About Us

We have, through our diverse services and dedicated staff, been leaders in providing the opportunity for independence to refugees, immigrants, people with disabilities, and numerous others facing challenges.

Through our Sheltered Workshop and our Community Employment Services we also serve the business community. Our Vocational Evaluation department partners with area businesses and other non-profits to provide community assessment sites to help clients determine whether a potiential employment opportunity would be a good fit. The Sheltered Workshop’s mail room has processed more than a million pieces of mail. Our Employment Services have matched over 500 qualified employees with job openings, and we have worked with employers and employees both to assure that workers succeed in their new jobs. Coming soon... The JVS Baltimore Ave. Dime Store and Training Center!

Our Career Management Services program works with Jewish job seekers to develop plans for successful job searches. This program receives funding to cover expenses from the Jewish Federation, Jewish Heritage Foundation and the Jewish Community Foundation. We also offer networking groups at the Jewish Community Center two times per month. J-Lead recently funded this program to expand to reach members of the Jewish community with multiple barriers, including physical, emotional or developmental disabilities.

Our Language and Cultural Services department provides training in Medical Interpreting, Advanced Interpreting courses, and Cultural Competency. JVS also provides qualified interpreters at an affordable fee through "JVS Interpreter Services." Our trained interpreters are sent to local hospitals, schools, social service agencies, and the courts. We also provide translation services in selected languages.

Our Immigration Counseling Service helps individuals navigate the complex process of becoming citizens. In 2007, JVS received funding from the Kauffman Fund and the State of Missouri to provide Citizenship Preparation classes.

Our Center for New Americans works with new refugees as they begin their new lives in the United States. It is important to mention that “helping” involves more than opening files and filling out forms. Helping also means lifting and moving furniture, going to the store to pick up groceries, greeting newcomers at the airport (often in the middle of the night), and, in one case, delivering a baby in a staff member’s car! JVS has received refugees from Somalia, Sudan, Cuba, Republic of Congo, Uganda, Vietnam, Myanmar, Mauritania, Bhutan and Iran.

And in order to “caulk” some of the cracks that people might fall through, JVS has a vibrant Social Work Unit to help resolve issues that may not be easily addressed in other programs. In addition to the trained social workers on staff, we also provide internship opportunities for social work students from several colleges and universities.We have also been fortunate to provide internship opportunities to students seeking Master’s Degrees in Public Health and Rehabilitation Counseling.

• Recently JVS was awarded the first "Service Provider of the Year” award by the Missouri Rehabilitation Association.
• The Committee on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) granted JVS a three–year accreditation, the highest possible.
• Consumer satisfaction surveys in all programs have been overwhelmingly positive.

JVS strives to embody the Jewish concept of Tikun Olam, which means to "repair the world".