UJA-Federation of New York proudly joins the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI) in celebrating a remarkable milestone — the 900th successful job placement achieved through the Parnossah Employment Services Program, a pioneering initiative addressing the distinct employment needs of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community.

For over a century, UJA-Federation of New York has worked to strengthen and enhance the quality of Jewish life across all communities. In 2014, recognizing a critical gap in workforce accessibility, UJA-Federation identified the urgent need for specialized, culturally sensitive employment services tailored to the Haredi, Yeshivish, and Chassidish populations — communities often underserved by conventional employment systems.

Members of these communities face unique barriers to employment stemming from cultural, linguistic, and educational factors. Many possess rigorous Torah-based education that fosters exceptional analytical and ethical discipline but lack formal secular credentials, English fluency, or familiarity with mainstream workplace norms. In addition, deep religious commitments — including strict Sabbath and holiday observance, modesty standards, and gender-separated environments — can make participation in traditional workforce programs particularly challenging.

To meet these needs, UJA-Federation established and funded the Parnossah Employment Services Program in 2014. Initially operated by FEGS and, since 2015, by JCCGCI, the program has become a trusted bridge between the cultural values of the ultra-Orthodox community and the evolving expectations of the modern labor market.

“Members of the ultra-Orthodox community possess remarkable intellectual discipline and drive, yet face distinct barriers to entering the workforce,” said Rabbi Moshe Wiener, Executive Director of JCCGCI since 1981. “Our mission is to bridge that gap — empowering individuals with the tools for sustainable employment while honoring the integrity of their way of life.”

Under the leadership of Program Director Jeffrey Prince, MBA, Parnossah has earned a reputation for compassionate, individualized service — combining job readiness, placement, and retention assistance with a deep understanding of cultural and religious sensitivities. The program’s 900th successful placement stands as a testament to his dedication, professionalism, and skill. The initiative has also benefitted from the long-standing guidance of Virginia Cruickshank, a visionary leader in workforce development who has shaped both FEGS and JCCGCI’s citywide employment programs.

In recent years, UJA-Federation expanded its investment in Parnossah to include a scholarship fund supporting jobseekers who require vocational training or education to advance their careers. Many ultra-Orthodox families live modestly — often on a single income — making tuition or certification costs prohibitive. These targeted scholarships directly remove financial barriers, enabling participants to gain credentials in high-demand sectors such as accounting, information technology, health care, early childhood education, and skilled trades.

“Every scholarship represents an investment not only in an individual’s livelihood,” Rabbi Wiener emphasized, “but in the long-term economic stability of a family — and in the resilience and vitality of an entire community.”

Our goal is to support pathways towards employment for community members who are eager to engage in the workforce but lack the required industry skills. We are proud to partner with the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island in this work – Alex Roth-Kahn, Managing Director of the Caring Department at UJA-Federation of NY.

👉 Want to get involved? Email us at info@jccgci.org or call 718-449-5000 for more information.

ABOUT JCCGCI

Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI) is a community-based organization with a citywide scope, providing a wide-spectrum of senior citizen, career, educational, crime-reduction, mental health, community revitalization and related services benefiting all segments of the population. JCCGCI is also a technical assistance provider, offering capacity building services to nonprofits in all five boroughs through its NonProfit HelpDesk division (www.nphd.org). With 40 program sites throughout New York City staffed by almost 400 social service professionals, JCCGCI assists an average of upwards of 2,500 needy individuals and families each day.