Blog
From Acceptance To Belonging
The profound impact of connection and feeling of belonging is something one never forgets. At the shy age of eighteen, I interviewed for a role as an Early Childhood teacher at Mayer Kaplan JCC. During my interview, a little boy smiled and played a short game of hide and seek just before he walked up, […] Learn More ›
110 Years & Still Going Strong
Early summer is my favorite time of the year because it marks the start of camp. It’s a time for kids to come together, make new friendships, try new experiences, and enjoy being kids. After a year where kids spent their days inside, in front of computer screens or iPads, they need some much-needed fresh […] Learn More ›
Our Second Home, Our Community, Our Family
Three years ago, I was a “first time parent” sending my son to daycare and I experienced a plethora of emotions. I had a million questions and thoughts running through my head. Will the daycare center love him? Will the teachers understand what he wants and needs? Do they know that he must sleep with […] Learn More ›
My Future Is In The Hands Of Chi Winkle
For the last decade of my life, my summers have been one thing. Summer Camp. I would spend my time amid the forest and the lake, soaking up the summer sun and my voice would be shot from cheering so loudly. My summers were meant for camp. You see, summer camp is in my blood. […] Learn More ›
Standing in Solidarity with GLSEN Day of Silence
The GLSEN Day of Silence is a national student-led demonstration where LGBTQ students and allies around the country—and the world—take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ people in schools. As an agency, JCC Chicago will be joining the GLSEN Day of Silence on Friday, April 23 in […] Learn More ›
No Need To Fear, The J Is Here
It was March 16, 2020. I got an email from the Florence G. Heller JCC: “School will be closed for the next 3 weeks.” Panic set in. Two full-time working parents with two adorable, BUSY kids and no family in town – how would we survive the next 3 weeks without the J? Florence G. […] Learn More ›