JVS Employee Honored by The Healthcare Foundation of NJ

The Healthcare Foundation of NJ recognized Kristi Collins of Newark at the 19th Annual Lester Z. Lieberman Awards for Humanism in Healthcare. Collins gathered alongside her fellow recipients at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston where she was honored for empathy, respect and cultural sensitivity in the delivery of care to patients and their loved ones.

As an internship coordinator at the East Orange based Jewish Vocational Service of MetroWest NJ (JVS), Collins fulfills her passion of assisting individuals with disabilities overcome barriers. Her role consists of helping clients transition from a workshop program to an internship, which ultimately leads to permanent positions in the mainstream workforce where they'll earn above minimum wage.

More recently, Collins handled a situation with a client who suffered from depression and had no work experience. The individual was eventually able to acquire a paid internship at a nursing home due to a series of one-on-one skill building exercises and counseling sessions all conducted by Collins.

She continues to regularly change the lives of her clients at JVS by aiding them until they are confident enough to bring their full potential to the community.