FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Katherine Moore
323-761-8888 x8904

Overcoming the Odds:

JVS’ WOMENTORING HONORS WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE
AT JUNE 9 LUNCHEON

Los Angeles – Now in its sixth year, JVS’ WoMentoring program has helped more than 100 women re-enter the job market, learn new skills, overcome barriers to employment and advance up the career ladder. This year, WoMentoring will celebrate the accomplishments of a group of over 30 women with backgrounds ranging from professional ice-skating to homemaking to architecture at a special luncheon on June 9.

Women like Tomi Barmache, who has a special needs son just starting school, are paired with a mentor from the same professional field for one year, and meet on a regular basis. With time to pursue her career goals, Tomi was interested in becoming a professional organizer. She met with Penny Kerman, who has a Certificate in Interior and Environmental Design and is an interior decorator and organizer. Today, Tami is about to start work for her first client.

“Although we have seen signs of improvement in the economy, women who have been out of the workplace even for just a few years are still at a distinct disadvantage. WoMentoring evens the odds, and provides one of todays most valuable business tools, networking, “said Claudia Finkel, JVS’ Chief Operating Officer and founder of the WoMentoring program.

Funded by Union Bank and the Powell Family, WoMentoring aims to help participants reach at least one career milestone -- such as a promotion, completion of a training program, obtaining a key interview or landing a job in their field of choice.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor or mentee, please contact Bobbi Yanke at 818-464-3222 or Rachelle Cohn at 323-761-8888 x8876.

Founded in 1931 as Jewish Vocational Service, JVS is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization offering a wide range of career and human resource services to individuals and businesses throughout greater Los Angeles. In addition, JVS offers mentoring and career programs for women in transition, welfare recipients, at-risk youth, refugees and immigrants and people with disabilities. For more information about JVS, visit us on the web @ www.jvsla.org.

# # #