Stroum Jewish Community Center Impact Report – FY 2025
What A Year!
We are so incredibly thankful for the global and local joys we’ve experienced this past year. Topping the list was the release of the hostages, which we celebrate heartily as a global Jewish community. Right here at the Stroum JCC, we also have much to k’vell (gush) about, thanks to all of you.
With this community’s support, we introduced the Barokas Education Wing, provided $240,000 in financial support to dozens of families in our newly named Schwartz Early Childhood School, J Camp programs, SJCC memberships, and all of our ticketed Arts + Ideas events. We hosted Tot Shabbat six times in north Seattle, and produced 15 shows in addition to the 30 films screened at the 30th anniversary of the Seattle Jewish Film Festival. Our fitness users enjoyed a significant upgrade to the J’s fitness center and art exhibits around the SJCC have brought stories to life from the tragedy of October 7, 2023.
The summer’s ambitious redevelopment project pushed the entire J community and staff to reach farther than ever. We forged new relationships, deepened existing ones, found new places to play, grow, read, run, sing, and craft. Alongside all the youth activities, adults also had more opportunities to come together over Pickleball, softball, mahjong, bridge, art, and thought-provoking dialogue. People of all generations found places and programs that brought them together to amplify profound Jewish connections.
Transformative gifts from Joan and Larry Barokas, Karen and Gary Schwartz, and several others demonstrate the commitment to the SJCC today and the tremendous future that lies ahead. We are excited to announce that this future will continue to materialize under the leadership of our new SJCC Board President, Jill Handaly. Please stay tuned for more ways to voice your support for the SJCC’s future redevelopment, which will also require extensive support from all who see the depth, tradition, friendships, and true community the emanate from the J.
Thank you in advance for supporting the SJCC’s future and assuring that you, your family, and future generations enrich their lives through their SJCC experiences.
With gratitude for all we have to celebrate and excitement for everything ahead,
Jill Handaly, SJCC Board President + Amy Lavin, SJCC Chief Executive Officer
