A Message From Our Leadership
At JVS Toronto, we support individuals on their journeys to meaningful employment, but our mission goes beyond just helping them find jobs. It is about empowering them to build sustainable futures in an ever-changing workforce.
As the job market evolves, with four generations working side-by-side and new technologies reshaping industries, navigating careers has become more complex. We recognize these dynamics and provide tailored support that equips individuals to succeed, whether they are re-entering the workforce, changing careers, or adapting to the demands of a modern job market. We ensure our clients have the tools to adjust, grow, and succeed in the labour market over the long term.
We are collaborating with government officials and community leaders to address key challenges our clients face. Whether it’s helping newcomers and refugees who lack local experience or supporting youth in securing their first jobs, we strive to create a job market where everyone has opportunities for success. We are focused on the challenges faced by vulnerable people re-entering the workforce, single parents balancing work and caregiving, and individuals coping with mental health struggles that may impact their job search. Our goal is a job market where everyone gets a fair shot.
This reflects our broader commitment, which has endured for over 77 years – to support vulnerable groups in need by connecting people with jobs and employment support to help them rebuild their lives. Our ability to do so is made possible thanks to the unwavering support of our community.
Our Success Stories
Your contributions, this past year, have made a real difference. The support from our donors, funders, and community has allowed us to serve 16,632 clients, guiding them through job searches, skill development, and building meaningful connections. In this report, you’ll find inspiring stories that show the heart of what we do – helping people find not just jobs, but build sustainable careers with resilience and hope. Find more inspiring stories in BUILDING SUSTAINABLE FUTURES: Annual Report 23/24.
Working with Perrier
Starting a new business can be both a challenging and rewarding journey. Prior to joining JVS Toronto’s Youth Job Connection (YJC), Perrier was interested in becoming a barber, so through the program, he secured a job placement in a local barbershop to gain hands-on experience.
Perrier thrived in the barbershop and continued to apprentice under another barber after his placement ended. His dedication paid off when he obtained his barber’s license and proudly opened his own barbershop in January 2024. However, like many new business owners, Perrier quickly encountered challenges. Without the financial and educational privileges to access certain opportunities, he lacked business mentors, financial coaching, and a foundation of understanding of how to manage a business. To add to the complexity, Perrier was also balancing his responsibilities as the full-time guardian of his niece.
Fortunately, Perrier returned to JVS Toronto and took part in the Youth Entrepreneurship Program, a six-month initiative designed to help youth launch their own businesses and develop crucial entrepreneurial skills. In addition to the training, the program provided a grant to be invested Perrier’s barbershop and arranged a six-month mentorship with two experienced business owners.
Now, he has a deeper understanding of branding, marketing, and financial management, and an actionable business plan. His ongoing success as a skilled business owner serves as an inspiring story for other youth with dreams of entrepreneurship.
Working with Mina
Adapting to a new culture and finding employment can be a difficult task for newcomers to Canada – especially if they have a family to support. Mina, an experienced IT professional, came to Canada from Jamaica in March 2023. She sought a better life for herself and her three-month-old child. With six years of experience in the IT field and several post-secondary qualifications, Mina thought her transition into the Canadian job market would be straightforward. However, after six months of job searching without success, Mina realized she needed extra support to overcome the challenges she was facing. That’s when she joined JVS Toronto’s Road to Employment for Immigrant Women – a specialized initiative designed to build resilience, motivation, and preparedness for the Canadian labour market. Through various classes, the program provided Mina with the necessary tools and guidance to overcome the barriers she faced. Mina refined her already strong communication skills to be better prepared for the Canadian workplace, explored effective ways to present her resume, found networking opportunities and received interview coaching. The program also offered resilience-building sessions that helped Mina manage the personal and financial challenges that added to the stress of her job search. Despite not being able to find childcare, she was committed to her journey, attending every class with her baby in tow. Her perseverance paid off. She started receiving more interview requests and was offered positions at two top-tier companies. Today, Mina is working full-time in the IT industry and has achieved the stability she came to Canada seeking. Wanting to give back, Mina is now a guest speaker at JVS Toronto and will undoubtedly inspire future newcomer women to achieve their dreams.
Working with George
Finding employment with limited experience can be tough for anyone, and George faced those hurdles when he began his journey with JVS Toronto’s Youth Community Choices for Success (YCCS) – a specialized pre-employment program for individuals aged 18 to 29 with a dual diagnosis, which in George’s case included Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and a developmental delay. At the time, he had no prior work experience and little self-confidence. George is naturally outgoing and friendly, easily making connections with people wherever he goes. However,, he often struggled with staying focused and had trouble remembering routines. Despite these challenges, George’s determination to gain work experience never wavered. With the guidance of Disability Employment Experts, George applied for a gate attendant position at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). The team supported him throughout the process, helping him prepare his application and conducted mock interviews to boost his confidence. Thanks to this support, George aced his interview and landed the job. As a gate attendant, George became the welcoming face of the CNE, greeting guests, scanning tickets, and answering questions. With ongoing support, George quickly learned his responsibilities and thrived in the role. His employers noticed that George’s friendly demeanour left a lasting impression on guests. His hard work and enthusiasm led to an invitation to return the following year – a role George has proudly held for four summers. Now, he has a regular role at the CNE and, with that customer service experience on his resume, he was also able to secure a job at Sheridan Nurseries. George now enjoys steady employment with two companies eager to have him on their team.
Working with Frank
The internet has created great opportunities for job searching and connecting to employers, with many companies posting job openings on platforms like LinkedIn. However, for some individuals, the shift toward online applications can create barriers. Frank, a single father in his 60s, faced just that. The weight of financial pressure and the responsibility of caring for his children all while being unemployed took a toll on Frank’s mental health. He found himself feeling hopeless and overwhelmed, as he worried about his future and ability to provide for his family. Despite his struggles, Frank remained determined to find stability. Frank was referred to JVS Toronto’s EMETemployment program, through Jewish Family & Child Services. With EMETemployment, Frank began receiving guidance and personalized support, helping him overcome his technology struggles. The staff team worked closely with Frank to identify opportunities that matched his experience and skills. Their efforts led to a kitchen job at a local synagogue, a role that matched Frank’s skills and offered the compensation he was seeking. This job was especially meaningful to Frank because of his Jewish identity. Working in a space where his values were understood and respected made the opportunity even more special. Frank is thrilled about his role, where he can draw on his deep knowledge of Jewish food and work within his community. Today, Frank is not only set up to succeed but also to thrive in the long term. The synagogue provided him with a welcoming and supportive environment, enabling him to build a future where he can provide for his family and give back to his community.
