In its 70th year, JVS Recommits Itself to Serving Individuals

(click for larger image) Marge Selm, a JVS program assistant, dances with consumer Mary Weber in the renovated JVS Adult Day Services main room during a Cinco de Mayo theme day. (click for larger image) JVS Adult Day Services consumers James Zurline and Virginia Parker strum guitars during the Cinco de Mayo festivities. (click for larger image) JVS President and CEO Peter Bloch talks with JVS consumer Troy Moore.

As JVS celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, it can point with pride at its evolution, growing from an organization helping a handful of Jewish immigrants to one that serves more than 3,500 people annually.

But the numbers tell only part of the story. To JVS, what matters most is helping individuals meet their personal goals.

“We measure our success by the achievements and satisfaction of those we serve,” says JVS President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bloch.

Bloch emphasized that point as JVS welcomed the community to its Blue Ash building to celebrate its anniversary.

Shep Englander, Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, which provides funding to JVS, reminded the   crowd that the mission of both organizations – helping people help themselves -- is central to the Jewish ethic. “Our missions are completely intertwined with each other.”

Cheryl Phipps, superintendent of Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services, another major JVS funder, echoed that theme. “We share a belief that together we can do great things.”

Bloch credited the Jewish Federation, HCDDS and other agencies for helping JVS make a bigger impact on people’s lives.

“During our seven decades of existence, one of the great strengths of JVS has been its many, many partnerships and collaborations with our sister organizations, with employers, with customers and with funders,” Bloch said.

This message appeared in the JVS Pathways Fall 2010 newsletter. To receive a free subscription to the JVS Pathways' email edition, please submit your email address here.

(click for larger image) Marge Selm, a JVS program assistant, dances with JVS Adult Day Services consumer Randy Keith during the Cinco de Mayo festivities.	(click for larger image) Fran Coleman, left, mingles with Craig Coleman and Pam Smith during an evening reception before a JVS program about social media.
(click for larger image) A sign hangs outside JVS in Blue Ash to celebrate 70 years of service.