Founded in 1884 as a resource for Eastern European immigrants, Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) is a dynamic agency delivering a comprehensive selection of non-sectarian employment and training services. JVS helps a diverse population explore career choices and find jobs in a rapidly changing marketplace. People who benefit include executives and middle managers, entrepreneurs, women returning to the workforce, young professionals, students seeking college counseling or scholarship assistance, refugees, persons with disabilities and the economically disadvantaged. JVS helps more than 10,000 people annually match their skills to professional and business opportunities through a network of Chicago area employers.

What sets an organization apart? What qualities and services enable an organization to evolve and prosper through economic and social change, technological advancement and globalization? If the answer is personalized service, sensitivity to individual career aspirations, and ongoing support and education to build self-esteem and competency, welcome to Chicago's JVS. Our enduring goal is to give people the tools to be self-sufficient and competitive, enabling them to realize the American dream.

In the News

JEWISH VOCATIONAL SERVICE APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR

Jewish Vocational Service announces the appointment of Gail Luxenberg Gruen as Executive Director. Ms Gruen comes to the agency with a broad background in the nonprofit and corporate sectors. "Gail's prior experiences and commitment to JVS' mission bring a new generation of leadership to further enhance the organization's 125-year history," said Adrienne Meisel, President of the JVS Board of Directors.

Ms Gruen joins JVS with extensive experience in management, marketing, programming and development. Previously, she served as Executive Director, Midwest Region of the American Friends of the Hebrew University, where she raised the organization's fundraising and visibility to new levels. Her highly diversified career portfolio includes executive positions at the American Medical Association, National Textbook Company and Rand McNally. She holds a BA in Middle Eastern Studies and an MBA, both from the University of Chicago.

Ms Gruen's work in both the public and private arena gives her unique qualities to meet the challenges of running a $13,000,000 agency with today's funding realities and increased demands for service. Her strengths in increasing revenues and creating new opportunities make her an excellent choice to guide JVS in this new millennium. "I look forward to leading JVS which has a stellar commitment to serving the community's employment needs and to moving forward with innovative programs and services," said Gail.

Jewish Vocational Service provides quality job placement assistance, career counseling and training for job seekers, as well as entrepreneurial loans and business seminars at ten offices located throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. The agency is an affiliate of and receives support from the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.