2024 Annual Meeting & Staff Awards
On September 10, our community gathered for the 2024 JCC Chicago Annual Meeting & Staff Awards at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi in Northbrook. We heard from President & CEO Addie Goodman, outgoing JCC Chicago Board Chair David Nankin, JUF Board Member and Community Building and Jewish Continuity Commission Chair Steve Erlebacher, incoming Board Chair Stuart Hochwert and other agency leaders who reflected on the J’s progress and future.
In her remarks, Addie shared the five pillars of the FY25-27 strategic plan, focused on growing the J – Growing Jewish, Growing Our Brand, Growing Partnerships, Growing Accessibility, and Growing Financial Stability.
Addie emphasized Growing Jewish as the central pillar of the three-year plan.
“This past summer, every day started with Boker Tov (good morning) for more than 3,700 children attending Apachi Day Camps, every meal ended with the Birkat (blessing) for the 1,400 campers who attended Camp Chi, our overnight camp in Wisconsin.
Over the past two weeks, our early childhood centers started the new school year and our classrooms will soon showcase learning about Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot—550 plus children and their young parents will know more about our Jewish high holidays, our Jewish history, our Jewish traditions.
This month, 1,000 teens are gearing up for another important and meaningful year in Jewish Student Connection clubs, where they choose to be in Jewish community and in conversation about all things Jewish.”
She reflected on the agency’s remarkable reach, touching the lives of over 100,000 community members every year. For all ages, across Chicagoland and Illinois, Jewish experiences through the J shape identities and nurture community. At its core, Growing Jewish is what the JCC is about.
“Among my four children, they have been early childhood students, Apachi campers, counselors and specialists, Camp Chi campers and counselors, lifeguards and swim teachers (like me back in the day), volunteers, and helpers when called upon by mom. They have grown up here, at the J. And that is what I hope for every family. That’s Growing Jewish.”
The highlight of the evening was recognition of outstanding staff including: Early Childhood Spirit of Sheva Award Winners; Camp Chi Atkins Ultimate Staff Star Awards; Michael Reese Health Trust Scholarships for Sunrise Day Camp-Chicago; Apachi Day Camp RUACH Awards; JCC Chicago Staff Impact Award; and, the Inaugural Organizational Partner of the Year Award.
Mazel tov to this year’s award winners! Learn more about each award and the winners below.
Inaugural Community Partner Award
JCC Chicago 2024 Inaugural Community Partner Award honoring Michael Reese Health Trust for exceptional dedication and generosity to JCC Chicago through capacity-building funding for Sunrise Day Camp-Chicago and emergency security from October 2023 through June 2024.
Early Childhood Spirit of Sheva
JCC Chicago proudly congratulates our Early Childhood educators that exemplify our Sheva (seven) values of teaching and learning.
Gabriel Shubert
JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Beth Emet
K’dushah: uses the environment as inspiration for inquiry
Mara Stroesser
Jacob Duman Early Childhood Center
Masa: focuses on process vs. product and makes the learning visible
Katie Bean
Bernard Weinger JCC
Tikkun Olam: advocates for children and education to make a meaningful difference
Laurie Bagan
JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Am Shalom
Tzelem Elohim: supports the understanding that children are capable and full of potential
Rachel Silverman
‘Z’ Frank Apachi
B’rit: fosters a sense of belonging and commitment to building community
Sarah Wolper
Bernard Horwich JCC
D’rash: acts as a researcher, learning and exploring alongside the children
Veronica Orochena
Florence G. Heller JCC
Hit’orerut: reinvents the familiar and finds beauty in the world around them
Camp Chi Atkins Ultimate Staff Star Award Winners
Every year Camp Chi presents this award to one staff member who creates innovative camp programming, represents our camp values of Chesed (Kindness), Kavod (Respect) and Kehilla (Community), and who goes above and beyond their responsibilities while demonstrating commitment to leadership.
Emily Muray and Denver Thompson
Denver and Emily were both returning Waterfront Directors this summer. As leaders of this team, they not only maintained a high level of safety and efficiency at our lake and pools, but also redefined programmatic experiences. They brought back Jr. lifeguard programs to teach kids safe water techniques, brought kids through the ravine, and taught kids to fish. However, the greatest accomplishment was starting the cove island specialty. This activity combined aquatics and outdoor adventure and created our most popular activity this summer.
Michael Reese Health Trust Scholarship Award
This award is granted to Sunrise Day Camp-Chicago staff who are seeking a degree or certification in a health-related field, such as nursing, child life, social work and physical therapy.
Emma Zislis
“Sunrise Day Camp Chicago has taught me the power of play, friendships, and community over the past two summers. I have always been extremely devoted to helping others and working with young children. There is an indescribable feeling that I get when the kids walk off the bus. They immediately run to play tag with their friends, sit with each other participate in various activities, and just chat. Watching the connections between the campers flourish throughout the summer is something I never thought would impact me the way it has. Knowing that the children and their siblings whose lives were put on hold because of cancer makes these friendships even more unique and special.”
Kyndall Robinson
“My passion for working with children, particularly those with special needs, has always been deeply rooted in my personal experience of growing up with a twin sister who has cerebral palsy. This passion has driven my commitment to becoming an occupational therapist. The hands-on experience I gained at Sunrise has been invaluable, providing me with practical skills and insights that I would not have acquired in a classroom setting. The strength and resilience of the campers, particularly those who have siblings with cancer, inspired me and deepened my commitment to helping children overcome their challenges.”
Sylvia Plucinski
“The little moments are what fill life with happiness. Being a counselor at Sunrise Day Camp helped me value this motto. Each day was about the small things such as a camper telling me their favorite joke, reaching the top of the climbing wall, or even showing me their Lego bakery they made. These moments made campers feel empowered and joyful. Realizing how resilient and courageous these kids were even when they’re dealing with so many outside factors is something I strive to embody. Being somebody that they could look up to was a heartwarming feeling but in many ways they were also role models to me.”
Zach Marcheschi
“Working at Sunrise Day Camp-Chicago has allowed me to experience working with children of different ages who are all battling different issues. As a psychology major, I knew I wanted to be a therapist, but I did not know what demographic I wanted to work with. After my summer at Sunrise, I have decided that I would like to be a therapist for adolescents and help them through the “awkward phase” of their lives or help them if they have behavioral issues, traumas, or just need someone to talk to. Sunrise Day Camp Chicago has also surrounded me with a community of people I know will support me; a second family in a sense.”
Apachi RUACH Award
This award recognizes an outstanding individual from each camp who exemplifies the core values of the Apachi Day Camp program: Community, Kindness, Courage, Care for the World, Respect, and Spirit.
Ally Fein
Apachi Village Northbrook
Ally Fein has worked at Apachi Village Northbrook for six summers progressing from her roles of counselor to CIT head counselor, and this year she was back again as our enthusiastic, dependable and friendly Unit Head! She is a natural team leader, beloved by the campers, staff and families. She proactively jumps in wherever she is needed at camp and can be found happily organizing and participating in every specialty. She exemplifies the fun spirit of camp and is an invaluable member of our camp team.
Chavie (Jennifer) Zeller
Apachi Village Rogers Park
Chavie Zeller was a huge asset to our camping team this summer. Her positive attitude and kind and gentle manner are just some of the reasons that her campers and parents loved her! Her campers were always engaged in fun activities, and she easily pivoted when changes needed to be made to the schedule. Chavie shows a genuine enjoyment of working with children and was always engaged with them throughout the day. We were so grateful to have her on our team this summer!
CJ Fortier
Apachi Irving Park
CJ Fortier was an integral part of our staff from day one. He jumped right in with all the staff training even being front row when learning a new Israeli dance. When the campers arrived, he gave them his undivided attention getting them excited even when they were unsure of different activities. CJ never let anything get to him this summer. He ended the summer as a co-captain for Maccabiah where he was the hype man for his team.
Elliott Topp
Apachi Old Town
Elliott Topp exemplified the Apachi values daily. He was a role model to not only his campers, but the entire Old Town community. Elliott showed up every day and gave 110% to his campers, even with a torn ACL all summer long! Kudos to Elliott, Apachi is so thankful to have you a part of the Old Town family!
Emily Freedman
Elaine Frank Apachi
Emily Freedman has been a valued member of the Elaine Frank Apachi team since the summer of 2021. Over her time at camp, she’s excelled in multiple roles, both as a specialist in our outdoor adventure area and as a counselor. This summer, Emily became our ultimate camp staff floater, seamlessly stepping in wherever she was needed, across all areas and age groups. Emily embodies the spirit of flexibility and enthusiasm. She’s a team player who’s always ready to make things happen. No matter the challenge, she arrives at camp motivated, focused, and with a smile on her face, never allowing anything to get in the way of her mission.
Emily Hollman
Apachi Northside
Emily Hollman is a bright light at Apachi Northside. She just completed her fifth summer at camp and her first year as an assistant unit head. Emily takes the time to engage with campers from the opening car line to the end of day departure. Always greeting campers, staff, parents with positive energy and kindness, we are lucky to have her as part of the Apachi community. She represents all the values of camp and spreads RUACH wherever she is at camp.
Fumnanya Nwabudike
Apachi Evanston
Fumnanya Nwabudike truly embodies Apachi in everything she does, despite this only being her first year with us as a staff member. She demonstrates an empathetic understanding of her camper’s needs and interests, and she is quick to step into additional roles to take on more responsibility. She is personable, warm, encouraging, and does all that she can to participate and support the camp community. We have never witnessed Fumnanya in any mood other than happy, energetic, and spirited at Apachi.
Lainey Cohen
‘Z’ Frank Apachi
Lainey Cohen is one of our most spirited counselors at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi! Her infectious smile and contagious energy inspire her campers to be their best every day. She is kind and thoughtful with everyone she meets, which is why her kids always look forward to their time with her. Campers adore Lainey, whose laughter and positivity create an environment where joy and friendships thrive.
Nasiah Lee
Apachi Hyde Park
Nasiah Lee is RUACH personified. In her three summers at Apachi Hyde Park, two as a counselor and one as Sports Specialist, she energetically embodied camp spirit by throwing her whole self into everything she did, and bringing other staff and campers with her. She demonstrated her love of celebrating Shabbat by loudly singing Shabbat songs any day of the week. She dressed head-to-toe in red to lead her Maccabi team with enthusiasm and sportsmanship.
Staff Impact Award
This award celebrates a staff member who exemplifies the agency’s core values of Creativity and Innovation, Customer Experience, Self-Leadership & Accountability and Teamwork & Collaboration.
JCC Chicago is proud to announce the 2024 Staff Impact Award winner:
Brad Spradlin
Volunteer and Internship Coordinator
While Brad’s role this year is new, he is not new to the J – he started on the Apachi Northside team in Summer 2021 as a Marketing Intern and continued in that role again in 2022 before becoming a Unit Head in 2023 and ultimately moving into his current role – which was NEW.
In his first year, Brad centralized and advanced our volunteer program, created the highly successful Lewis at Camp internship program in partnership with JUF, placing 23 interns at Sunrise Day Camp-Chicago and Apachi Day Camp this past summer, developed the L’Dor V’Dor volunteer program for older adults and launched the initiative in our Jacob Duman Early Childhood classrooms. Brad has worked closely with each department to identify their volunteer needs and been an active and responsive partner across the agency. He is a quintessential good sport, an enthusiastic team player, and he embodies the spirit and values of the J.