JVS

Mission & History

JVS helps people meet life challenges affecting their self-sufficiency through counseling, training and support services in accordance with Jewish values of equal opportunity, compassion, responsibility and the steadfast belief that the best way to help people is to make it possible for them to help themselves.

History

JVS was founded in Detroit in 1941. The agency began with one staff member and now employs more than 300 people at its four offices in metropolitan Detroit. Throughout its history, the agency has helped thousands of people overcome life challenges. It is an organization with a rich heritage that remains steadfast in its commitment to helping people realize their potential and live their lives with dignity.

The agency first began as a women's employment bureau in 1926 and soon expanded to help "hard to place" job applicants, including people with disabilities and holocaust survivors. After World War II, JVS placed discharged and disabled soldiers in employment, and refugees fleeing Europe were assisted.

Today, JVS adapts its services to meet the changing needs of our community to help job seekers, people with disabilities, seniors, students, homeless individuals, veterans and people on probation or parole fulfill their needs and attain their goals.  The agency also helps business remain resourceful by providing HR consultation, employee recruitment and staffing and cost-effective janitorial, steam cleaning and subcontracting services.