FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Katherine Moore
(323) 761-8888 x8904

JVS ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF BOARD
Dr. Beryl Geber to Join Board of Non-Profit

With the nation's unemployment rate at almost six percent, more and more people are struggling to find work in an economy where the lack of available jobs is the worst in almost 20 years. In Los Angeles alone, more than 300,000 people are out of work. To address the evolving needs of this growing population, JVS has added a diverse group of people to its board of directors, including Dr. Beryl Geber, a specialist in social psychology.

Founded in 1931, JVS, a non-profit, non-sectarian organization, offers a wide range of vocational and human resource services to individuals and businesses throughout Los Angeles. In the last year alone, the number of people turning to JVS for help jumped almost 50%. Everyone from middle managers to blue-collar workers has been affected by the economic downturn. In addition, JVS offers mentoring and career programs for women, welfare recipients, students, refugees and immigrants. JVS' Certified Nurse Assistant program trains people for careers in the nursing industry, and includes on-the-job training, a guaranteed salary and ESL classes. Annually, JVS serves more than 13,000 people in greater Los Angeles.

Dr. Geber brings a wealth of experience to the Board, having consulted with the World Health Organization, Big Sisters of Los Angeles and other L.A. social service agencies. Currently, she serves as the Director of Graduate Programs in Non-Profit Management at the University of Judaism. A prolific author, she is also the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Key Award from the United Way and the George D. Nickel Award from the USC School of Social Work.

"Many years ago, when I worked with my late husband, we had the opportunity to employ a number of new Russian immigrants. It was very gratifying to watch them succeed as they adapted to a very different working environment," said Dr. Geber. "Helping people learn to be functioning and contributing members of the community is a task that JVS has performed with compassion and professionalism."

A resident of Los Angeles, Dr. Geber joins a prestigious group of business leaders supporting JVS including Richard Foos, Founder of Rhino Records; Alan Berlin of the Jules Berlin Agency; and James Maslon, former vice-president of Rykoff Sexton.

On May 14th, JVS will present the 6th Annual Strictly Business Luncheon, focusing on the agency's direct services to local businesses. Arden Realty Chairman and CEO Richard S. Ziman and his wife Daphna, a leading child advocate, will be the featured speakers, and Wells Fargo will be honored as Corporate Citizen of the Year.

For more information about JVS or the Strictly Business Luncheon, visit www.jvsla.org.
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