About 800 people gathered for the 4th annual JEVS “Grow with JEVS” event on May 28 at the Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia, celebrating 85 years of impact by JEVS Human Services.

Cynthia F. Figueroa, CEO of the prestigious agency that helps individuals achieve economic independence, welcomed attendees and proudly introduced City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, as well as the evening’s honorees: Governor Josh Shapiro (Visionary Leader Award), Mayor Cherelle Parker (Community Champion Award), and Congressman Dwight Evans (Legacy Leadership Award).

After receiving his award, Congressman Evans told us that JEVS’s work “is fantastic, for everything it does every day and how important it is.”

Hosted by Niki Hawkins of 6abc News Philadelphia, the event also featured remarks by Laurie Toll Franz, Chair of the JEVS Board of Directors, and Dan Astolfi, Executive Vice President at Citizens for corporations and nonprofit organizations in the eastern Mid-Atlantic region.

Dr. Alberta A. Lloyd, senior instructor and head of JEVS’ Transition and Reentry Services, delivered a particularly powerful testimony. Born and raised in Philadelphia, she moved the audience as she shared her life story, which included time in 23 foster homes, three group homes, and two periods of homelessness during her childhood and youth. Despite these challenges, she overcame trauma and abuse and went on to earn two bachelor’s degrees, a master’s degree, and a doctorate in education, along with several additional certifications.

She encouraged those in attendance with her philosophy, “Don’t be a moment; become a movement,” and introduced her son, who was volunteering at the event that evening.

Dr. Lloyd also shared what inspires her: “I found my purpose at JEVS—a reason to wake up every morning and help others with stories similar to mine, giving them my heart, my soul, and 100 percent of what I do.”

Cynthia Figueroa, the first Latina to lead JEVS, expressed her satisfaction with the strong turnout for the organization’s fourth annual gala. Motivated by the opportunities she and her family have had in the United States, she has made it her mission to expand opportunities for others, especially immigrants and, more recently, refugees.

“We have an 85-year history—it’s a long time in our country. It’s incredible that we are here. We work with everyone, although we began by serving Jewish immigrants. Today, we address many other needs, and right now we must focus on leadership,” she said.

Among the attendees were many familiar faces, including Joanna Otero-Cruz, President and CEO of Women Against Abuse, who shared, “It’s an honor to be here with Cynthia celebrating 85 years of service to the community, especially in these challenging times… with everything we are facing, it is so important that nonprofit organizations continue moving forward, and I’m here to support them.”

A fundraising auction took place alongside the dinner, with proceeds helping to expand opportunities for those served by JEVS.

Throughout the evening, screens displayed some of JEVS’s recent achievements, including providing 8,420 Philadelphia youth with paid work-based learning opportunities, supporting 104 members of the Independence Network in Narberth, PA; Ambler, PA; and Collingswood, NJ; and serving 1,981 individuals with in-home care.

The evening concluded with dancing after organizers thanked all sponsors for their support of the event and the organization.

*Based in Philadelphia, JEVS originally stood for “Jewish Employment and Vocational Service.” Today, it is known as JEVS Human Services, reflecting its broader mission of helping individuals achieve economic independence and stability.