The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia

This year, the JCC of Northern Virginia celebrates its 18th year in the building! A milestone to be sure. Not only is 18 a lucky number in Judaism, but the Hebrew letters for the number 18 spell “Chai” which means living, or life. Today we celebrate Chai in our Home for the 18 years that the building has served the community as a hub for Jewish learning and exploration, fitness, entertainment and rewarding connections.

As we celebrate Chai, we must also face the reality of “Chai maintenance”—or—what results from 18 years of daily wear and tear on our building, namely higher operating costs to cover repairs and replacement of capital items (i.e., worn furniture & carpet , the pocked gym floor, leaking roof, HVAC systems, classroom items, etc.). We also celebrate the growth in our programs as the JCCNV now offers:

• engaging senior programming at six satellite locations serving 600+ active retirees monthly;
• supportive programs for children, young adults and families with special needs;
• warm and professional infant and toddler care for working parents;
• invigorating fitness programs for all ages and interests;
• a thriving summer camp approaching its 40th year as the premier Jewish day camp in
  Northern Virginia;
• expanded Jewish cultural arts programming including a teen production company;
• the Volunteer Shlichut Program heightening awareness of Israel in Northern Virginia;
• the Pirkei Avot an Ethical Start program for our preschoolers and more.

These important programs, too, come at a high out-of-pocket expense to the Center.

When the JCCNV was created, dues and fees covered the operational and program costs. Now dues and program fees cover less than 80% of our annual operating expenses. The remaining 20% of the operating budget is achieved through grants and contributions from you, our members and partners.

The Center operates over 100 hours a week, 52 weeks per year, providing services for newborns to octogenarians and older! We need your help to continue providing the quality programs and services that our community has come to rely on. We hope you will find it in your heart to give what you can to help meet the growing needs of our Center and its growing community.

Please help us celebrate Chai in our home and ensure that we are able to serve you, your children and your children’s children with a vibrant and inclusive hub that inspires Jewish journeys for generations to come.

Thank you,
Carol Gordon
JCCNV President

Jean Gurman
VP of Development

Eric Koehler
Executive Director

Here are just a few examples of where support is needed now:

Building foundation repair: $200,000

Proximity Card Access System (member photo ids, printer and security access doors for childcare areas): $150,000 – matching funds with the Department of Homeland Security

Roof replacement: $150,000

Scholarship requests provide families the opportunity to explore and learn in preschool, summer camp and after-school enrichment programs their families couldn’t otherwise afford. This year we will award over 95,000 in financial aid.

Volunteer Shlichut Program connecting thousands in NoVA to Israel: $60,000 annually

Ethical Start Program instilling family values into children and their families: $50,000 annually

Offering monthly shopping assistance, intergenerational programming and health & wellness activities for 600+ senior adults at six locations: $50,000 annually

Inclusion specialist to facilitate preschool and school-age children with special needs­­ in childcare programs: $500 per week

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