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Dear Friend,

 

 

For over 110 years, the JCC has been a cornerstone of the Greater New Haven community—a place where friendships are formed, skills are developed, and lives are transformed. In an increasingly disconnected world, the JCC remains a vital center for connection, belonging, and shared experiences for people of all backgrounds.

 

This fall, we celebrated our legacy at the Legends Brunch, honoring the generations of members who have made the JCC what it is today. The heart of our mission is creating a space where everyone feels welcome—a true gathering place for the entire community.

 

Your gift directly supports programs that change lives:

 

  • Teaching children to swim and be safe around water.

  • Connecting individuals of all ages through meaningful programs.

  • Providing job training for people with differing abilities.

  • Supporting active seniors in maintaining their health and independence.

 

Every dollar you give sustains these vital services and strengthens the JCC as a hub for connection, care, and Jewish values.

 

Thank you for being part of our JCC family and for supporting the work that makes our community stronger—together.

 

 

Craig Riegelhaupt, JCC President

Scott Cohen, JCC Executive Director

Make Your Gift Today

"I don’t know what we would do without the JCC. I’ve been coming here for many years, my family has been here for many years, and we use everything here at the JCC. My kids have gone to school here, we have coffee in the mornings here, we use the fitness center, my kids have done the aquatics, the dancing, the basketball and had birthday parties here. I feel so passionately about being able to be here and dedicate some of my time and resources and help out in any way that I can."

-David Sirowich, Immediate Past JCC President

The Impact of a Gift to Friends of the J

  • Friends of the J opens the door to programs like JCC Day Camps, early childhood education and afterschool programs - especially for the 80+ participants who receive needs-based scholarships.

  • Friends of the J provides access to JCC programs and events for adults and children with disabilities.

  • Friends of the J enables virtual and in-person cultural arts programming, including film & author talks, live performance, and the visual arts.

 

The Spirit of Community

The people make the JCC special. Not only the members, but the people who work here. The demand on the employees at the J is very high, but they enjoy what they do and it shows. The JCC has been through a lot and the pandemic could easily have broken our spirit. But it didn't. If anything, it strengthened the people within this community and brought us closer together. The JCC is an asset to this community. We need to do everything we can to support it. It's our turn to step up to the challenge just as every JCC employee does ever day.

-Craig Riegelhaupt

 

Home Away From Home

"When I think of the JCC, I think of our greater New Haven Jewish Community. I can remember dropping my children off at the babysitting room, early in the morning, to allow for my workouts at the fitness center. This is where I knew my children were safe, social and occupied.

For me, the JCC provided a wonderful environment for meetings, socialization, cultural programs and fitness. Café 360 is fantastic. So many of us look forward to grabbing a coffee, lunch and a meal to go. It is our place to gather and chat or just kick back and enjoy the games of Mahjong, Canasta and Bridge. There is always someone looking for a game!

The JCC is a place I call home.  My children, while they are grown now, forged lifelong friendships over the years through JCC Day Camp, Playscape and Biddy Basketball,  just to mention a few.

The JCC continues to host all ages, even those that continue to return after so many years. It is generational; it is the center of it all."


-Stacey Trachten 

 

 

Become a Friend of the J.

Support YOUR Community Today!

 

 

Watch JCC members and community leaders make the case for Friends of the J.

 

Past years videos: