News & Highlights

JVS Toronto announces 2018 AGM Award Winners

Recognizing client success, and the contributions of volunteers and employers, has been a staple each year at JVS Toronto’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). On October 3, 2018, JVS Toronto presented its AGM Awards to five very deserving recipients.

“Our award winners all have one thing in common,” said Jeff Goldfarb, Board of Directors Immediate Past Chair when introducing the 2018 awards presentation, “they put their trust into JVS Toronto. Whether a client or employer committed to using our services, or a volunteer willing to contribute their time, I thank each of you for instilling your trust in us.”

Congratulations to our 2018 AGM Award winners.

L to R: Kim Coulter, Nicole Diamond, Bianca Johnson, Nancy Freedman

Bianca Johnson – Freedman Family Award for Young Entrepreneurs

This award recognizes a young entrepreneur who has completed one of JVS Toronto’s youth entrepreneurship programs, and successfully operating a full-time or a part-time basis business.

Bianca, a young entrepreneur and mother of two young children gained knowledge from JVS Toronto’s Summer Company program to start a business called Spike it Up offering alcohol-infused desserts. Challenged the rules and regulations to prepare her desserts in a commercial kitchen, Bianca rented time in a local commercial kitchen shuttling her equipment and ingredients to and from this kitchen every time she baked her stock. Undaunted, Bianca’s passion and hard work steadily grew Spike It Up. She recently opened her first retail location in Scarborough and arranged order delivery through UberEats and Skip the Dishes.

Dedicated friend and supporter

Barrie Rose, who served as Chair of the Board from 1967 to 1969 and later as an Honorary Director, passed away on July 15, 2018.

Over 50 years ago, thanks to a generous grant from Barrie, founded JVS Toronto’s Jewish Day School program in the Eitz Chaim Schools. His transformational gift led to the integration of JVS Toronto’s psychoeducational consultants into the Jewish Day Schools, who work daily with teachers and parents to identify issues, assess, diagnose and establish educational plans so students of all abilities can continue their Jewish and academic education. Today, through our Career, Education and Psychology Division at JVS Toronto, Barrie’s legacy continues to ensure that individuals of all abilities and income levels can access assessments to improve their success at school and work.

On behalf of the Board, staff and the entire JVS Toronto community, I express our appreciation to Barrie for his years of service to JVS Toronto, and acknowledge the important contributions he made to the Agency and throughout our community as a true philanthropic spirit. We extend our deepest sympathy to Barrie’s entire family.

Ken Backus, MPP Mike Colle, Adrien Backus, David Green, Daphne Wagner, Councillor James Pasternak, Mary Plevak, and Kim Coulter.

On October 18, 2017, JVS Toronto’s head office at 74 Tycos Drive showcased the newly renovated and relocated Al Green Resource Centre to dignitaries and longtime supporters of initiatives that connect individuals with disabilities with the greater community.

“Our Al Green Resource Centre is a true testament to the commitment of many donors and funders in providing opportunities for inclusion so individuals with disabilities can lead purposeful and fulfilled lives,” said Kim Coulter, President & CEO of JVS Toronto in her opening remarks to over 90 guests and dignitaries who attended the grand opening.

Opened in 2003 on Dufferin Street through the generosity of Al Green and his wife Malka Green, and David Green, his wife Daphne Wagner and their family, the Al Green Resource Centre has served as a lifeline and a critical source of meaningful activities for its participants with developmental disabilities to promote independence.

JVS Toronto announces 2017 award winners at AGM

Recognizing client success, and the contributions of volunteers and employers, has been a staple each year at JVS Toronto’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). On September 13, the JVS 2017 Toronto AGM Awards were presented to five very deserving recipients.

“Our award winners all have one thing in common,” said Jeff Goldfarb, Board of Directors Chair when introducing the 2017 awards presentation, “they put their trust into JVS Toronto. Whether a client or employer committed to using our services, or a volunteer willing to contribute their time, I thank each of you for instilling your trust in us.”

Congratulations to our 2017 AGM Award winners.

L to R: Winner Talar Karageozian with Bill Skolnik, son of Betty and Bill Skolnik — L to R: Winner Talar Karageozian with Bill Skolnik, son of Betty and Joseph Skolnik

Talar Karageozian – Joseph Skolnik Award for New Canadians

This award is given to a JVS Toronto newcomer client who has successfully integrated into Canadian society.

Talar arrived to Canada with her family as a refugee after fleeing the horrors of Aleppo, Syria. An accountant in Syria, Talar thought her work experience would easily help her get a job. Not gaining any interviews, Talar’s optimism soon wore off. By accessing specialized newcomer employment programs at JVS Toronto, Talar improved her English, and learned Canadian and financial services terminology. After attending various workshops, Talar was able to optimize her job search to accounting firms. She secured a full-time financial services position and is now pursuing her professional designation in accounting.

Manny Mitchell, long-time friend and great supporter of JVS Toronto, passed away on February 10, 2017. Those who met and knew him were always inspired by Manny’s generous nature and commitment to supporting organizations that impact the most vulnerable in our community.

In 1996 Manny joined JVS Toronto’s Board of Directors and soon his contributions were helping to transform the agency.

Knowing the importance of demonstrating community support through volunteerism and charitable donations, Manny was instrumental in establishing JVS Toronto’s volunteer-led fundraising program. In 2000, he helped launch JVS Toronto’s first direct mail campaign and set JVS Toronto on the course of a more formal and coordinated approach to philanthropy.

By 2003, he actively developed and initiated as co-chair the agency’s signature fundraising event, Strictly Business; an annual awareness-building luncheon that continued for 12 years.

XBASE Technologies becomes 70th anniversary sponsor

L to R: Robin Chow, Kim Coulter, President & CEO, Jeff Goldfarb, Board of Directors Chair, Stuart Demeter.

It was announced at JVS Toronto’s 70^th Annual General Meeting on September 13, 2017, that XBASE Technologies Inc. is the official sponsor of the agency’s 70^th anniversary events.

JVS Toronto turned 70 on June 16, 2017 and will be highlighting this milestone throughout the year. XBASE's Robin Chow, Founder and President, and Stuart Demeter, Managing Partner were both in attendance for a formal cheque presentation.

XBASE’s contributions to JVS Toronto, both as the agency’s IT managed services supplier and as a loyal and long-time supporter, have significantly impacted our delivery of services over the last number of years.

“On a daily basis, we see first-hand how dedicated the staff across all locations are, and how committed they are to ensuring client needs are met,” said Robin Chow,“We partner with JVS Toronto on a daily basis and are delighted to support the agency’s important work as anniversary sponsor. Congratulations on 70 years of remarkable work in the community.”

We thank XBASE Technologies Inc. for their generosity and support.

The power of employment over 70 years

L to R: Jeff Goldfarb, Board of Directors Chair, Kim Coulter, President & CEO, Norm Halpern, Larry Enkin, Robert Hall, Sandra Brown, Elliott Eisen, Gerald Epstein, Ruth Abrahamson, Peter Shenfield

Sewing a button hole was a lifeline to renewal and optimism in Canada for Holocaust survivors after World War II, and the spark that ignited the creation of JVS Toronto. On June 16, 2017, JVS Toronto celebrated 70 years serving the Jewish and greater community. Our roots and history – told below by former Board of Director Chairs who helped shape it – weave together a story of giving hope and building self-sufficiency by helping people facing restrictive hurdles in life gain employment.

Starting a seven decade journey

In post-war Europe, Holocaust survivors living in Displaced Persons Camps (DP Camps) waited for admittance into any country that would take them. Max Enkin was one of the businessmen instrumental in The Tailor Project that identified those in DP Camps as tailors if they could sew a button hole. As a result, 2,000 Jewish garment industry workers came to Canada in 1947.

This experience lead Max Enkin to establish Jewish Vocational Service of Metropolitan Toronto, now called JVS Toronto, to support Jewish immigrants, Holocaust survivors, and members of the Jewish community facing anti-Semitic hiring practices.

1940s

"I met one of the tailors who came through that program. When he saw my father, he recognized him as selecting him from a DP Camp. My father said, ‘Most who came here weren’t tailors. Why are you still in the industry?’ He replied, ‘Mr. Enkin, I was a tailor.’"

Larry Enkin, Son of JVS Toronto Founder, Max Enkin

JVS Toronto opens its doors on June 16, 1947 at 455 Spadina Avenue, fittingly in the Tip Top Tailor Building
$7,314 from the Jewish Welfare Fund of Toronto funds the agency
Founder Max Enkins becomes first Board of Directors Chair
Vocational counselling and job placement services are provided to newcomer clients
Agency becomes a member of what is now the United Way Toronto & York Region

JVS Toronto Board volunteers publicly recognized

Susan Fremes receives UJA Shem Tov Award

On June 7, 2017, Susan Fremes, Immediate Past Chair of JVS Toronto’s Board of Directors received the UJA Shem Tov Award that recognizes the highest levels of excellence in volunteer services in Toronto’s Jewish community.

A lawyer by profession with expertise in employment law, governance structures and designing and funding of pension and benefits arrangements, Susan has dedicated the last 10 years to JVS Toronto lending her skills and knowledge on a variety of Board committees, and as the Board Chair in 2014 – 2016. During her term as Board Chair, Susan led a Board matching fundraising campaign raising $100,000 over two months.

As a JVS Toronto ambassador, Susan participated in UJA Federation’s Social Planning Forum and their prestigious Joshua Institute, a program focusing on Jewish leadership and governance. Susan’s activity in Toronto’s Jewish community also includes volunteer leadership roles at JIAS Toronto, Beth Tzedec Synagogue and Baycrest.

JVS Toronto is proud to continue to have Susan’s support and passion to further JVS Toronto’s vision and mission and the values based on our Jewish heritage.

Ontario Volunteer Services Award Recipients

At a reception on June 5, 2017, the Honourable Laura Albanese, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration presented the 2017 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards to five longstanding JVS Toronto Board and Board committee volunteers.

Sandy Brown: 30 years of service. Past Board Chair 1986-1988. Career, Education, & Psychology Committee Current Member.

Peter Shenfield: 20 years of service. Past Board Chair 1994-1996. Nominating Committee Past Member. Strategic Operational Review Past Member. Career, Education, & Psychology Committee Past Member.

Jonathan Kopman: 10 years of service. Past Board member. Finance Committee Current Member. Fundraising Committee Current Member. Investment Committee Past Chair.

Jacqueline Irvine: 5 years of service. Current Board Vice-Chair. Executive Committee Current Member. Governance Committees Current Member. Strategic Operational Review Past Member.

Elaine Pantel: 5 years of service. Former Board Treasurer. Finance Committee Current Member. Executive Committee Past Member.

This service award recognizes the important contributions that volunteers make in building a strong, inclusive and caring community. For 70 years, JVS Toronto has been shaped through the involvement of volunteers in Board governance, fundraising, connections to resources and spreading the word about the agency’s services and expertise.

JVS Toronto is proud to recognize Pamela Eusebio-Romasanta, Winner of the 2017 Bhayana Family Foundation Partnership Award

On May 24, 2017, Pam Eusbio-Romasanta, our Manager, Disability Services, was one of 12 award recipients at The Bhayana Family Foundation Awards ceremony that recognized employees working at United Way Toronto & York Region member agencies who showcase the remarkable dedication, creativity and team spirit that are essential to building stronger communities.

Through a peer nomination process, Pam received The Bhayana Family Foundation Partnership Award at a ceremony held at Telus House in downtown Toronto. Jeannette Campbell, Director, Disability & Youth Services, and Greg Vailkioti, Employment Counsellor, Disability Services, also attended the event.

Pam’s award reflects her contributions made to engage and maximize relationships with key partners such as bridging the Developing Work Connections and Youth Community Choices for Success programs with Routes, a Canadian Mental Health Association initiative; and establishing a partnership with The Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf.

With commitment, expertise, attention to detail and a positive attitude, Pam’s efforts have built capacity so JVS Toronto can better serve the needs of adults and youth living with developmental disabilities, dual diagnosis, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“This is really a team award,” Pam said after the ceremony. “I didn’t achieve these partnerships and results without the efforts and energy of the entire disability services team. We mutually bring out the best in each other.”

On behalf of the agency and Board of Directors, congratulations Pam!

Sincerely,

Kim Coulter
President and CEO, JVS Toronto

Scotiabank supports new immigrants through CanPrep

TORONTO, May 23, 2017 – Scotiabank is giving a boost to new immigrants before they arrive in Canada through a three-year sponsorship to enhance CanPrep, a national pre-arrival program, funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and delivered by JVS Toronto in partnership with TRIEC and other Canadian community organizations.

CanPrep provides employment preparation and guidance to immigrants who have been granted visas but have not yet arrived in Canada. This responsive approach, supported by IRCC and now Scotiabank, provides immigrants with timely preparation for a successful integration into the Canadian labour market and society.

YOFI: The beauty of empowering isolated teens

YOFI Teen Mentoring event
Social isolation is difficult to face at any age. It’s particularly damaging for teenagers. Language, cultural and socio-economic barriers limit access to extracurricular activities, community affiliation, meeting new people and making friends. The teen years for some can be unbearable.

“In children, it [loneliness] leads to all kinds of problems. Failure to be socially connected to peers is the real reason behind most school dropouts,” wrote Hara Estroff Marano in the Psychology Today article, The Dangers of Loneliness.

Feeling connected is a lot like food. We need it to survive.

Empowering isolated teens is a recent issue that the Miriam & Larry Robbins 1 Open Door is tackling through its unique partnership model of shared Jewish services. JVS Toronto leads this project with its partner agencies – JIAS Toronto, Circle of Care and Jewish Family & Child – to bring career expertise to help newcomer youth plan a future in Canada. The result is a program called Youth – Our Future Initiative (YOFI) that improves the social, educational and vocational needs of isolated teens living in York Region, the fastest growing Jewish community in the Greater Toronto Area.

Privately funded, YOFI reaches out to Jewish youth ages 13 to 19 years and welcomes them in to make meaningful connections within the Jewish and greater community. Since many of the participants are recent immigrants and newcomers, YOFI provides exposure to Canadian life, social interactions with each other, intergenerational activities with Holocaust survivors, volunteering and assistance to determine future career options.

Activities are multifaceted to build relationships and remove the effects of isolation for the young participants. Career exploration workshops give youth a unique opportunity to realize their strengths, values and interests in relation to potential careers. Mentoring events introduce participants to young professionals in the UJA Genesis initiative. Embracing the winter season is instilled through private ski lessons and outdoor activities. Seminars bring Holocaust survivors together with the teens to understand the challenges that come with age. Engaging discussions about Jewish identity take place from multigenerational perspectives. An abundance of social occasions bring young and old together for celebrations, food and fun events.

With 87% of participants to date between the ages of 13 and 16 years, YOFI is playing an important part bridging the years between childhood and adulthood with positive role models, unique experiences, resources for education and career options, and instilling a connection to the Jewish community that will last a lifetime. And it all started with one open door.

JVS Toronto AGM 2016 Highlights: The Power of Employment in Precarious Times

The Power of Employment in Precarious Times
With summerlike weather, JVS Toronto held its 69th Annual General Meeting on September 21, 2016 at Beth Torah Congregation. We celebrated and reflected on a wonderful year, paid tribute to our outgoing Board Chair Susan Fremes, and welcomed Jeff Goldfarb, Incoming Chair, to his new position.

“It has indeed been a very transformative, powerful and enriching experience to serve as JVS Toronto’s Board Chair. For me it is all about the work our agency does, our amazing staff, and my fellow Board and Committee members,” expressed Susan.

Keynote speaker Brian Prousky, Executive Director, Jewish Family and Child, and Kim Coulter, President & CEO, talked about the critical impact poverty and unemployment has on the Jewish and greater community, and the united approach the Jewish social service sector has initiated to improve the lives of those affected.

Poverty doesn’t discriminate

“What do we know of poverty today?,” asked Brian Prousky before sharing startling facts about poverty in the Jewish community published in UJA Federation’s 2015 study, The Face of Poverty, emphasising that being poor is not a choice but caused by unfortunate life events or circumstances. Brian explained how the social services community is working together to improve the lives of those affected by poverty through the UJA-led Collective Impact Steering Committee to End Jewish Poverty.

When you’re unemployed, all you need to do is find a job. Right?

During her speech, Kim Coulter said that like poverty, unemployment is not a choice but circumstantial. “Finding work today is a tough job,” Kim said, noting that permanent jobs with benefits are decreasing and contract, temporary or part-time jobs are increasing. Along with the difficult labour market, challenging personal circumstances like limited English language skills, employment gaps, a disability or a criminal record can greatly diminish someone’s chances of employment.

“Our vision is that every individual has opportunities for employment,” Kim stated, explaining that JVS Toronto’s employment programs support those most at risk of falling into poverty – youth, single parents, single adults, recent immigrants, and people with disabilities. Showing JVS Toronto's 2015-16 annual report called The Power of Employment in Precarious Times; Kim encouraged attendees to read about the challenging circumstances that can lead to unemployment and poverty, and the community effort that takes place every day to help people become self-sufficient.

Tribute to Al Green

A great friend and supporter of JVS Toronto

Al and David Green — Lipa Green (shown in photo), Al Green (left), David Green (right)

Al Green, a long-time friend and supporter of JVS Toronto, passed away on January 22, 2016.

The Green family’s support of the agency spans three generations, beginning with patriarch Lipa Green who served on the Board of Directors in the 1950s. Lipa’s legacy is continued by Al and Malka Green, and David Green and Daphne Wagner, whose financial contribution led to the building of the Al Green Resource Centre in 2003.

In a tribute to Al Green, Karen Goldenberg, former JVS Toronto President & CEO, reflected that users of the centre are “so grateful to Al and his family, proving time and again to be long-standing and dear friends of the organization.”

“I like to think that the actions of his descendants, and those others whom he influenced, are and will continue to be one of, if not his greatest, gifts,” expressed David Green who spoke on behalf of his family about his father’s legacy.

The Board of Directors and staff of JVS Toronto are extremely grateful for the compassion and generosity of the Green family whose support continues to ensure that people with developmental disabilities lead richer and more fulfilling lives.

2015-16 Award Winners

Jeff Goldfarb, Incoming Chair, began the award presentations by saying, “Whether award winners are being honoured as an employer, a client or a volunteer each made a commitment to use our services to better their life, or the lives of others. Each recipient put trust in JVS Toronto and our ability to help them. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for instilling that trust in us.”

Congratulations to this year’s award recipients:

Avadis Jamjian, Joseph Skolnik Award for New Canadians
Ela Paz, Betty Skolink Award for Emerging Professionals
Bethel International, Eunice & David Mouckley Outstanding Employer of the Year Award
Mehran Vahedi, Manny Mitchell Award for Excellence in Volunteerism
Thamer Mite, Berger Family Inspirational Award

See you next year!

Thank you to all those who attended! We hope you found that the evening challenged your perception of those who are unemployed or affected by poverty; and along with the achievements of our award winners, you left us with a deeper understanding of JVS Toronto’s role in giving the power of employment!

Join us for next year’s AGM on September 13, 2017.

JVS Toronto joins forces to break the cycle of poverty in the Jewish community

poverty-on-streets

Last week the Canadian Jewish News ran an article called Long-term solutions to poverty complex, agencies say. The article stated that $20,386 after taxes is the poverty line in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Thirteen percent of the GTA’s Jewish community is living around or below the poverty line — an increase of 5,000 people over a 10-year period.

“Certain life circumstances, which can really happen to anyone… can take your life in a different direction,” states York University sociologist Randal Schnoor in the article.

JVS Toronto (JVS) knows this statement to be true. As an agency dedicated to finding employment for all, JVS’ job seekers deal with challenging life circumstances that require extra support. We work with at-risk youth, individuals with disabilities, newcomers, Syrian refugees and anyone looking for work.

Last year, for example, JVS provided employment support to a Jewish Family and Child (JF&CS) client who found herself living in a women’s shelter. While JVS’ expertise is helping people find work, essential partnerships with other agencies like JF&CS, allow us to reduce the impact of these challenging life circumstances. We are very pleased that our joint client relocated to British Columbia and is working at her dream job in a daycare centre.

JVS is one of the Toronto-based agencies participating in UJA Federation of Greater Toronto’s Collective Impact Steering Committee to develop solutions to reduce poverty. We are proud to be a voice at this table to collectively give the power of stability to those in need in our community.

JVS Toronto draws on 69 years' of experience to help Syrian refugees find employment

The weather was unseasonably warm on December 10, 2015 when the first planeload of Syrian refugees landed at the Pearson International Airport in Toronto.

Canada has welcomed 24,008 Syrian refugees since November 4, 2015. With 12,667 refugees landing in Toronto, Ontario quickly exceeded its pledge of receiving 10,000 refugees.

Refugee settlement needs were urgently addressed through the Government of Canada involving hundreds of communities from coast to coast. Settlement and community integration involves numerous agencies and proudly, JVS Toronto is one of them. With extensive newcomer employment programs already in place, JVS Toronto was well-positioned to quickly initiate employment supports for those Syrian refugees ready for active job search.

Through a proactive call to the Armenian Relief Society, who is accepting around 200 Syrian refugees a week, JVS Toronto started providing employment orientation sessions to promote all the employment services available in Toronto.

Connecting Syrian refugees to jobs in Canada

Two Employment Counsellors, one fluent in Armenian, allowed JVS Toronto to provide one-on-one employment counselling at the Armenian Relief Society. This work has identified the general profile of Syrian refugees: of Armenian descent, families made up of two and three generations, well educated, some former business owners, some trades people, very motivated to work and open to any survival job opportunities.

Through our EMETemployment program, employers were contacted about the advocacy of hiring Syrian refugees. So far, we’ve had five refugees receive job interviews with two of those being hired! This is a great achievement in four short weeks of extending employment services to Syrian refugees.

We are now looking at providing additional employment activities and building other partnerships to meet the specific needs of this population.

Once in a lifetime opportunity for JVS Toronto program participant at Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games

Unique experience and “dream come true” for YCCS participant Ana.

July 30, 2015 – On a run-of-the-mill Friday in early June, Ana’s dream came true. Since attending a volunteer orientation in December 2014, Ana had been hoping for a coveted spot as a Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games volunteer. Ana’s “once in a lifetime opportunity” became a reality with a surprise phone call confirming that her application was accepted just one week before the opening ceremonies. Ana would be one of 10,000 volunteers supporting 6,100 athletes this summer in Toronto.

For Ana, this is more than just a unique volunteer experience. It’s a chance for her to practice the skills she’s learned as a participant in JVS Toronto’s Youth Community Choices for Success (YCCS), a life-skills and vocational program for individuals with learning and developmental disabilities. YCCS supports youth, who have a dual diagnosis (mental health issues coupled with a developmental disability), with vocational planning, employment and life skills workshops, and assistance securing a volunteer placement.

ana_profile — Ana was excited about volunteering at the Pan Am Games.

Coaching Ana throughout the Pan Am experience was Cicely Arthur, YCCS Employment Counsellor with JVS Toronto. Luckily, Cicely’s volunteer application was also accepted and she worked alongside Ana for guidance on challenging tasks and demands during each shift.

“By working closely with each YCCS participant, we get to know their needs and challenges and can coach them according to their learning profile and skillset,” Cicely explains.

A new job every day

First shifts for Ana and Cicely were at the Rogers Centre to welcome visitors and direct ticket-holders to their seats. The following week she was on duty at the Pan Am Park in Exhibition Place as a security guard, as well as a soccer game host that provided visitors with the experience of playing soccer while blindfolded. Each shift allowed Ana to apply the communication and life skills she’d been taught through YCCS.

“It was like going to a new job every day,” says Cicely, who provided Ana on-the-job coaching and encouragement.

Cicely explains, “We’d role-play before each task, and I’d pretend to be a visitor looking for information in order to prepare Ana on how to act and respond.”

“Each task became easier the more I did it,” says Ana proudly.

cicely_ana_banner_background — Cicely and Ana during their volunteer shift at the Exhibition grounds.

Challenges grew confidence each day

Workplace disability accommodation is a key aspect of YCCS to enable participants to integrate into work-like environments. Ana managed the hectic Pan Am environment well and was able to work for increasingly extended timeframes.

“Individuals with developmental disabilities often have a hard time communicating their needs clearly. A large part of our support involves coaching them on effective self-expression in the workplace,” notes Cicely.

While many of the tasks were initially outside her comfort zone, Ana showed a tremendous level of adaptability and commitment to learning new skills, and completed her volunteer placement with new confidence and independence.

“My favorite moments of the Pan Am Games were watching the opening ceremonies, meeting new people every day, and the weekend gate security shift at the Exhibition Place,” says Ana.

“I was able to leave her by herself for her gate security shift!” adds Cicely, who saw Ana’s skills continuously grow throughout the experience.

ana_security_gate — "My favorite job was security duty!" - Ana

A valuable experience for all

Cicely believes it’s vital to support individuals with disabilities to help them achieve the level of independence they strive for and provide them with opportunities for integration into the community.

“Without [programs like YCCS], we’d see many people with disabilities growing older, dependent on their families and government support. Many can experience a low quality of life by being homebound,” she says.

“This is about so much more than just preparing people for work,” Cicely states. “It’s really about helping build a person’s identity.”

For Ana, her volunteer experience has been a dream come true, and she leaves with valuable work experience and memories that will last a lifetime.

To learn more about YCCS and JVS Toronto’s disability services, click here.

cicely_ana_1 — A big "Thank you" to Ana and Cicely for sharing your experiences!

October 15, 2018 2 Comments

How do I deal with the lack of Canadian work experience during a job interview?

The lack of Canadian experience is the most commonly identified barrier identified by newcomers as they pursue meaningful work in their new country; many report that they continue to face this challenge even after two or more years of living in Canada. In response to complaints about these demands from job seekers, in 2013 the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) added requirements for Canadian experience to the Ontario Human Rights Code as a discriminatory practice. The Code covers a range of hiring practices, including asking about race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability.

The Commission require employers to make hiring decisions without violating the Ontario Human Rights Code. In their publication, Human Rights at Work , under Interviewing and Making Hiring Decisions the OHRC details what employers should avoid asking; this includes questions based on:

Presence or absence of Canadian experience
Landed immigrant status, permanent residency, naturalization or refugee status
Place of birth
Affiliation with a particular “community” or where the applicant “comes from”
Membership in organizations such as cultural or ethnic associations
Name and/or the applicant’s appearance
Name and location of schools attended

What should I do if asked a question that is discriminatory in nature?

Job seekers facing this question in an interview can consider these options:

Answer the question – Weigh the pros and cons of this approach and the risk of it affecting your chances of being hired. It is your right to disclose whatever information you want to the employer.
Refuse to answer – This option could create tension between you and the interviewer. Decide if this is an important principle to you. If so, would you want to work for an employer that asks such questions?
Inform the interviewer that the question they asked does not comply with the Ontario Human Rights Code – The interviewer may not be aware of this fact, have improperly phrased their question, or are concerned about your availability or ability to do the job.

Keep in mind that how you answer a question will make a big difference to the employer’s decision to keep the interview going. Using the right tone of voice and phrasing can also keep the interview moving in a positive direction.

Start by giving the employer the “benefit of the doubt” and they didn’t realize that their question could be perceived as discrimination. Try something like : “You might not know this, but that question violates the Ontario Human Rights Code. I am sure you’ will understand if I prefer not to answer it. I can assure you, though, that my (health/family situation/life circumstances) will not impact on my ability to do the job. You are welcome to speak to my references who can speak to my high work ethic and dedication.”

When the lack of Canadian work experience comes up in the interview, consider:

Preparing for the interview by researching this type of position in Canada and local industry terms, acronyms and related protocols that are typically used. Use these terms during the interview.
Reassuring employers that you have the skills and abilities described in the job posting. Offer examples of how you’ve used such skills in past positions.
Ask the employer about the kind of experience they are looking and describe job tasks that you have that address demonstrate this experience.
Show an openness and willingness to learn for any areas where you have limited experience.

As a job seeker, know your rights that are outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Code, understand the role of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, and what to do if you believe your rights have been violated.

Need more help?

JVS Toronto provides specific employment programs for immigrants and newcomers to Canada to help them navigate the challenges and be successful at securing a job. Find out more: Newcomer Services – Prior to Arriving in Canada

Newcomer Services – after arriving in Canada.

October 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

Struggling to make a career decision? Try this helpful tool.

Making a career decision is difficult at any stage of life. When you are finishing school and have to decide, it’s hard to sort through all the options and possibilities. But it is even more difficult when you are an adult, possibly with family responsibilities, perhaps in the new country where you still don’t have all the information you need, and facing the financial pressures that come with having to settle into a new place.

There are many factors to consider. Would this career choice allow you to earn enough to support your financial goals? Are jobs plentiful in this field? Will the job be fulfilling and meaningful? Are there opportunities for promotions and career growth? Will it allow you the work-life balance you need? Not only are there multiple factors, but the question is whether all these factors really matter to you equally. Perhaps work-life balance is more important to you than salary or career growth, whereas others might prioritize earning potential. Given everything involved, it isn’t easy to make a rational choice.

The Decision-Matrix Method, or Pugh Method, is a weighted decision matrix, allowing you to weigh the factors that are important in your decision against each other when making your choice. Thus it can help you think more rationally through all the factors you need to consider.

This is how it works. Try it for yourself.

Draw a table with up to seven rows and six columns, like this:

Next, complete the following steps:

First, list all of the career options that you are considering as rows in the lefthand column.
Next, list five factors you need to consider, as column headings across the top. Factors may include salary, travel time, meaningfulness, work-life balance, etc.
Rate the relative importance of each factor for you, scoring them from 1 (not important) to 5 (most very important). For example, if meaningful work is more important to you than work-life balance, give it a 5, and work-life balance a 4. There is no right or wrong rating — it is completely up to your personal preferences.
Now, go through each career option in the table and score them for each factor. Give each career a score between 1 and 5 for how well they meet each factor. For example, how are you going to earn the salary you want working in that career? How likely are you to have opportunities for advancement? You might need to do some research into your career choices to gather this information. Conduct a job search using Google to gather information about the jobs in your careers of interest.
Next, multiply each score by the relative importance rating you’ve already entered for each factor. Then total them up for each option.

When you’ve completed this last step, the option with the highest score will be your best choice.

Is it what you expected? If not, why?

Still stuck? JVS Toronto offers Career Exploration Coaching. Our certified counsellors will identify your skills and interests, and uncover the career path that will make you feel happy, successful and fulfilled.

September 17, 2018 Leave a Comment

Are Cover Letters Really Needed?

Job seekers often tell me that writing a cover letter is the most tedious aspect of the entire job search process. Maybe writing letters just doesn’t come easily for people, because it isn’t something we often do anymore. Even worse, employment professionals such as myself keep telling job seekers to write individualized (non generic) letters, so it takes extra time and effort to prepare one.

But I think it is still needed. First impressions do count. Employers often get a huge number of applications to the jobs they post, so they have to be picky and quick to exclude applicants that haven’t made a proper effort to apply.

As employers sort through applications, they are hoping to find those candidates that appear well qualified, likable and competent enough to be invited for an interview. Cover letters give employers a chance to gather that information and learn more about the personality, writing style, language and grammar of the applicant. A candidate who can show that they have carefully read the job posting, and express how they meet the requirements outlined, is also showing employers how well they pay attention to detail and follow instructions.

How to write an effective cover letter?

A cover letter is a brief, one-page document that accompanies a resume, introduces the candidate, and motivates the employer to read the resume and consider the candidate for a position. It should help employers see how their needs (their described “qualifications” on the posting) are matched by the candidate. In effect, it’s a way of saying to the employer: I have the skills, experience and personality that you are looking for.

You can do that by indicating that you have read the job posting and understand the expectations of the employer:

show your interest and enthusiasm
introduce your resume — identify what parts of your resume are most relevant to the job
show off your excellent writing skills, grammar, and spelling
indicate to the employer that you can and will follow instructions by applying exactly the way the employer requested in the job ad/posting

Cover letters should accompany almost any resume, whether it is in response to a posting, is solicited (i.e. the employer asked you to send them a resume), or even unsolicited (i.e. you are sending the resume to employers, in case they are hiring).

Check your cover letter against this checklist of “do’s” and “don’ts”:

Follow the instructions in the posting, making sure to submit it in time and to the specific person outlined in the advertisement
Keep the letter short, simple and easy to read
Don’t use a generic cover letter; write a unique and personalized letter for each employer
Use a formal tone, but show the level of enthusiasm that is suitable to the type of position to which you are applying
Match the format of the letter to your resume, in terms of the font and “letterhead” (i.e. the format you use for your name and address)
Don’t forget to include the specific job title as identified in the job posting, including any reference numbers provided by the employer
Make sure to mention where you found the job posting
Describe yourself to the employer; reference the specific qualifications requested in the posting; don’t assume that the employer will read your resume unless they find what they need in the cover letter
Before sending it, always check your spelling and grammar very carefully
Don’t depend on spell-check — it will only pick up some errors, not all (it won’t pick up a mistake if it is a real word — for example, it won’t pick up using “form” instead of “from”)

For samples of cover letters, check out some of my favourite websites such as Workbloom, Monster.ca and The Balance — Careers.

It is worth investing time and effort to write a high quality letter which conveys your enthusiasm and shows the employer the exact reasons they should consider you for the position. Capturing the interest of the employer can be a deal breaker — if your cover letter does not impress, the employer will probably not read your resume or call you for an interview, whereas a well-worded, thoughtful letter can go a long way toward helping you get that next great opportunity.

September 3, 2018 Leave a Comment

Impress Employers with Well Prepared Interview Answers

Facing an employer in a job interview is often described as the most stressful and intense moment in the process of finding work. When asked what they fear most about interviews, job searchers often say that they worry that they may get overwhelmed by anxiety and forget what they wanted to say, or that they may not be able to answer a question properly.

Of course, the only way to deal with this anxiety is by preparing; work on some of the commonly asked questions. In addition to preparing answers to questions, you should be ready to talk about yourself by sharing examples of your achievements from your past jobs. These will serve to demonstrate your skills and prove your competency. It will help the employer to picture you in the workplace. When an interview has concluded, it is likely that candidates will most be remembered by the interesting stories or anecdotes they shared.

To identify your best stories, think back to your past jobs. Think of accomplishments or events which challenged you or which gave you an opportunity to demonstrate your abilities. Consider including the feedback you received for these achievements. Keep in mind that stories do not have portray you as perfect – situations are more likely to be believable and credible if they include times when you made mistakes and learned from them.

Your stories might include a time when you:

lead a project from beginning to completion
identified a problem/gap in service and took initiative to solve it
were given responsibility to represent your company in a public event
dealt with an unhappy or difficult customer
assisted a colleague with a problem
developed and applied expertise in a particular area
went above and beyond the usual demands of your job to contribute to the company
did something really well

Keep in mind that to sustain the listener’s attention and be memorable, you need to plan your stories carefully. Make sure that examples are clearly structured with a beginning, middle and end:

Begin with a brief context or setup – where and when did the incident/event happen?
Describe what happened and why was it important — what was YOUR role/action?
End off with a description of how the issue was resolved (what was the outcome?)

These stories have to be short, but should include enough detail to allow the employer to visualize the situation. Most importantly, make sure they are directly relevant to the position for which you are interviewing.

Write up and practice saying your stories out loud. Ask an employment professional or even a friend for feedback; let their impressions and questions guide you to improve the length, clarity, details and relevance of the story.

Once they are complete, try figure out which skills each story demonstrates. Each example may demonstrate a number of skills such as your ability to make decisions, work in a team, solve problems, take initiative, be responsible or flexible, and many other skills. Identify those which you would like to “show off” to employers. A good anecdote can often demonstrate multiple skills or strengths, and can be told differently depending on what you are trying to demonstrate. If you are able to talk in a relaxed and comfortable way, storytelling can become a very effective tool to market yourself. You will be demonstrating your communication skills, as well as having an opportunity to show the best of what you have achieved in your work history.

Read this guide for more ways to develop your storytelling abilities. Make sure to watch this excellent video included in the post for more tips on effective story telling in interviews:

August 20, 2018 2 Comments

A reader asks: How do I re-enter the workforce after a long gap?

Dear Employment Specialist:

14 years ago, I left my job as a Medical Office Administrator to take care of my newborn son with special needs. After years of caring for him, I have finally found him a full time program, where he is happy and stable. Now, for the first time I feel like I can start planning for my own career, but I am really worried how I could do that after being away for so long.

I am really worried about the fourteen year gap in my resume. I did do some volunteering at his school and at a local community program, but until now, I needed to be available all day to go to his school when there were problems.

How do I explain what I have been doing all this time without sharing too much personal information? Do I have to tell employers everything? How do you think they’ll react to my resume? Please help me think through what I need to do to get back to work.

Thank you,

Signed: Returning Mom

____________________________________________________________________

Dear Returning Mom,

It sounds like you have had a busy and demanding fourteen years since the birth of your son. Congratulations for getting to the point where you can now start planning for yourself and your own future.

In terms of the challenges that you face, there are many things that you can do to help employers understand your situation without compromising your privacy too much. Remember – many parents face and successfully overcome the challenges of going back to work after taking time to raise children. It’s a matter of figuring out for yourself what you want to share and how to tell your story in a way with which you are comfortable.

Here are some of the issues to consider:

1. Seek some job search support.

I recommend that you get some professional employment support to help you sort through all the challenges you will face. An agency such as JVS Toronto is well positioned to help you navigate the demands of a job search. Most Canadians will be able to fund publicly funded services such as ours near where they live (such as our partners on the Employment Ontario site).

2. Your resume will need to be updated.

It is better to find a way to explain what happened in the last 14 years, rather than to just leave a gap in the resume. There is always a big debate about whether parents who have taken time off to care for children should tell employers. In my experience, different people deal with it differently and it is important to do what works for you. Some of my clients have decided to simply update their work history on the resume with term “family responsibilities’, coupled with the dates. Some have also added a mention of it in the Profile Summary, as well as in the cover letter, stating something such as “Experienced Medical Office Administrator, with over 10 years’ of working in a busy medical practice. Presently enthusiastically re-entering the workforce after taking time to deal with family responsibilities. Skills include advanced Microsoft Office (…and so on…)”. Note that the time away from work is not the first thing mentioned on the resume – it is simply mentioned in a matter-of-fact, confident way later on. Also, using the work “enthusiastically” is meant to reassure employers that you are not ambivalent about going back to work.

Also, include your volunteer work under the employment section of the resume — it will help to fill the gap. Of course, you should mention that it was volunteer work, in brackets (no need to mention that it was your son’s school that you volunteered at, though – simply name the school and detail what you did there). Don’t forget to include anything else you might have done, including training or courses you might have taken.

Obviously, you do not need to mention your son or his special needs. You simply need to communicate confidently that you chose to take time off work for family and that you are now pleased to return. Remember – there are many more women in the workplace now than ever before – many of them have probably faced similar concerns.

3. Prepare for your interviews.

Write out the script for how you would like to answer the inevitable “what have you been doing for the last 14 years?” question that will arise. Work with an employment professional to find a way to explain what happened without disclosing the information you don’t want to share. Remember that you are not legally obligated to share anything about your personal situation that does not impact on your ability to do the job. Find the wording that makes you comfortable and practice saying it. You will be asked this question often – in job interviews, and when you network; make sure you are comfortable answering the question with confidence.

Put yourself in the employer’s position and think about what concerns they might have about you as a candidate. That will help you prepare what you need to tell an employer about yourself.

Employers concerns might include questions such as:

Are you really ready to return to work?
Can you be relied on to have your childcare arrangements set up, or will you need to take a lot of time off at short notice? (You might want to say something like: “I can assure you that I have made the necessary arrangements, and I don’t expect to have any difficulties coming to work every day”)
Have you got the up-to-date skills needed to do the job? In your case, it may include skills such as updated software knowledge.

Make sure to pre-empt these concerns when you talk about yourself to employers.

To help you update your knowledge about the job market, consider signing up for Google Job Alerts for jobs in your field – start reading through the job postings in your field and learning about what employers are looking for.

4. Network, network, network.

In my experience as an Employment Counsellor, the best way to make these difficult transitions back into the workplace is through networks. Update your LinkedIn profile and start reaching out to former colleagues and employers. Take them out to coffee if you can, and share your enthusiasm about going back to work; ask for advice and tips, as well as ask them to keep an eye out for any job leads they might have.

Consider volunteering with an employer in your sector. Maybe a local hospital or community health centre could use a medical office volunteer. Offer to spend a day per week and make sure to get to know the staff. Show them what you can do, tell them about yourself and make sure they’re looking out for jobs for you, as well.

5. Update your skills.
It may be well worth upgrading your skills through continuing education courses, such as those offered at your local community college, community centre or adult education. Many colleges offer online courses, as well. You might also be able to teach yourself software when you volunteer.

Make sure that employers know that you just updated your CPR or software courses by adding it to your resume and mentioning it in interviews. This will go a long way to reassure employers about your ability and motivation to make the transition back into the workforce.

Best of luck with your next big challenge. I am sure you will find your way back into the world of work.