JVS Toronto celebrates 60 years

By Daniel Horowitz--An ancient proverb states that one good exercise for the heart is bending down and helping someone to get up. If that is true, then Jewish Vocational Service Toronto (JVS), which is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary, must be in terrific shape. A partner agency of UJA Federation, JVS Toronto has been providing career, educational, employment and vocational rehabilitation counseling services to thousands of people – Jewish and non-Jewish alike - throughout the Greater Toronto Area each year. This has been a year of celebration for JVS which culminated this past Sunday with a special 60th anniversary gala celebration that attracted some 500 supporters and volunteers. "This year has been such a memorable one because we’ve performed a much more ambitious fundraising campaign than ever before," said Helen Goldlist, 60th Gala chair and vice chair, JVS Toronto board. "We set a much higher goal this year and, with this gala, I believe we’ll achieve that goal." Founded in 1947 as Jewish Vocational Service to assist victims of the Holocaust and returning service men and women, JVS Toronto quickly became an essential organization in the lives of countless individuals from all walks of life. "JVS has been responsive to the needs of the Jewish community, and the community at large, for sixty years, that’s a significant feat," said Karen Goldenberg, president and CEO, JVS Toronto. "Today we have 25,000 clients a year, and the agency continues to meet the changing needs of our community. Whether it’s newcomers to the GTA or helping people with disabilities, JVS Toronto is all about bringing people and work together." "Meaningful activity is essential to the physical and emotional well-being of society," said Goldenberg. "When you see someone out of work, you can’t underestimate the toll it takes on the entire family. That’s why we do what we do at JVS Toronto."