With thousands of individuals unemployed in the Kansas City area, Jewish Family Services (JFS) and Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) have enhanced Career Skills and Connections, a program offering executive coaching and employment assistance for individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds with a variety of work histories and experiences.

“The Career Skills and Connections approach is rooted in the principles of strengths-based coaching recognizing each individual has within themselves the answers to how to bring their best self to work. It helps job-seekers understand their strengths so they can more easily deliver successful outcomes,” said Sabrina Simon, Career Skills and Connections program manager housed at JVS.

Services include one-on-one career coaching addressing issues such as building your resume, mastering the Zoom interview, salary negotiations, group workshops and access to JVS’ network of local employers. Clients receive assistance creating individual career plans, crafting an elevator speech, identifying job strategies and creating a compelling LinkedIn profile. In addition, individuals learn interview and resume skills, how to transition careers and how to negotiate salaries. All services are available virtually.

To join the program, individuals must be 18 years old or older, eligible to work in the United States and have a high school diploma or GED. For more information and to register, contact Sabrina Simon at or 816-895-2764.

The Career Skills and Connections Program is funded in part by the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. JFS provides essential human services for people facing challenges in everyday life or times of crisis. For more information, visit jfskc.org.

JVS engages, encourages and empowers people to achieve social, cultural and economic integration through its community integration, health and wellness, and workforce development programs. For more information, visit jvskc.org.