What To Expect When You Join a Community Center

In a society that is increasingly defined by loneliness and isolation, community centers offer an opportunity to connect with others in a family-friendly space. However, in addition to creating a space for meaningful interactions, there's a lot more to community centers than might initially meet the eye. Community centers, particularly Jewish Community Centers (JCCs), are dedicated to creating a sense of belonging and supporting the health and wellness of their members. 

Whether you're thinking about joining or are a new member still trying to get your bearings, here are a few of the benefits you can expect from your Jewish Community Center membership. 

Better Health and Well-Being

Many community centers, Siegel JCC among them, include fitness facilities, group classes, personal training, and other fitness-related programs and resources. Exercise is an essential part of physical and mental wellness, and community center gyms offer accessible, friendly spaces for you to get your steps, reps, or cardio in. Whether your goal is to lose weight, achieve an athletic goal, or improve your mental health, cultivating a regular fitness routine can help. Many Jewish Community Centers also include aquatics facilities—at Siegel JCC, our aquatics program includes swimming lessons, swim team, water aerobics, and lifeguard training. 

Support for Parents

Parenting has never been harder than it is in the modern era. To help ease the burden, many community centers offer childcare, summer camps, and/or afterschool programs to give kids a safe, fun place to go (while also giving parents a break!). 

At Siegel JCC, we offer educational opportunities and programs for kids of all ages, from infants to teens, both during the school year and over the summer. Curricula for all programs is age-appropriate and is designed to encourage academic and developmental success. Dynamic activities and play time give kids a chance to socialize and engage their creativity. 

Stronger Social Connections

Connection has become an increasingly precious thing in modern life. Experts agree that as a society, we are lonelier than ever, and it's taking a toll on our physical and mental health. Community centers offer an antidote to that. In fact, research suggests that the benefits of having a community center include building social relationships, facilitating the exchange of information and emotional support between members, increasing community engagement, and developing participants' sense of citizenship. 

A Place To Celebrate Jewish Culture

Jewish peoples share a rich cultural and religious identity, one that has traditionally been highly social in nature. The unfortunate rise of antisemitic rhetoric in recent years has underscored the necessity of a safe, supportive environment for Jewish people to gather, share wisdom, and explore their shared heritage. According to the JCC Association of North America, 

"We believe the JCC is a primary destination for Jewish engagement, a locus of learning and celebration and a connector to Jewish life: a place where individuals and families can encounter Jewish ideas, principles, practices, and values; where they encounter Israel and explore the ideal of Jewish peoplehood in their lives; and a public square for convening important conversations both within the Jewish and among the broader community."

In keeping with this goal, Siegel JCC and many other Jewish Community Centers offer Jewish holiday celebrations and cultural events. Our youth programs and early childhood education programs are also guided by Jewish values and principles. 

An Inclusive, Welcoming Atmosphere

There's a common misconception that Jewish Community Centers are only for Jewish people. On the contrary, people of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome at Siegel JCC. At the J, we recognize the interconnectedness of all people, and understand that improving our members' lives begins with improving the larger community. Similarly, we believe that by fostering the health, wellness, and intellectual growth of our members, society as a whole ultimately benefits.

Whether you're interested in amenities like the fitness center or childcare programs or simply want a place to meet new friends, the J offers a warm and welcoming environment. Similarly, whether you've been a devout practitioner of the Jewish faith your entire life or are simply interested in learning more about Judaism, all are invited to join in celebrating Jewish life and culture. 

The J is a vibrant, inclusive community center with offerings for members of all ages, backgrounds, and faiths. Members enjoy access to our well-equipped fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and group exercise classes, while children and teens benefit from a variety of programs from preschool and early childhood care to after-school care and summer camp. Whatever you're looking for, we've got something for you. Contact us today to discuss joining with a membership, or consider donating to support our programs!