JEM Associates Consulting Services

JEM Associates Consulting Services is an agency specializing in justice, education and motivation. Our goal is service to our clients in resolving situations effecting their environment, whether professionally or personally, real or perceived, existing or anticipated. This includes, but is not limited to diversity training, discrimination and harassment issues, professional development, employer and employee interaction, community relations, mediation and conflict resolution, investigations and counseling.

Individually, we listen to the client’s concerns and, once the problem is identified, we recommend the best avenue of redress. In the workplace, we evaluate both the workforce and management, we assess existing policies, practices and procedures, and we make recommendations for resolution through training, counseling, and other means. At the client’s request, we will assist in the implementation of our recommendations, monitor the worksite to prevent reoccurrences and provide follow-up with both labor and management if the company so desires. 

JEM also provides motivational and issued-related speakers and sessions on various issues including but not limited to the areas of expertise cited above. We also conduct private investigations geared toward achieving resolution, relief and the avoidance of litigation and/or intrusion of external agencies.

JEM has now expanded its services to include various training programs including human resource, professional development and other areas as needed by the client.  Newest in JEM’s roster is the Defensive Driving training which is described in detail under the DEFENSIVE DRIVING tab.

The following is a brief summary of JEM’s operation, adaptable to either individual clients, groups, or the corporate/business structure:

• Evaluation – determine existing or potential areas of conflict and the impact. This involves persons/personnel, feelings, beliefs, and concerns; policies, practices and procedures; available or existing avenues of redress.
• Assessment – what is the best way to “fix” the situation (i.e., training of individual, employees, management; developing or clarifying/updating existing policies and procedures).
• Training – developing and implementing workshops and seminars tailored to specifically address the information obtained during the evaluation phase (or based on the client’s expressed needs and concerns).
• Counseling – one on one and/or site visits to assist in monitoring developments and to advise both labor and management; continuing to serve as a resource for additional input and follow-up; mediate and/or resolve areas of dissention.
• Investigation – conduct impartial investigation(s) which will enable the client to determine validity of and/or resolution of issues and/or allegations and best way to proceed.

 

 

In 1991 Maria Jones was laid off as a RIF from State government after almost 30 years in State service. Seeking the assistance of legal counsel to help fight the injustice that had occurred, she was financially unable to obtain one with each door being slammed in her face – after the words “You’ve got a good case but we need a retainer.” It was that futility that inspired Jones eventually to use her knowledge of civil rights law to form JEM Associates Consulting Services, to become that “bridge over troubled waters” to any individual who found him or herself in need of help but unable to afford it. Because she was not an attorney and therefore unable to represent her clients as such, she advised them, “If I can’t resolve this for you, I will do everything needed to get you to the courthouse door.”

She took all that she has learned and experienced for over half a century and today is known by many as the Professor.   She is that go to font of knowledge but relishes teaching others how to avoid and defeat the pitfalls of society. And she went into the workplace to review policies and practices and make changes to insure that employees were being treated fairly under the law before discrimination occurred (or eliminated it where it was happening).

And then came the invitations to tell her story. Of how she made it back. She became and remains an inspiration to those who heard her including a 7 year old boy who was being laughed at as he stuttered, trying to ask her a question. Jones held up her hand for silence as she turned from the group and quietly conferred with the teacher. She turned back to the audience and leaning in the direction of the child proudly proclaimed to all, but especially to him, that he was never to be sad again because she too IS a stutterer, standing before him and all of those today. And he could do that or whatever he chose to do. And they embraced.

Or at the end of another talk, a woman stood apart from the crowd.  Finally she approached and accepted Maria’s extended hand.  She was desolate that night and had decided to end her life.  For those few minutes, however, she was drawn by the crowd or the church?  to enter.  She heard Maria’s story including HER life on the street.  If Maria made it back, then so could she.  Maria says you never know who you may be talking to or the impact of your words.  That night, Death got cheated.

Maria Jones has many years of experience at various levels of State and Federal government, including that which involves the education of youth and adults. Her most recent position is with the NJ Department of Transportation, where she serves as the Program Coordinator of the Administrative College, their internal training forum providing educational opportunities for all employees including those in leadership.

Under Jones’ management, the DOT was recognized four consecutive years for its defensive driving training by the National Safety Council (“NSC”), the foremost entity in safety awareness and education. She has distinguished herself in the driver training arena including the following:

• National Safety Council DDC 8/6 Certified Defensive Driving Instructor
• Provided driver awareness and defensive driver training to thousands of State employees
• Trained-the-trainers in preparation to conduct their own driver awareness training sessions
• Certified trainers at other State departments and businesses as their final step to fulfill NSC’s instructor criteria

DDC 6 – DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE

Driver safety is not the simplistic practice of sliding behind the wheel of a vehicle and turning on the ignition. Or pressing the starter button. It is truly driver safety and awareness and, as is emphasized during our training, that is a matter of choice. And it is a choice that begins BEFORE you step into the vehicle.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could drive around armored up, insulated from all outside harm? Where nothing could get to us – no matter the impact? But that’s not reality, as our training will demonstrate.

In New Jersey, one of JEM’s offerings is the National Safety Council’s certified Defensive Driving Course. The sessions are delivered in either a one day-6 hour class or, if needed, a two-day class of 3 hours each.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student is entitled to a mandatory reduction in his/her auto insurance premium. Said reduction occurs annually for the three year duration of the certificate earned after the 6 hour training is completed. In addition, if the student happens to have MVC points on his/her license, course completion will also result in up to a two (2) point reduction of those points which can only be applied once every 5 years.

The first step in any training is for the student to acknowledge his or her own strength or weakness. Jones openly introduces herself to her students as an aggressive driver. She rebukes those that chide her, saying she teaches driver training as her punishment. In fact, she tells them, she enjoys her subject and is inspired each time her students relate the impact her teaching has on them or their family or friends.

The DDC also emphasizes how the choices made not only impact you, the driver but your passenger(s). And how there are things that effect your driving that you can control; and things that you can’t control. But that there are ALWAYS decisions you can make that can reduce your driving hazards. And sometimes even save a life.

JEM offers the DDC 4, 6 & 8 hour training to individuals, groups, corporate clients, etc. throughout New Jersey. Training can include other states than NJ.  In addition, we provide discounts to clients who return to us for the renewal of their DDC 6 certificate which has a duration of three years from the date of issuance. But whether a driver chooses to renew his/her certificate or not, we suggest to all to engage in driver training. Such training allows you to remain abreast of the most current driver safety standards versus the “rules of the road”, some of which can actually cause more harm than good when you don’t differentiate. But no matter the option our clients choose, our programs underscore our commitment in achieving a culture of safety – as fellow motorists and/or pedestrians.

NSC /NJMVC Approved
DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE

September 10, 2024 (Tuesday) Part 1 and September 17, 2024 (Tuesday) Part 2
5pm – 8pm
Shiloh Baptist Church
340 Rev, S, Howard Woodson Jr, Way (aka Calhoun Street)
Trenton

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Fee: Advance $50 / Walk In $60. Space is limited to 10.

JEM Associates Consulting Services
(609) 575-4138
JEMCON@verizon.net

To discuss our services further, including defensive driving courses for individuals, groups and businesses; special discounts for seniors, military, unions, etc.; or for any questions you may have, please email us at:  info@jemcon.net