Tammy and Ilan are just 2 of many success stories from JFCS Career Services’ Project EM initiative
Project EM is available via Zoom and offers career counseling and job search assistance to anyone who is not eligible to receive services via other existing career programs
By Leah Temkin • JFCS Career Services Director
JFCS has been helping people find work and achieve economic self-sufficiency since its founding in 1910. Be it refugees from the pogroms in the beginning of last century; Holocaust survivors after World War II; or more recently, workers who lost their jobs due to layoffs along with people looking for training and jobs in the IT industry, JFCS Career Services staff are there to extend a helping hand.
However, most of our career development services are funded by government grants, which means that people must meet a set of rigid eligibility criteria to participate – this made it difficult to provide services to everyone who needed our help. We never turned anyone away and tried different avenues to make our services accessible to everyone.
JFCS was not the only agency of its kind struggling with this dilemma; the Network of Jewish Human Services Agencies (NJHSA) in 2021 proposed a program that would offer career counseling and job search assistance to anyone who, for whatever reason, was not able to receive services via existing programs. Thanks to the generous support of Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, this led to the creation of Project EM – a collaboration of almost 20 member agencies, which provides much needed career development services in 15 states. All services are provided via Zoom, so program participants can access any workshop offered by Project EM, regardless of their physical location.
In the last three years, 88 participants of Project EM received individual career counseling at JFCS. Some of them were struggling with a toxic work environment, while others were underemployed and struggling to make end meet; some were new to the area and had limited resources. JFCS Career Development program staff provided much needed support, resources, and encouragement.
Tammy moves from a chaotic work environment to a positive and supportive one
For example, Tammy (a pseudonym) reached out to JFCS when her employment became unsustainable. She shared with her counselor, Anna Ferdelman, that she worked under nine(!) direct managers in just one year, even though she was in the same position. The chaotic and toxic work environment took its toll on her well-being. Throughout this difficult period, the agency provided unwavering support. Career coaching sessions helped her navigate workplace challenges, while additional resources – including housing assistance, financial coaching, and emergency financial aid from JFCS – offered critical stability during uncertain times.
Tammy’s perseverance paid off in the summer of 2024 when she found a new position in the same industry, with a different company. Unlike her previous role, she now finds herself in a positive and supportive work environment. She expressed excitement and fulfillment in her new job, a testament to her resilience and the long-term, comprehensive support provided by JFCS. Tammy’s story highlights the power of sustained career guidance and holistic assistance in helping individuals overcome obstacles, re-build confidence, and ultimately thrive in their professional journeys.
Resilience during a difficult time pays off for Ilan
Another Project EM participant, whom we’ll call Ilan, came to Minnesota from Israel in 2023. Since he was so new to the country, his employment counselor, Megan Starr, provided various resources, helped him acclimate to his new area, and offered emotional support. Significantly, Megan and Ilan met the Monday after the terror attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Ilan’s family is still home in Israel, and he was uncertain about being called back to the IDF. Since Ilan and Megan had built a quick, yet strong working relationship of trust and empathy, they used their planned time as a space for Ilan to begin processing and receive support.
For the next several months, Megan and Ilan continued to work on finding employment utilizing his skills and background. They worked on résumé development, career exploration, LinkedIn tips and tools, mock interviewing, and job search resources. Megan helped Ilan to familiarize himself with U.S. workforce systems. Additionally, Megan worked with our Intake and Resource Connection team to provide essential financial resources and local Jewish resources. She also connected Ilan to TC Jewfolk networking events.
While exploring career options, Ilan also started exploring enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He made a goal that if he were to be accepted into the military, he would work his way up to an officer position. By October 2024, Ilan was offered a direct/permanent position with Abbott Labs. He was excited and proud and considering taking the role. However, by this time, his U.S. Air Force application process was in full swing. He made his official decision to enlist in the U.S. military as he began to envision his life and career with the Air Force.
Ilan began basic training in Texas in November 2024. His employment counselor, Megan, wished him well and commended his resilience, belief in himself, and amazing skillset that has put him on the path to success. Ilan was grateful for Project EM and the support and encouragement he received from Megan and JFCS.
If you are interested in Project EM or other career development services, please contact JFCS Intake and Resource Connection at 952-546-0616.