced language barriers and a lack of Canadian experience which made it difficult to resume her career here in Canada. Yvonne enrolled in IPLAN; a bridge training program for internationally trained architectural professionals. She participated in technical courses with our partner Ryerson University, workplace communication classes, employment coaching, and several job search workshops. Yvonne’s perseverance and willingness to learn paid off. Today, she is an Architectural Designer at one of Toronto’s premier design firms.

“As an internationally trained professional, landing a job is not easy without an understanding of the local workplace culture.”

Say Hello to Levy

Levy’s vision of the future did not include unemployment. Levy was happily working at a job he enjoyed when COVID-19 hit. His was one of the 355,000 jobs lost in Ontario as a result of the pandemic. He had worked with JVS Toronto in the past, so he knew where to turn for help. At Employment Source Toronto Centre, his Employment Specialist helped him update his resume and conducted regular coaching sessions to keep him motivated. Levy wanted a job that would make a difference in the lives of others. Today, he is working at a company that provides therapy tools for children with disabilities – a perfect fit for his values.

“I am comforted knowing you’re there if I need your services in the future. I would recommend JVS Toronto to anyone!”

This is Kristina

As a young, single mother with past criminal involvement and no post-secondary education, her opportunities to find meaningful employment were limited. She was afraid of becoming just another “stereotype.” Determined to do better, Kristina enrolled in YouthReach. She attended every interview, every counselling appointment and every training program. She had big aspirations for her career and was willing to put in the hard work it took to succeed. Today, Kristina is an Account Coordinator at a marketing firm – her first professional role. She is exceeding all expectations and building a better future for her family.

“It was really hard for me to find a job because of my past. Everyone looked at me as just a case number. JVS Toronto actually helped me.”

Say Hello to Nick

Nick wanted a clear vision for his career. He is creative, articulate, and hard working. However, lifelong learning challenges impacted his ability to find work. He was in receipt of social assistance when he was referred to our Career, Education and Psychology division hoping to find a new path forward. During his vocational assessment, it became clear that Nick had excellent spatial abilities and an eye for detail. He also discovered an interest in nature. With encouragement from his Career Counsellor, Nick enrolled in a horticultural training program. He found a job working at a nursery where he grows his own roses and is planning a career in floral design.

“Identifying Nick’s passions and strengths was the first step in his journey to meaningful employment.” – JVS Toronto Career Counsellor

This is Mariana

Mariana had a vision of building a law firm employing skilled professionals. As a newcomer herself, she is a strong supporter of our mission to help people overcome barriers to employment. Since 2015, our Employer Services division have provided Mariana with the skilled candidates needed to build her company. Over the years, she has hired 27 JVS Toronto clients for positions ranging from Administrative Professionals, Paralegals, Law Clerks, and recently, a very excited Junior Lawyer. Mariana has achieved her vision of building a successful law firm while the clients she hired realized their vision of gaining meaningful employment.

“JVS Toronto helped me find many talented employees for my firm, most of whom have stayed with me for years.”