“Grandfriends” Transcends Generations
“Grandfriends” Transcends Generations
After seven years as a lead teacher at JCC Chicago ‘Z’ Frank Apachi Early Childhood, I stumbled upon a life altering national intergenerational fellowship opportunity envisioned by Ideal18 and funded through a generous grant by the Covenant Foundation. They were seeking classroom educators and administrators in Jewish early childhood who were intent on becoming activists […] Learn More ›
Emerging From Our Cocoons
Every March, we take time to recognize Women’s History Month. JCC Chicago prides itself in creating intentional and empowering programs geared towards female-identifying teens and adults. One program in particular, Momentum, is new to JCC Chicago’s myriad of development cohorts. This year-long journey empowers women to connect to Jewish values, engage with Israel, take action, […] Learn More ›
Perfection
I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist. Actually, I’ve always been A LOT of a perfectionist. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I need things to be just right or I will not be able to focus on anything else. I remember the first time I cried in school was in second […] Learn More ›
Breaking Barriers: A Reflection on Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month
As we honor Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month in February, I reflect on my own experiences with these themes over my life and at JCC Chicago. I grew up in West Rogers Park, just blocks from Bernard Horwich JCC. I remember swimming in the pool with friends, playing on the softball team, spending […] Learn More ›
Hope Is A Story
“Story, as it turns out, was crucial to our evolution — more so than opposable thumbs. Opposable thumbs let us hang on; story told us what to hang on to.” –Story coach Lisa Kron, author of Wired for Story I’ve been in love with storytelling for as long as I can remember. My first time […] Learn More ›
Hanukkah Family Fun: Ideas To Celebrate The Festival Of Lights This Shabbat
Happy Hanukkah! This Shabbat is a very special one because not only do we get to celebrate the end of a week; we get to celebrate Hanukkah! As you gather with your family and friends, we are sharing some fun ways to get in the holiday spirit this Shabbat. Whether you want to do a […] Learn More ›
Violins, Volunteers, and the Message of Hope
Tish Calhamer pictured with Avshi Weinstein, 4/24/2023 Violins of Hope Grand Opening This week marks World Kindness Day and JCC Chicago is proud to showcase many of the ways we continue to promote themes of kindness, community and hope. JCC Chicago hosted Violins of Hope Chicago, a collection of more than 70 string instruments played […] Learn More ›
Growing Hope
“The deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.” – President Biden, October 11, 2023 From April to September 2023, JCC Chicago hosted the most expansive and longest running Violins of Hope project since the founding of the initiative in 2006. Violins of Hope is a collection of Holocaust-era stringed instruments that have been rescued and […] Learn More ›
Talking To Children About Israel
In these challenging times, it can be difficult to find the right words of comfort to offer those impacted, not to mention the proper support for young children. Below are some pointers on how to respond to young children should they bring this up at home, followed by some articles you can read for further […] Learn More ›
2023 Inaugural Staff Impact Award
JCC Chicago is proud to announce the inaugural 2023 Staff Impact Award winner: Ilene Uhlmann, Director of Community Engagement. This award celebrates a staff member who goes above and beyond exemplifying the agency’s core values of Creativity and Innovation, Customer Experience, Self-Leadership & Accountability and Teamwork & Collaboration. As Director of Community Engagement, Ilene has […] Learn More ›
One Happy Apachi Camper!
At the J, we want every child to experience an amazing summer! We strive to create a camp community where every camper feels safe, supported, and included so they can gain independence, form friendships, and build confidence throughout the summer. Lauren Schrero shares her daughter Nora experienced just that while attending ‘Z’ Frank Apachi Day […] Learn More ›
Autism Acceptance Month: Creating Inclusive Spaces For All
Written by Wesley Crosswhite & Laura Brown This April, we’re recognizing Autism Acceptance Month by celebrating one member of our community for his amazing work at our day camp. Wesley Crosswhite has been a counselor at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi Day in Northbrook for three years. We spoke to Wesley about his experience at our camp […] Learn More ›
Asking for Help
Recently, I learned that part of maintaining my mental health is allowing for self-care and being ok with asking for help when I need it. I’ve always been a good student. For most of my life, I have been a voracious reader, and good grades have seemed to come to me easily with little effort. […] 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 14 […] Learn More ›
Finding Support Within Yourself
Ever since I was young, anxiety crept into my life in more ways than one. It was difficult to focus in school without losing my train of thought, getting distracted by the items in the room, or wondering what others in the class were thinking about me. Even the things that I really enjoyed, like […] Learn More ›
Empowering Female Leaders Year Round
March marks Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. While the J recognizes these important dates, supporting women and empowering female leaders is engrained in the fabric of JCC Chicago year-round. From Addie Goodman being the first female President and CEO of JCC Chicago since our founding in 1903, to establishing the JCC Chicago Women’s […] Learn More ›