LifeLong Living at the JCC
Reflections on Our Current Experience and why we must expand
All of us, regardless of age, background, interest or circumstance, seek opportunities to find our passion and enrichment. We all want LifeLong Living experiences for ourselves, our children, family and friends.
What is LifeLong Living today at the JCC?
It is Cindy and Reeta dropping off their daughters at the Bright Beginnings Preschool, enjoying Yoga class in the gym, followed by lunch and a film, while their daughters enjoy after Preschool enrichment.
LifeLong Living is Sid and Janet coming to the fitness center in the early morning to exercise, after which Janet participates in Zumba Gold in the gym while Sid takes in a current events lecture, followed by Janet and Sid together enjoying lunch and a program of songs from the 40’s and 50’s.
It is Rupali and Ganesh bringing their son for Youth Basketball. Then they participate in a lecture on the origins of Jewish and Hindu Mysticism. Afterward they exercise while their son swims with his friends.
This is LifeLong Living at the JCC: “My two girls have been swimming on the JCC swim team since they were five, and are now in high school. They’ve made wonderful friends, and still have lots of fun competitively racing at every swim meet. The coaching staff is always so supportive.” Andrea Y.
LifeLong Living is about Ellen, Sandra, Irwin and Abe coming to the JCC on a Wednesday morning. Ellen and Sandra join friends for Mah Jongg. Irwin and Abe meet some of the guys for their weekly Men’s group discussion. Then they all attend a Nosh N’ Knowledge lunch and lecture, followed by an afternoon of more Mah Jongg for Ellen, a program on Mindfulness for Laura, Sandy and others, Bridge for Miriam and other of their friends, and an afternoon Film for Irwin, Abe and their friends.
The JCC is at a transformational moment. Our community, adults of all ages, families with young children, baby boomers seeking opportunities for the 2nd half of their lives, those with special needs and their caregivers, seniors seeking socialization and stimulation, are drawn to the JCC by our array of programs and services. The community is responding in great numbers to new offerings in Health & Wellness, performing and cultural arts, music and film, social programs and intellectual experiences. Young families eagerly clamor for spots in our Bright Beginnings Preschool and enrichment programs, which close quickly resulting in 60-70 student waiting lists. Our “Live Well@the JCC” Health & Wellness program participants request more time and space for the various classes and lectures. Our seniors seek expansion of the cultural and performing arts programs, and need program space on the 1st floor that is more accessible, comfortable, and includes more meal offerings.
If we do not respond to these needs and interests, we risk more than simply turning away members and participants. Without expanding, the community suffers.
- Many young children will be deprived of the benefits of early education, socialization, learning to swim, and the development so important to their formative years.
- Seniors will be pushed back into their homes, unable to socialize, find emotional and intellectual stimulation, purpose and physical and mental health opportunities.
- More adults will be without health and wellness, therapeutic and mind, body and & spirit support services.
- Fewer children and adults with special needs will experience the physical, creative and emotional benefits and skills development from JCC special needs programs.
- There will be a reduction in community based programs focused on multi-cultural, multi-generational and community building, diversity and mutual respect and understanding.
- So much more will be lost.
