People who are blind or visually impaired in North Jersey now have access to meaningful employment opportunities thanks to a new partnership between Bestwork Industries for the Blind, Inc. (Bestwork), the largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired in New Jersey, and JVS of MetroWest (JVS), who provides vital services that help improve the employability, increase the self-sufficiency, and enhance the quality-of-life of thousands of individuals and families throughout Northeastern New Jersey.

As part of the agreement, Bestwork is operating a satellite location where people who are blind or visually impaired will work on kitting and light assembly projects. It is located in JVS’ Montclair facility, where vocational training and employment services are provided for individuals for all types of disabilities.

The organizations celebrated the Grand Opening of the satellite location this week at JVS with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by Bestwork President & CEO, Jon Katz and JVS CEO, Michael Andreas. They were joined by three new employees, Eddie Duran, Carla Branche, and Anthony Aikens, who were hired because of the partnership and Alfonso Harrell, a Bestwork employee since 2021, who was upskilled to lead the team in Montclair.

“I’m so thankful for this opportunity, otherwise, I wouldn’t have a job or be able to work,” said new employee Eddie Duran.

“JVS and Bestwork share a common goal of increasing employment opportunities for people who face challenges finding a job,” says Michael Andreas. “We are excited to partner with Bestwork because working together, our impact can be even greater. Partnerships like this are essential to not-for-profit organizations and we look forward to building this relationship in the future.”

This initiative is part of Bestwork’s efforts to expand its reach in the state, exploring opportunities to partner with organizations like JVS to provide employment opportunities to people who are blind or visually impaired.

“JVS of MetroWest’s willingness to collaborate has not only enabled the expansion of Bestwork’s footprint to North Jersey, but more importantly it has created the opportunity for increased employment opportunities for people who are blind,” says Jon Katz. “Because the work we are doing is replicable, scalable, and portable, we see the prospect of more growth in our future. Thank you, Michael Andreas for your unwavering support and incredible spirit of cooperation!”

To learn more about the partnership or explore employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired, please contact Lauren Scarpa at lscarpa@bestworkindustries.org.  For more information about JVS, please contact
Jane Eliasof at jeliasof@jvsnj.org.