JVS Los Angeles Helps Job Seekers Who Face Barriers To Employment

Since the Great Depression and through the Great Recession, one California nonprofit has been working non-stop to help Americans thrive in the workplace.

Jewish Vocational Service Los Angeles provides Southern Californians with a full host of employment services, from education and training to counseling and psychological assistance. A non-sectarian organization, JVS focuses on at-risk youth, the physically disabled, veterans and anyone else struggling to establish independence and self-sufficiency.

"The people that come to us with deep wounds typically need intensive work to increase their level of self-esteem, motivation and to deal with psychological issues, whatever they might be," Claudia Finkel, the COO of JVS, told The Huffington Post. JVS mentors are trained to integrate intensive case management with focused training programs to not only assist with job acquisition, but also with job performance and retention.

The mission, purpose and practices of JVS were a long time in the making -- and history has been a good teacher. Finkel explained the organization conducted an "archaeological dig" to create its own historical timeline and even uncovered notebooks of JVS board minutes going back to 1931, when the nonprofit was founded.

JVS got its start in the midst of the Great Depression, when several Jewish business owners came together to address workplace discrimination and respond to the wave of immigrants coming into the country. Initially formed to fight rampant anti-Semitism in the business community, the organization soon saw additional needs and expanded its scope to other populations.

Today, JVS Los Angeles continues to help those facing barriers to employment and addresses modern-day issues with the same sense of purpose it held more than 80 years ago.

"We have really grown our area of specialized job training," Finkel said. "We target specific industries that are agreed to be growing and where we see significant wage increases, like health care, financial services and the security industry."

Through programs like HealthWorks and BankWork$, JVS provides industry-specific job training, job placement assistance and ongoing career help to hundreds of people each year. In 2012, JVS enrolled 139 people in the BankWork$ program, which prepares participants for positions as bank tellers. Of those 139, 105 graduated and 80 were placed in jobs at banks. The HealthWorks program placed 26 graduates last year in the health care industry as Certified Nurse Assistants, and the program's goal for 2013 is to place 50 graduates.

JVS also promotes the idea that education is a key first step to a successful career. Its Scholarship Program provides need-based financial aid to students at local colleges and vocational schools, with over $457,000 in scholarships awarded for the 2012-2013 academic year. In its 40-year history, the program has awarded 3,718 scholarships totaling more than $5.5 million.

To help support its endeavors, JVS maintains a comprehensive network of partners throughout the community, from private donors and foundations to other agencies and services aligned with the JVS mission. This strong community of backers, built over the years, is a key element of the organization's success

"Once you have a clear sense of your core mission, you look for organizations that can augment and expand your service offerings," said Katherine Moore, the vice president of communications for JVS. "They can fill a gap for you and you can fill a gap for them."

From protecting Jewish and African-American workers in the 1930s to assisting veterans and at-risk youth today, JVS has remained dedicated to helping those in need. "No matter what time in history, or what is evolving in the workplace," Finkel said. "We try to stay ahead of the curve in creating a sheltered place for people to come."

This article was written by The Huffington Post in conjunction with The JobRaising Challenge, a fundraising competition -- co-sponsored by The Huffington Post and the Skoll Foundation -- among employment-focused nonprofits. Seventy-four finalist organizations competed for prizes of $150,000, $50,000 and $30,000, as well as for other incentives. Altogether, the competition raised more than $1.5 million dollars for these nonprofits. For more information on the competition and prizes, click here.

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Jim Rainey: Los Angeles Voters Don't Know About Local Elections, Don't Care (VIDEO)

Voter turnout is expected to be low for the mayoral primaries in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Times political writer Jim Rainey didn't mince words when describing the typical Los Angeles voter. In a discussion on HuffPost Live Monday, Rainey claimed that Angelenos suffered "no social stigma" if they didn't know a single thing about local politics.

"If you don't even have an opinion or don't even know who the mayor is, you can go out and there's no social stigma attached to knowing nothing," said Rainey. "It's part of the local culture."

Unfortunately, voter turnout rates for LA's most recent mayoral races seem to validate Rainey's observation. When Antonio Villaraigosa first won his mayoral seat in 2005, only 28 percent of registered voters took to the polls, notes LA Daily News.

Twenty-eight percent seems low, especially when compared to LA's 51.6 percent voter turnout for the 2012 general election. However, Villaraigosa's first mayoral campaign was an historic one, and the turnout ended up dwarfing figures for his 2009 re-election: 17 percent.

Voter turnout for Tuesday's municipal elections is also expected to be very low.

So what gives? Pollster Dan Schnur of USC thinks that LA's 2013 mayoral race suffers from a lack of outsized personalities.

"You have to feel bad for them. They have debated 40 times," said Schnur to The Daily Beast. "It is like watching a very long and detailed spelling bee."

But could there be another way to encourage voter participation, besides praying for more inspirational (or kooky) candidates?

Yes, according to former LA City Controller Laura Chick. In a February op-ed for the LA Times, she noted that moving municipal elections to coincide with state or national elections would save the city money and encourage more people to vote for local issues that have a direct impact on their everyday lives.

Rainey pointed out that some critics claim local issues could get buried if municipal elections are moved to "on-years," but added, "I do think that with these paltry turnouts it would be good to do something to try and get more people to pay attention."

USC/LA Times' latest polls, released Sunday, show that Councilman Eric Garcetti and City Controller Wendy Greuel are statistically tied for first place (27 percent and 25 percent, respectively), while radio host Kevin James and Councilwoman Jan Perry are tied at 15 percent and 14 percent, respectively. Tech executive Emanuel Pleitez racked up just 5 percent.

In order to win the primary election, one person has to gain more than 50 percent of the vote. Given the most recent polls, it seems all but inevitable that the mayoral race will end in a runoff election, scheduled for May.

If you're voting in the primaries Tuesday, check out our cheatsheet and click through the slideshow below for information on all five candidates:

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Party: Democratic Platform: "Bringing practical solutions to the economic challenges that are holding our city back -- solutions like the structural pension reforms I've spearheaded to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers now and in the future; responsible budgeting that protects core city services; and key investments to make our neighborhoods stronger, safer, and attractive to jobs and businesses." -- campaign website Current Gig: Councilmember representing the 13th Council District (Atwater Village, Echo Park, Hollywood and Silver Lake) Donation Amount As Of First 2012 Filing: More than $1 million Quotable Quote: "I've seen shuttered storefronts transformed into thriving main streets, and I've seen dangerous streets reborn as some of the city's safest neighborhoods. We've nearly tripled the number of parks, given every student in my district access to an after school program, and deployed the city's first constituent services 'smart phone' application so you can report graffiti or a pothole from the palm of your hand." -- campaign website More Info: ericgarcetti.com

Party: Democratic Platform: As LA's city controller, Greuel has made headlines for exposing waste and fraud with her financial audits of the Memorial Coliseum, LA housing department and other city agencies. On her campaign site, Greuel writes, "It is time to increase accountability and transparency in our government. Please join me in this pursuit." Current Gig: Los Angeles City Controller since July 2009 Donation Amount As Of First 2012 Filing: $1.1 million Quotable Quote: "People just say, 'I'll vote for you for anything if you just repair Wilshire Boulevard'. " -- KNX 1070 via The City Maven More Info: wendygreuel.org

Party: Democratic Platform: As a councilwoman, Perry has emphasized policies and courted projects and businesses that will help bring jobs to her district, sometimes to the point of controversy. On her campaign site, she writes that she's running for mayor because, "I want to do more and believe that Los Angeles is and will continue to be a great place for investment and development. We cannot tax our way out of the recession we need to continue support investment that create the jobs that will do just that." Current Gig: Councilmember representing the 9th Council District (Parts of Downtown LA and South LA) Donation Amount As Of First 2012 Filing: $827,328 Quotable Quote: "In recent months, I have felt that we have drifted away from the kind of openness and frank discussion that has characterized this council, especially as it pertains to the future of council leadership, the council as an institution, and the future design for council districts." -- Jan Perry on her resignation from the City Council. She was protesting new district lines that separate Downtown LA from South LA, via the LA Times. More Info: janperry.com

Party: Republican Platform: James' top priorities include bringing jobs back to LA, balancing the city's budget and repairing infrastructure. In 2011, James told LA Weekly that he wants to be the first openly gay mayor in Los Angeles. Current Gig: Radio host for conservative talk show on 870 KRLA AM. The show runs from 12am to 3am. Donation Amount As Of First 2012 Filing: $154,253 Quotable Quote: "There's no doubt that if I became the first openly gay mayor of Los Angeles, it would help [the gay community] enter the mainstream in America even more." -- LA Weekly. More Info: kevinjamesformayor.com

Party: Democratic Platform: "I believe City Hall should listen and respond to the needs of every community. Our city is in trouble, and to save it, we need to raise our graduation rate, reform our pension system, and invest in our most under invested communities, that means South LA, the eastside, the East San Fernando Valley, and Pico Union, not just Downtown and in Hollywood." -- Emanuel Pleitez, in an email to HuffPost Current Gig: Board of Directors Chair for both the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and the Salvadoran American Leadership and Education Fund (SALEF); citizen leader for No Labels, a movement to get Democrats, Republicans, and independents to work together; founder and executive producer of INSPIRA, an ongoing web series featuring Latinos' stories Donation Amount: $221,568.18 in contributions + $24,500 in personal funds + $299,265.00 in matching funds = $545,333.18 Quotable Quote: "I was at Goldman till November 7th. I remember watching the Congressional hearings into the financial crisis with some of my colleagues there. It was sad to hear the reactions from my friends. They were laughing at the questions asked by some of the members of the Finance Committee, mocking them because they didn't understand the details of how the banking system works. Yes, we need members of Congress who have expertise in finance. That's one of the reasons I'm running. But there should also be a level of respect for people who give themselves to public service--not the disconnect that exists now." -- Emanuel Pleitez quoted by HuffPost blogger Eric Greenberg More Info: pleitezforla.com

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Clippers' Winning Streak Reaches 16: Los Angeles Beats Utah Jazz, 116-114

Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) dunks the ball in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Friday, Dec. 28, 2012, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

SALT LAKE CITY — The Los Angeles Clippers already have a December to remember.

Sunday they can close it out in perfect fashion against a familiar foe – the same Utah team they rallied to beat 116-114 Friday night to earn their 16th straight win.

If they extend their streak by beating the Jazz at home Sunday, they will join the 1995-96 Spurs and 1971-72 Lakers as the only teams in NBA history to complete a 16-0 month.

If they fight the way they did Friday, it should be easy.

"Give Utah credit, but our guys battled back tonight," Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said. "They found a way to win and that's what it's all about. We stayed together, we weathered the storm when we had to and gave ourselves a chance and we were fortunate to make enough plays."

Afterward, team leader Chris Paul could hardly be heard over the pulsating music of Jay-Z as his teammates sang along in the visitors' locker room.

Why not?

The Clippers had just pulled off a 19-point comeback in what had been a dreadful venue for them.

Paul did most of the damage, leading the Clippers (24-6) with 29 points, including the final seven, as Los Angeles pulled out the two-point victory.

The Clippers winning streak is the longest in the NBA since Boston won 19 in row from Nov. 15 to Dec. 23, 2008.

The last time the franchise won three straight in Salt Lake City was 1979-1981 when they were the San Diego Clippers.

"This one is a great win for us because we kind of needed a challenge," said Blake Griffin, who had 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Clippers. "(We had) to prove not only to everybody else but to ourselves that we can still win close games like this and win a game down 19 in the third quarter."

In the opposing locker room, the Jazz were lamenting another one that got away – the second loss at home to the Clippers during their record streak. They dropped the first by one on Dec. 3 after leading by 14.

On Friday, ex-Clipper Randy Foye put up a 3-pointer at the buzzer that was contested by Matt Barnes, but no foul was called. Foye finished with a season-high 28 points for Utah.

Foye did his best not to say anything about the officiating.

"I felt as though I pump-faked," Foye said. "He knew that I wanted to shoot the 3 and I felt the contact. He made me go straight up and shoot the ball straight down. It was just a tough play."

Paul was tough down the stretch, with the clinching free throws after getting fouled by Al Jefferson with 3.4 seconds left.

"When (DeAndre Jordan) came to give me the ball screen, I wasn't worried about (Gordon) Hayward, I was just worried about Al Jefferson," Paul said. "I could tell (Jefferson) was going to try and blitz me. Anytime two guys try and trap me, I'm always going to attack the slower guy. If they wouldn't have called the foul, I was right around Al anyway."

He sank both free throws this time, after missing one with 18 seconds left that allowed Jefferson to grab the rebound, draw the foul and sink two free throws at the other end to tie it at 114.

Paul made sure he got both the next time.

"Man, I couldn't wait to get to the line. I couldn't wait to get to the line," Paul said. "I was mad at myself for missing that last one. I couldn't wait to get to the line to redeem myself."

Just like the first game this season against the Jazz, Utah had the upper hand early.

The Jazz used a 36-point second quarter to turn a seven-point deficit into a 58-48 halftime lead.

Their reserves did most of the damage. Alec Burks and Earl Watson pushed the pace, big men Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors showed their presence inside and Hayward found ways to score.

Kanter's block of Ronny Turiaf ignited the crowd.

Hayward's 3-pointer tied it at 34 with 7:04 left in the second and he scored 10 straight for the Jazz, who forced eight turnovers in the quarter and held the Clippers to 37.5 percent shooting.

Foye, who kept Utah close in the first with a 13-point quarter on 4-of-5 shooting, gave the Jazz their biggest lead of the half, 54-41, with two more free throws.

The Jazz led 74-55 with 8:08 left in the third on a pair of free throws by Paul Millsap. But the Clippers outscored Utah 29-14 the rest of the quarter to go ahead 88-84 going into the fourth.

Paul provided the offense in the third with 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting.

"At the beginning of the third quarter, they made another run at us but then we got a little bit of a rhythm and then started guarding. We started getting some stops and getting out in the open court," Del Negro said.

The loss dropped Utah below .500 at 15-16. The Jazz have now lost six of their last eight.

Al Jefferson added 22 points for Utah. Hayward had 17 off the bench for Utah.

DeAndre Jordan had 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Clippers, who had six players in double figures.

"It's all tough," Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said. "On our home court. We had a lead, we gave up the lead but we continued to fight. We made some mistakes but fought our way through it and had a chance to win the ball game at the end. Unfortunately they got a lot of free throws."

NOTES: An unidentified Jazz employee was disciplined and had his access to the team Twitter account discontinued after what team officials deemed an inappropriate tweet regarding the firing of Nets coach Avery Johnson and Brooklyn's interest in Phil Jackson. The tweet said Jackson only wants "great players," an apparent reference to ex-Jazz point guard Deron Williams, who had criticized Johnson's offense. ... Jazz point guard Mo Williams still has swelling in his sprained right thumb and remains out indefinitely. ... The Clippers got a scare late in the first quarter when Lamar Odom came up limping. He returned in the second and finished with 12 points. ... The Clippers failed to register a blocked shot despite coming into the game averaging 6.52.

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Groceries For Guns: Los Angeles Police Department Collects More Than 1,500 Weapons In Annual Buyback

Los Angeles police offered groceries for guns in a buyback program that was moved up in the wake of the Newtown, Conn., tragedy. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

LOS ANGELES -- Long lines of cars and people formed Wednesday to take advantage of a guns-for-groceries exchange program that was moved up in the wake of the Connecticut school shooting.

Police officers filled bins with more than 1,500 rifles and handguns outside the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena and the Van Nuys Masonic Temple, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

Officials were mindful of both the massacre of students and teachers in Newtown, Conn., and a gunman's ambush that killed two firefighters in Webster, N.Y.

"All of us are still mourning the tragedy at Newtown, Conn.," said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "So many young innocent children were mass-murdered in the way that they were, and now the assassination of two firefighters ... just breaks the heart of so many of us, particularly in this holiday season."

The anonymous buyback program allowed weapons to be turned in with no questions asked. Handguns, rifles and shotguns could be exchanged for $100 Ralphs grocery store gift cards. Assault weapons earned a $200 card.

The program, designed to get guns off the streets, usually is held in May. Villaraigosa decided to do it now in the wake of the Dec. 14 shooting rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

The last buyback netted about 1,700 guns.

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