By Lynne Adkins

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – This week, a Philadelphia-based service organization marks its 70th year helping residents.

Spokeswoman Kristen Rantanen says Philadelphia-based JEVS Human Services started helping people seven decades ago.

“The very forward-thinking folks that chartered JEVS realized there were large numbers of Jewish refugees who were fleeing the ravages of World War II and looking for a new life in America. And, our job was to provide vocational and career services to folks who were resettling in Philadelphia.”

Rantanen says the organization has been making peoples’ lives better ever since.

“Our services have evolved to include folks who are looking to move from welfare to work, adults with developmental disabilities, mental health disabilities, those dealing with addiction, job seekers looking for new skills in building trades and court reporting and refugees across the world.”

She says JEVS remains based in Philadelphia, but now helps people all over the Commonwealth.