Strictly Business Archive
| 2009
Winners |
|---|
Julie Evans |
After her divorce, Julie found herself living with her in-laws and trying to raise two kids on the $330 a month she received from CalWORKS. Something needed to change. She saw a flyer for the JVS Financial Services Training Program, and decided to try her hand in the world of banking. She completed the program with flying colors, and accepted a position as a teller at Bank of the West. Now, Julie not only loves her job, but loves her independence as she can now afford to raise her kids by herself in her own apartment. Watch video. | |
Joanna Wagner  |
Joanna had a good income as a bond trader, but a bout of serious liver disease made her re-evaluate her priorities. Coming back to the workforce was a challenge, but Joanna discovered the JVS Transgender Economic Empowerment Inititative (TEEI), a collaborative program designed to help transgender people find work. Joanna faced a number of challenges that could have kept her from getting work - changing careers, having a disability, being transgender - but with help from JVS and a positive attitude, she was able to find work as a Life Coach helping people struggling with mental illness and substance abuse. Watch video. | |
Antin Adams  |
Antin was born and raised in "The Bricks," a southeastern San Francisco neighborhood sandwiched between two warring gang turfs. Drugs and violence are pervasive in his community, and after a youthful mistake, Antin found himself in the Juvenile Justice System. After a year of incarceration, Antin knew he needed to make a change. He joined the JVS New Directions Employment Project (NDEP), and started work at the San Francisco Boys' and Girls' Clubs. Antin took his work seriously, and even took on a second job at Safeway to get some extra income. Today, Antin is on the straight and narrow path, working hard to make money for himself and his family. Watch video. | |
Hasija Sisic  |
Hasija was born to be a nurse. But when she took a job at a mountain clinic in her native Bosnia in the late eighties, she never expected to end up leading a semi-trained staff of 24 nurses treating wounded refugees in the war that followed. With her husband injured and her son nearing recruitment age, Hasija and her family decided to escape to the United States. When she arrived, she was told she would never be able to get the credentials she needed to do her life's work in her adopted country. Undaunted, Hasija took a receptionist job at a methadone clinic while taking JVS English classes and the LVN Refresher Progam. With persistence and hard work, Hasija has achieved her dream, and now works full time as a nurse. Watch video. | |
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As one of the Bay Area’s largest employers, Safeway has a tradition of helping as well as an outstanding record of achievement in hiring, currently employing nearly 10,000 people with disabilities. Safeway has been an exemplary partner to JVS, designing JVS curriculum, participating in our Employer Spotlight Series, and hiring more than 57 of our clients, including youth with disabilities, recent immigrants to the United States, and three Strictly Business Award winners over the last four years. Safeway's commitment to excellence in customer service and tradition of promotion from within make it an ideal choice for many of our clients looking for their first job experiences. Watch video. |