As a leading workforce development and social service agency serving a diverse population, with a whole-person approach and lived experience, our strategic plan sets us on course for greater impact. This plan is designed to ensure that every step we take in the future aligns with our commitment to creating thriving communities with economic opportunity for all.
In the spring of 2024, we sought feedback from our stakeholders—including subscribers to our email newsletter–which was summarized in the Insights Report we shared in the summer. The strategic plan was then developed in a series of workshops and planning meetings over the course of several months.
Our Mission:
Empowering individuals to achieve sustainable employment and financial independence
In this process, we evolved the language we are using to describe our mission: “empowering individuals to achieve sustainable employment and financial independence.” This revision affirms the essential dignity in every person, regardless of economic or employment status. It also expands our view that there are many pathways to financial independence, including entrepreneurialism and in serving people’s basic needs that are a common barrier to career success
Our Core Values:
- Legacy: We are inspired by our history of service and are purposely creating a better future.
- Boldness: We are forward-thinking, innovative, and willing to take risks
- Grit: We are committed, tenacious, and driven to deliver
- Alliances: We build vital and inclusive relationships to achieve our mission
- Compassion: We pour our hearts into this work and recognize every person’s dignity
This strategic plan also introduces new core values—Legacy, Boldness, Grit, Alliances, and Compassion. We believe that respect, service and stewardship remain essential characteristics to a professional work environment. Our new values celebrate what makes us special—things like lived experience and a shared passion for helping others. They also help position us for a bright future that honors our history and partnerships
This strategic plan also introduces new core values—Legacy, Boldness, Grit, Alliances, and Compassion. We believe that respect, service and stewardship remain essential characteristics to a professional work environment. Our new values celebrate what makes us special—things like lived experience and a shared passion for helping others. They also help position us for a bright future that honors our history and partnerships
Our strategic goals are structured around four main objectives.
Objective 1 focuses on driving program health, innovation, and readiness. We plan to establish a Program Success Index and proactively manage risks to ensure continuous improvement, especially in high-growth markets. This will allow us to create lasting, high impact job opportunities for our clients.
Objective 2 aims to optimize organizational performance. We will formalize “The JVS SoCal Way,” a shared framework for consistent, high-quality client support. Additionally, we plan to implement zero-based budgeting and maximize our real estate assets, thereby increasing operational efficiency.
Objective 3 is centered on investing in our people and culture. By embedding our values into daily operations and enhancing employee development, we aim to boost retention, satisfaction, and engagement across our workforce. Structured learning, leadership training, and recognition programs will support the development of our talented team members.
Finally, Objective 4 addresses reinvigorating our brand position and fundraising capability. We will refine our brand, launch targeted campaigns, and strengthen our donor experience to expand our reach and resources.
We are excited to embark on this journey toward a stronger future, fostering economic empowerment across the diverse communities we serve.