To Our Community,
We want, first and foremost, to thank the JCC community for their solidarity - for supporting our virtual work while our building is closed. Retaining your membership helps us to provide nearly 7,000 lbs. of shelf-stable food to food pantries and individual families in our own area. It has helped us deliver over 100 virtual programs a week for every age and every stage of life in our community. More than this, membership dollars help offset utility costs for buildings that still need lights and maintaining pools and fitness equipment that one day will again see people swimming and working out together. And yet...
What is the financial State of Sid Jacobson JCC?
Sid Jacobson JCC traditionally raises close to $2 million every year to support programs that are not break even and to provide access to individuals who can not afford our programs or which are offered free to the public, such as our cancer wellness programs. Since the pandemic hit, we have cancelled or postponed every major fundraising event planned for this spring and this summer. In addition, we have respected every family that has been personally affected by COVID-19 or by the financial stress it has caused them or their loved ones. This means our membership numbers are down, our fundraising is down and we are now facing the additional possibility of financial disruption if our traditional summer programs can’t run. So —
Why am I being asked to donate my refund?
When we ask that you retain your membership, it is to allow us to serve you in turmoil. When we ask that you donate a refund due to you, it is to assure that our vital programs, needed by many, don’t get curtailed. And when we say that we stand with community and our community stands with us, it is because our partnership is working. It is because our Board has developed an emergency fund to help with our shortfall. It is because every staff member’s salary has been reduced in order to contribute to our wellbeing, so 100% of our invaluable staff can be there for your family - as well as for their own. It is because those in our community who can, do and those in our community, who can go beyond their membership dues, have.
The staff takes tremendous pride in our ability to serve those in need, but also those who care about connection. To see what we offer, head to our website. To contribute food, head to 200 Forest Drive, every Sunday between 12pm and 2pm. To see what extraordinary means, stay with us.
You have our hearts. It’s why we need yours.
