This episode of The Nonprofit Report features JVS SoCal, a workforce development leader transforming lives through jobs, career training, and economic opportunity in California.
Guests:
Jeff Carr, Chief Executive Officer
Kim Fedrick, Chief Program Officer
Interview by: Mark Oppenheim
Key Points:
- JVS SoCal was founded in 1931 by Jewish immigrants focused on building financial stability and opportunity. Today, 98% of JVS SoCal clients are not Jewish, and the organization is fully non-sectarian.
- The organization provides services to 33,000 people annually across 20+ locations in Los Angeles and surrounding regions, with clients ranging from veterans, to single parents, refugees, immigrants, and other individuals reentering the workforce.
- Programs focus on career counseling, job placement, training, and wraparound services. JVS SoCal also offers free training in health care, banking, and maintenance, with 80% graduation and job placement rates.
- The organization is committed to building pathways into meaningful careers without requiring college degrees.
- Vocational training is increasingly vital as student debt rises and college enrollment declines.
Other Points on JVS SoCal:
JVS SoCal staff often come from the same backgrounds as their clients, whether refugees, veterans, or job seekers overcoming hardship. This shared experience builds empathy, credibility, and success in service delivery.
From initial intake through job placement, clients receive individualized coaching, skill assessments, and emotional support. Programs like JVS Works and Imaging Works provide training in high-demand sectors while connecting clients directly with employers.
With a declining birth rate and an aging population, the U.S. faces major labor shortages. JVS SoCal is poised to meet this challenge by tapping into overlooked talent and providing fast, practical paths to employment. Its community-based model prioritizes equity, inclusion, and long-term transformation.
JVS SoCal is proving that employment is more than a paycheck—it’s a pathway to purpose, dignity, and a stronger civil society.