JCCGCI’s Crown Heights Career Hub Expands to Meet Growing Workforce Needs

Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI) is proud to announce the continued expansion and success of the Crown Heights Career Hub, a valuable and highly impactful workforce development initiative supporting the Crown Heights community. Thanks to a generous grant from UJA-Federation of New York and a major donor who prefers anonymity, the program has grown significantly, providing culturally informed, cutting-edge professional training and career advancement opportunities to community members.

Since its inception in 2018, the Career Hub has evolved from offering basic computer and soft skills training to a comprehensive career development program, currently serving 115 students annually. In the first half of the 2024-25 fiscal year alone, the program has trained 54 new students, equipping them with in-demand job skills that enhance employability and career growth. Responding to the ever-changing job market, the program has recently incorporated QuickBooks certification, Google Sheets, Salesforce training, and AI-integrated instruction into its curriculum.

Recognizing the diverse needs of its participants, the Crown Heights Career Hub now offers a hybrid learning model, blending in-person instruction for beginners—ensuring one-on-one guidance—with online learning options for experienced professionals. The success of this approach has led to increased student retention and higher proficiency levels, reaffirming the program’s commitment to individualized support and long-term career success.

Building on this momentum, JCCGCI is set to expand the Career Hub’s physical location in late Spring 2025, combining forces with JCCGCI’s NYC government-funded Workforce Development Program. This full-service employment center will offer a wide range of workforce training, job placement services, and career counseling—significantly enhancing economic opportunities for Crown Heights residents.

Additionally, the Career Hub’s growing reputation has extended beyond Crown Heights, with other Haredi communities expressing interest in replicating the program model. In recognition of its excellence, Intuit Corporation has officially listed the Career Hub as a QuickBooks training site, a testament to its commitment to equipping students with high-value industry skills.

“The Crown Heights Career Hub is more than just a training program—it is a lifeline for those seeking financial stability and career growth,” said Rabbi Moshe Wiener, Executive Director of JCCGCI. “By adapting to evolving industry demands and maintaining strong partnerships, we continue to provide our community with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive job market.”

As the Career Hub continues to expand, JCCGCI remains committed to fostering economic empowerment, professional development, and career success within the Crown Heights community.

For more information about JCCGCI’s Crown Heights Career Hub and its programs, click here or contact Program Director Neil Schwerd at n.schwerd@jccgci.org.

Crown Heights Career Hub operates under the guidance of Virginia G. Cruickshank, one of the pioneers of workforce development programming in New York and benefits from the input of its Advisory Committee and from Rabbi Eli Cohen, Executive Director of the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council.