At the Springfield Jewish Community Center, our doors are open to everyone. Sometimes, the door opens to special needs people such as Joshua:

Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Joshua suffered extreme sensory challenges since age three. His mom enrolled him in the Kehillah program for special needs children at the JCC. He went from wearing a harness (which kept him from running away) to now walking into the JCC holding his mom’s hand and patiently waiting for his swim lesson. Through the patience, strength and belief of the Kehillah staff, Joshua rose above screaming and yelling during his 30-minute lesson to being capable of self-control. He learned to swim above and under water and is learning to dive off the blocks.

The JCC doors have also swung open to Sandy, a recently-divorced young Jewish mother, whose 4-year-old son, Ross, was acting out and had no contact with other children. In addition to searching for a new home and a job, Sandy was in need of finding a preschool for her son. The JCC preschool staff was able to accept Ross into the program on a scholarship basis. Their dedication to Ross helped him improve his behavior and integrate into school. In addition, Sandy has gained more confidence in her parenting skills.

Last year, JCC doors opened to more than 350 families who needed scholarship assistance for membership, day camp experience, and preschool. In just five years, the JCC Kehillah program has served more than 500 individuals with special needs and enabled dozens of families experience milestones they never imagined possible.

The Springfield JCC also reaches out to the senior adults in need of transportation, hot kosher meals, and social opportunities. Nearly 250 trips per month are made to assist seniors to JCC meals programs, to doctor appointments and shopping.

Your contribution helps keep our doors open to people like Joshua and Sandy. Please help ensure these much-needed programs will continue.