The Simon Family JCC serves many different needs in its role as a Community Center. In order to better help those who need assistance to benefit from the JCC’s resources, the center is requesting support from the community.
As a recent letter outlined, there are many potential users of the facility who cannot afford to take advantage of all the programs the JCC offers, from the fitness center to programming for kids.
The JCC has a track record of doing all it can to serve everyone in the community— regardless of their ability to pay. But, it can’t continue to deliver this quality programming to those in need without help.
One of the beneficiaries of the JCC’s services is an autistic camper, Raevyn Love, who first came to the JCC’s special needs camp as a shy nine-year-old. When Raevyn’s mom retired to take care of aging parents, the cost of camp was no longer in the budget. Fortunately, the JCC was able to help the Loves, and Raevyn will return to camp this summer for her fifth year.
“I can’t imagine summer without the JCC camp, and the superb one-on-one attention Raevyn has received there,” says her mother, Dian Love. “I spread the word about it to everyone. It’s the best camp ever.”
Joe Harowitz is a longtime member of the JCC. Now in his 80s, this lifelong bachelor continues to visit several times a week to socialize and volunteer. The programming for senior adults helps keep Harowitz engaged and happy. The JCC even provides lunch meals for him when he’s here. “This is my real home, my headquarters,” he says. “This is where I have met most of my friends. The JCC has always meant the world to me.”
Single mom Jamie Egan almost didn’t send her daughter, Ciera, to the JCC Summer Camp or Kids Connection before and after care because she could not afford it last year. With the help of financial assistance, Kids Connection has become an essential part of Ciera’s daily life and education. “Kids Connection is so well rounded and gives her so much more than any other program she could be in,” she says. “They have homework time, arts and crafts, swimming lessons and a KidFit program—exercise and wellness—that Ciera really loves.”
The JCC is asking those who can help to consider a tax-deductible gift to the Simon Family JCC. This gift will help provide:
• Scholarships so that all children can have the opportunity to make lifelong memories at summer camp;
• Funding to give young athletes the chance to develop sportsmanship and team-building skills through the many youth leagues;
• Support for programming for senior adults that improves their quality of life through exercise and social activities;
• Financial aid for families to send their children to the Kids Connection before and after school enrichment program; and
• A home away from home for all families in this community.
The Simon Family JCC is a non-profit organization, and membership dues only go so far. The Center relies on funds raised from community members to continue to provide scholarships, financial aid, and essential programming every year.
To give to the JCC, contact Rebecca Bickford, development associate, 452-3180 or rbickford@simonfamilyj.org. This gift is fully tax-deductible. Every dollar makes a difference.
The Simon Family JCC is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.
by Leslie Shroyer