FY17 Annual Report

Our Senior Adult Program was worthy of grant after grant, sponsor after sponsor. Over $110,000 in grants, county support, corporate sponsorships and individual donations helped fund the Senior Adult Program in FY17. From transportation and nutritious meals to popular programs like Musical Theater and Film with John Kenrick and talks by cultural historian Barbara Tomlinson, these dollars enabled us to offer a Senior Adult Program of great breadth and depth. Our hallmark program of the year, Making Music Happen , was made possible through the JCCA Centennial Grant to whom we offer great thanks. We are also thankful to the many corporate sponsors and personal donors. It is gratifying to know we have such an amazing support network that helps us be a home away from home for so many senior adults and a place that offers them premium programs, delicious lunches day-after-day and warm companionship. Thank you, all! The Brody Family Early Learning Center got their hands dirty thanks to the Union County “Kids Dig In!” grant. After receiving the $500 “Dig In!” grant, Early Childhood planned a Family Planting Day for May 7, 2017. The money allowed them to purchase indoor grow lights, new seeds and starter plants for “recipe gardens” and materials for a new fairy garden. What a fun, constructive day as our Early Childhood families helped clean out our existing garden beds and plant new seeds. Volunteerism is at the heart of our JCC, and Family Planting Day was another wonderful example. Early Childhood plans on keeping this project going and hopes to add pre-made garden beds and an irrigation system in 2018! Hats off to JCC Barracudas Molly and Sophie Pritchett who coordinated the “Swim For Food” Fundraiser at the JCC All Star Swim Meet! On December 11, 2016, 12 teams participated in the All Star Meet – 595 athletes. Who says swim meets are just for swimming? At that meet, 610.9 pounds of food were collected – that’s more than a pound per swimmer! All food was donated to a Kosher food bank and a local Perth Amboy food bank close to the swim meet location. A huge thanks to Molly and Sophie who truly understand the meaning, strength and importance of community and another huge thanks to all who donated and helped with the collection. WE HAD A BUSY YEAR We have so many other stories to share – stories that made our year special and fun, stories that would not have come together without generosity, hard work, enthusiasm, commitment and most importantly, community! “In general, the programs are educational, exciting and joyous.” – Arthur Rifkin, JCC Senior Social Member “I have been coming for over 20 years and always look forward to and appreciate the classes and programs.” – Gertrude Schloff, JCC Senior Social Member “The entire JCC program is a major factor in my life. It is a source of learning and joy.” – June Fischer, JCC Senior Social Member and JCC Board Member “Varied Programs. Love them all.“ – Anonymous Why Do You Come to the Senior Adult Program?