About
JVS SoCal is a Los Angeles-based workforce development nonprofit founded in 1931, during the Great Depression, as the Jewish Vocational Service. What began with a single desk in downtown Los Angeles serving job seekers facing workplace discrimination has grown into one of Southern California's largest employment services agencies, with nearly 300 staff members working across more than 20 sites in Los Angeles County.
Mission
JVS SoCal's stated mission is "Empowering individuals to achieve sustainable employment and financial independence."
What they do
- Operates America's Job Centers of California (AJCC) at five locations, providing no-cost career services to the public
- Runs tuition-free career training programs, launched in 2006, that prepare participants for in-demand careers
- Provides employment services for immigrants and refugees
- Operates veterans services, including California's only Veterans AJCC
- Hosts the Women's Leadership Network, a philanthropic community supporting women's economic advancement
- Administers a scholarship program for Jewish college students
History
Founded in 1931 as the Jewish Vocational Service, the agency started by helping Depression-era job seekers, including those shut out of work by discrimination. Its scholarship program dates to 1972, and its flagship tuition-free career training programs began in 2006.
Scale and impact
Figures published by JVS SoCal include:
- More than 50,000 people impacted in 2025
- Over 3,000 career training graduates since 2006, with average starting salaries above 40,000 dollars
- 14.3 million dollars in scholarships awarded to more than 6,200 students since 1972
- 7 million dollars raised by the Women's Leadership Network over 13 years
Financials
Per ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (EIN 95-1691012), JVS SoCal reported total revenue of about 39.3 million dollars, expenses of about 32.4 million dollars, and total assets of about 33.6 million dollars for fiscal year 2023. The IRS has recognized the organization as tax-exempt since 1943.