FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Katherine Moore
(323) 761-8888 x8904

JVS ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF BOARD
Dr. Alvin Ross 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. Alvin Ross, Chairman of the Board of Ryokan College.

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.

Specializing in educational administration, Dr. Ross is the founder of Ryokan College, celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year. He has served as a member of the Advisory Committee for the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, as well as the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. He was also the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Pacific Association of Schools and Colleges. Ross has published numerous articles and is a frequent speaker on the subjects of education, health care and urban planning.

"As an educator, I very much appreciate the work of JVS and look forward to becoming an active participant in the work of the organization. I believe in turning possibilities into actualities, a credo that is demonstrated every day by the staff and clients of JVS," said Dr. Ross.

A resident of Los Angeles, Dr. Ross 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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