The International Association of Jewish Vocational Services (IAJVS) recently honored two JVS staff members with awards. Leah Rosenbaum, president and CEO, and Lauren Kepes, NEXTGen employment specialist, received their awards at the IAJVS annual conference in Philadelphia.

Rosenbaum was honored with Bernie Rosenthal Executive Directors Award, presented to an outstanding executive who demonstrates vision, leadership, compassion and perseverance.

“Leah has made a positive impact on thousands of lives through her unique mix of creativity, compassion, fiscal responsibility and hard work,” said Aaron Chernow, chair of the JVS Board of Trustees. “Over the years, Leah has been instrumental in creating innovative programs that have led the field nationally in rehabilitation services, workforce development and senior day services, keeping JVS Detroit on the cutting edge of social service programming.”

Most recently under Rosenbaum’s leadership, JVS launched numerous programs to assist job seekers from all walks of life and income brackets. Examples include RECHARGE!, helping workers over the age of 50 identify encore careers, and New Experiences, providing paid internships to increase the marketability of older job seekers experiencing long-term unemployment.

Rosenbaum continues to be involved in moving social services forward on a local and international scale and currently serves as vice president of IAJVS.

Kepes, an employment specialist, was named the recipient of the Ron Coun Award, which recognizes an outstanding young professional who mirrors Coun’s passion for Jewish vocational services. Kepes, who splits her time between JVS and Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit has been instrumental in the creation of unique and effective programming for the Millennial generation.

Kepes leads employment seminars and counsels job seekers, working with three distinct groups; students nearing graduation, young adults looking for a job to start their career or allow them to return to Detroit, and business professionals seeking a connection to others in the community.

IAJVS is a nonprofit network of 32 national and international human service agencies based in major metropolitan areas in the United States, Canada and Israel.

About JVS

JVS is an award-winning human services organization with four main locations in

Metropolitan Detroit that helps people realize life’s potential through a variety of

programs to maximize their self-sufficiency. The agency helps job seekers jumpstart their job search, provides meaningful services to people with disabilities and helps seniors remain active and engaged.