Copyright Staten Island Advance
The Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island celebrated the grand opening of its new Career Connections office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, marking a significant expansion of its workforce development programs. The new facility, located at 275 Martling Avenue on the grounds of Congregation B’Nai Jeshurun, provides additional space for training programs and networking events. The opening event included a job fair for participants in the JCC’s Community Resources for Employment and Development (CRED) program. Career Connections launched in 2021 in response to increased need for job support among Staten Islanders struggling during the pandemic. What began with a single cohort of IT support students has grown to include certification training in IT, construction, and green energy, along with assistance developing soft skills like resume writing and interviewing techniques. The program’s latest initiative, CRED, represents its largest expansion since inception. Funded by the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development, CRED offers participants paid training in their choice of construction, IT support/cybersecurity, security, or HVAC. After completing training, clients are placed in paid internships with local businesses, with costs fully covered by DYCD funding. “With all of the new services we offer, it’s easy to see how we outgrew our space at the Bernikow building,” said Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC. “When it came time to find a new home for these services, we were grateful to be able to collaborate with our friends at Congregation B’Nai Jeshurun. We’re proud that this new space will allow us to continue to expand our services for Staten Islanders looking to grow their careers and reach their full potential.” Beyond job training, CRED participants receive access to the JCC’s wraparound social services, including a food pantry and referrals for mental health counseling, housing assistance, academic guidance, and healthcare access. The JCC also hosts an annual women’s professional development expo, connecting women at various career stages through mentorship and networking opportunities. For more information about the Career Connections program, https://www.sijcc.org/careerconnections.
