Because of the J: Barbara and Laura Crawford
Community Connections, Development, Faces of the J, Fitness

Because of the J: Barbara and Laura Crawford

Divingย inย withย their Full Supportย 

Welcome to our new series, โ€œBecause of the J.โ€ Weโ€™re sharing stories from members of our community about the impact the J has had on their lives.ย Read more โ€œBecause of the Jโ€ stories here >>

When the swimming pool at Laura Crawfordโ€™s condominium closed last spring due to COIVD-19, she lost an essentialย part of her exercise routine, and her mother, Barbara,ย worried about the toll it would take. Laura uses a scooter wheelchair, and โ€œswimming is extremely important for her physical and mental well-being,โ€ Barbara said.ย With most facilities shuttered, theย pair went on a lot of walks and Laura continued to attend physical therapy on Mercer Island, butย it just wasnโ€™t the same.ย 

When the SJCC pool reopened,ย both mother and daughterย wereย eager to suit up. โ€œThe pool was a godsend,โ€ Barbara said.ย Both she and Laura have been able to get back into a workout routine, thanks to the J.ย Barbara said sheย felt comfortable returning to in-building activities because the J felt safe, clean, and orderly. โ€œWhat I love most is the friendliness and competence of all who have assisted us โ€“ from the front desk staff to the lifeguards to the security guard,โ€ she said.ย ย 

Barbara is grateful that the J has weathered this storm and was happy to maintain her membership even while the pool was closed.ย  โ€œIt is very important to support the places we wish to have available to us,โ€ she said. โ€œThe expenses of an organization โ€“ be it a community center, church, or synagogue โ€“ do not go away at the times we cannot be present.โ€ย ย 


The stories are endless, the impact is infinite, and the time for your support is now! We are $35,000 away from reaching our goal โ€” help us finish strong and make your gift today! Achshavย โ€“ now for the J!ย Donate here >>