Jewish Vocational Aid Society (Boston) records, undated, 1910-1985.

The Jewish Vocational Aid Society, Boston, founded by Mrs. Margaret Davidson and incorporated under the laws of Massachusetts in 1907 as the Jewish Children's Aid Society; original purpose was in aiding destitute Jewish children. In 1936 became known as the Jewish Vocational Aid Society; members focused efforts on raising funds for needy Jewish students. Later, eligibility for scholarships was expanded to include non-Jewish students as well. In 1973 was forced to transfer most of its funds to the Combined Jewish Philanthropies and become a constituent agency of the latter organization. In 1979, remaining funds were transferred to the CJP and the JVAS was effectively dissolved.Collection contains JVAS materials dating from its beginnings as the JCAS and ending with correspondence between Mrs. Margaret Goldman (granddaughter of Margaret Davidson) and the CJP in 1979. Included are invitations and notices of meetings and functions (1920's-1968) and a program for a reception and dance given by the "Destitute Children's Aid Society" (Feb. 21, 1910), invitations to memorials for Mrs. Davidson, speeches and reports (1933-1964), a certificate officially changing the organization's name from the Jewish Children's Aid Society to the Jewish Vocational Aid Society, JVAS by-laws, program books for annual brunches and luncheons (1943-1970), appeals for money, miscellaneous financial reports, lists of committees and an election ballot, case reports, papers marking the transferring of funds from the JVAS to the Combined Jewish Philanthropies, correspondence with the CJP, miscellaneous correspondence, a program book for the 25th anniversary celebration of the Jewish Children's Aid Society (Nov. 28, 1933), newspaper clippings (1960's), and miscellaneous printed materials.Gift of Margaret Goldman,far031