Jewish Vocational Service (JVS), Kansas City

06/20/2026

Today is World Refugee Day.

JVS stands with all refugees today and every day. The individuals featured here - and every refugee who calls Kansas City home - make up a thriving community, strengthened by diversity.

📸: Dave Brick Film

Here are some things you can do to recognize and celebrate refugees today:

✨Watch a refugee themed film or documentary
✨Read a refugee authored book or memoir
✨Listen to a podcast that focuses on refugee or immigrant topics
✨Explore refugee music and art
✨Follow refugee and immigrant serving organizations on social media
✨Subscribe to newsletters from refugee and immigrant serving organizations
✨Read and watch local, national, and global news about refugees
✨Call or email Congress/your local representative in support of refugees
✨Write a postcard or letter as a group with friends, kids, a class, or a faith group in support of refugees
✨Share advocacy tools on social media and encourage others to do the same
✨Support refugee-led initiatives
✨Buy from refugee owned businesses
✨Promote refugee creatives by sharing their work with friends on social media
✨Invite a refugee speaker or community leader to present at your workplace, school, or place of worship
✨Host a fundraiser or supply drive for a refugee-led organization or nonprofit
✨Email [email protected] to get involved locally!

06/18/2026

: Meet Sayed Omid Yaqubi!
Sayed is a PC GAPS Case Manager at JVS on our Intensive Case Management team.

Sayed shares that he chooses to do this work because he once walked the same path as his clients, and he wants to help others feel supported and hopeful.

People may not know that Sayed is very good at soccer and that he used to work in the HR field. He loves eating mantu and kebabs

He shares that he’s proud to be a part of JVS.

“My favorite part of my job is helping refugees solve problems and seeing their happiness. It gives me purpose.”

06/17/2026

At Global Table 2026, we celebrated a simple but powerful truth: everyone deserves a seat at the table.

Clients and staff gathered with Dave Brick to share stories about the meals that hold meaning for them and their families - reminders of home, culture, tradition, and connection. (Check out the full video at the link in our bio!)

As World Refugee Day approaches, we want to reaffirm that everyone deserves belonging, dignity, and a place at the table. Everyone.

Heading to the grocery store before Saturday? Pick up the ingredients for one - or all - of these featured meals and join us in celebrating World Refugee Day through food, community, and shared stories.

06/16/2026

The World Cup has kicked off and we are rooting for so many incredible teams! Swipe to see which countries represent our staff & clients this tournament!

Who are you rooting for?!

06/15/2026

World Refugee Day is this week - join us in recognizing and celebrating throughout the week and this Saturday, June 20!

Refugees are individuals and families seeking safety, opportunity, and the chance to build a new future. They are our neighbors, coworkers, health care providers, classmates, and friends - bringing strength, culture, resilience, and perseverance that enrich our entire community.

JVS remains committed to welcoming and supporting refugees in Kansas City. The family featured here lives, works, studies, shops, and builds community right here alongside us - contributing every day to the vibrancy and strength of our city.

Families like these are an important part of Kansas City’s story, helping make our community more diverse, connected, and thriving for all.

06/12/2026

: Meet Shaughnessy Miller!
Shaughnessy grew up in Kansas City where she developed a love of books and languages. After studying Spanish in college, she made her way to NYC to work in the children's publishing industry. Still a marketer of books for young readers, she has returned to the Midwest where she hopes to create a more welcoming Kansas City.
She shares, “Kansas City is a fabulous tapestry of immigrants and refugees. I joined JVS because I want this city to continue to be a welcoming place for EVERYONE.”
Thank you for your dedication and heart for service, Shaughnessy !
About YPB:�The JVS Young Professionals Board (YPB) is made up of professionals ages 22–35 who meet monthly to support JVS through fundraising, friendraising, and community-building events. Together, members raise funds, amplify JVS’ mission, engage young professionals across Kansas City, and build leadership skills along the way.

Empower JVSKC

06/11/2026

JVS is here to share: USCIS released new guidance signaling a stricter discretionary approach to some adjustment of status cases. While the memo does not change eligibility rules, applicants with humanitarian parole entries, expired work authorizations, or other immigration history issues may face increased scrutiny. Importantly, refugee and asylee adjustment processes should NOT be impacted by this policy memo.

06/10/2026

The JVS Young Professionals Board is hosting again this year at Hamburger Mary's! Join us on July 10th at 7pm for a night filled with bingo & burgers. Reservations (recommended) should be made for 6 or 6:30pm so that you have time to get seated and order some delicious food before the bingo begins!

Tag a friend you want to go with!

06/10/2026

So ready to Welcome the World with Welcoming KC - please share this free training widely with your networks!

As thousands of international visitors prepare to arrive in Kansas ...

06/09/2026

Let's keep each other - and Kansas City - safe during the World Cup! JVS is here to share some helpful tips to keep yourselves, others, and our entire community safe as we welcome the world and enjoy the world's favorite sport together.