Membership & Fitness Update as of
August 13, 2021
We are writing today with important updates about health and safety requirements for our agency. Recently, the Mayor made an announcement about health and safety requirements for gyms, requiring anyone who uses our fitness center and indoor group ex classes to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
As per the Mayor’s mandate, the following policies will be in place:
Anyone who enters our fitness center and group ex studio, including employees, will need to provide proof of at least one dose of vaccination prior to entry.
Please show proof of vaccination upon visiting the fitness center. As proof, we will require display of a vaccine card, or other proof of vaccination, like New York State’s “Excelsior Pass.”
After showing proof, you will be given a sticker for your key fob that you can show every future time you enter the fitness center.
If an individual only has one dose of a two-dose vaccine by the effective start date, proof of the second dose must be provided within one month to continue using the fitness center.
The new vaccine mandate goes into effect Monday, August 16, and enforcement actions will begin September 13.
Proof of vaccination is not required for any outdoor fitness activities.
More information about locations where New Yorkers can receive a vaccine for COVID-19 can be found at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or by calling 877-VAX-4-NYC. Vaccination is safe, effective and free.
Thank you for being part of our community and following these new policies.
As per the Mayor’s mandate, the following policies will be in place:
Anyone who enters our fitness center and group ex studio, including employees, will need to provide proof of at least one dose of vaccination prior to entry.
Please show proof of vaccination upon visiting the fitness center. As proof, we will require display of a vaccine card, or other proof of vaccination, like New York State’s “Excelsior Pass.”
After showing proof, you will be given a sticker for your key fob that you can show every future time you enter the fitness center.
If an individual only has one dose of a two-dose vaccine by the effective start date, proof of the second dose must be provided within one month to continue using the fitness center.
The new vaccine mandate goes into effect Monday, August 16, and enforcement actions will begin September 13.
Proof of vaccination is not required for any outdoor fitness activities.
More information about locations where New Yorkers can receive a vaccine for COVID-19 can be found at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or by calling 877-VAX-4-NYC. Vaccination is safe, effective and free.
Thank you for being part of our community and following these new policies.
Membership Update, January 2021
As of January 1, 2021, in order to use the Fitness Center, your membership must be active. If you froze your membership with a membership extension from October–December 2020, it has restarted as of January 1st. Members who paid monthly and are not delinquent or in good standing, meaning no dues owed, had their billing restarted. If you paid in full for your membership, the amount of months that we were closed will be added to your account, extending your expiration date.
If you would like to keep your membership on freeze for up to three more months (January – March 2021), you can pay an additional one-time fee:
If you cancelled your membership and wish to use the Fitness Center, you must rejoin.
To renew your WellPro Membership, click here.
To renew your Wellness Membership, click here.
If you wish to remain on freeze, please email membership@sijcc.com.
When you enter our facilities, please swipe your key fob when you enter the building and at all Sports & Wellness areas. We ask that you review and follow all of our COVID-19 policies and procedures for your safety. All of our policies are listed here.
If you would like to keep your membership on freeze for up to three more months (January – March 2021), you can pay an additional one-time fee:
- $25 for Individual, Senior, Young Adult and Teen
- $35 for Couple, Senior Couple and Single Parent Family
- $45 for Family
If you cancelled your membership and wish to use the Fitness Center, you must rejoin.
To renew your WellPro Membership, click here.
To renew your Wellness Membership, click here.
If you wish to remain on freeze, please email membership@sijcc.com.
When you enter our facilities, please swipe your key fob when you enter the building and at all Sports & Wellness areas. We ask that you review and follow all of our COVID-19 policies and procedures for your safety. All of our policies are listed here.
Important information regarding membership
As of October 1, 2020, in order to use the Fitness Center, your membership must be active. If you froze your membership, it will restart as of October 1, 2020. Members who paid monthly and are not delinquent or in good standing, meaning no dues owed, will have their billing restarted. If you paid in full for your membership, the amount of months that we were closed will be added to your account, extending your expiration date.
If you would like to keep your membership on freeze for up to three more months, you can pay an additional one-time fee:
Once that additional freeze is done (at the discounted one-time freeze fee rate instead of the usual monthly fee), the regular freeze policy will go into effect for future holds on your membership.
If you cancelled your membership and wish to use the Fitness Center, you must rejoin.
If you wish to remain on freeze or reactivate a cancelled membership, please email membership@sijcc.com.
When you enter our facilities, please swipe your key fob when you enter the building and at all Sports & Wellness areas. We ask that you review and follow all of our COVID-19 policies and procedures for your safety. All of our policies are listed here.
If you would like to keep your membership on freeze for up to three more months, you can pay an additional one-time fee:
- $25 for Individual, Senior, Young Adult and Teen
- $35 for Couple, Senior Couple and Single Parent Family
- $45 for Family
Once that additional freeze is done (at the discounted one-time freeze fee rate instead of the usual monthly fee), the regular freeze policy will go into effect for future holds on your membership.
If you cancelled your membership and wish to use the Fitness Center, you must rejoin.
If you wish to remain on freeze or reactivate a cancelled membership, please email membership@sijcc.com.
When you enter our facilities, please swipe your key fob when you enter the building and at all Sports & Wellness areas. We ask that you review and follow all of our COVID-19 policies and procedures for your safety. All of our policies are listed here.
Our Indoor Pool reopens on October 5th!
Our Fitness Center reopens on September 14th!
Please see our full Fitness Center reopening plan here.
As a thank you to our loyal members, we will not be charging for the month of September. We we will restart your membership as of October 1, 2020. At that time, members who are on a freeze will come off.* Those who pay monthly will be billed once we reopen. If you paid in full for your membership, the amount of months that we were closed will be added to your account, extending your expiration date.
If would like to keep your membership on freeze for up to three more months, you can pay an additional one-time fee:
Please note that the following facilities and services remain closed: Avis/South Shore Fitness Center, indoor pool, group ex classes, sauna, steam, jacuzzi, showers, towel service, and babysitting.
*No action is required to come off the freeze following reopening. If you wish to remain on freeze or reactivate a cancelled membership, please email membership@sijcc.com
As a thank you to our loyal members, we will not be charging for the month of September. We we will restart your membership as of October 1, 2020. At that time, members who are on a freeze will come off.* Those who pay monthly will be billed once we reopen. If you paid in full for your membership, the amount of months that we were closed will be added to your account, extending your expiration date.
If would like to keep your membership on freeze for up to three more months, you can pay an additional one-time fee:
- $25 for Individual, Senior, Young Adult and Teen
- $35 for Couple, Senior Couple and Single Parent Family
- $45 for Family
Please note that the following facilities and services remain closed: Avis/South Shore Fitness Center, indoor pool, group ex classes, sauna, steam, jacuzzi, showers, towel service, and babysitting.
*No action is required to come off the freeze following reopening. If you wish to remain on freeze or reactivate a cancelled membership, please email membership@sijcc.com
An Important Message on Membership:
Please see the below message on membership billing, which was sent out to all of our members. If you have any questions, please direct them to membership@sijcc.com:
As we move into May, we want to thank you for your continued support for the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island. Your messages and kind words have and will continue to help inform many of our decisions moving forward. Our top priority remains to ensure we can support our families, community and staff during this difficult time, and having your input is invaluable to us. At the end of this email are answers to some of the questions you may have, including when we anticipate reopening.
We are so grateful that so many of our members have continued to pay their membership dues during this period. Membership dues have allowed us to provide our J at Home virtual programming. In addition, we are providing food for hundreds of families in need, helping those affected by COVID-19 obtain health insurance and other services, and cleaning and updating our building and systems.
As you know, the JCC is a nonprofit organization that earns a remarkable amount of our income through programming and membership. As we enter week seven of the COVID-19 closure, we continue to face unprecedented challenges. We are anticipating a staggering loss of income each month we are closed, and yet, because of your support, we remain optimistic that we will come out on the other side of this crisis in a position to serve the community we cherish.
We want to continue supporting our members and our community as best we can through a variety of online programs and services for everyone to enjoy while at home.
We cannot do any of this without your ongoing membership or support. Based on the responses we received from you, we are offering you the following options regarding your membership. If you do not respond, monthly dues will be billed automatically.
Option #1 – Bill monthly dues: Though our building is closed, our normal operating expenses remain, including staff, maintenance, and utilities. By paying your monthly dues, you will help to ensure we can continue giving back to the community by delivering to our food pantry clients, calling isolated seniors, and offering other social services. Your contributions will allow staff to create virtual fitness, wellness, sports, aquatics, and cultural arts classes. You may request to pay a partial amount or percentage of your dues if your financial situation prevents you from making the full payment. If you choose this option, you will receive a receipt for a tax-deductible, charitable donation once normal operations are resumed. If you are currently paid in full, you may also request a charitable donation receipt for a portion of your membership once normal operations are resumed. If you choose this option, you will be billed on Friday, April 8th. All requests must be in writing and sent to membership@sijcc.com.
Option #2 – Membership Freeze: You can freeze your membership for up to 3 months for a one-time freeze fee instead of our normal monthly fees:
· $25 fee - Individual, Senior, Young Adult and Teen
· $35 fee - Couple, Senior Couple and Single Parent Family
· $45 fee - Family
For monthly payments, there will be no further charges from April 1st – June 30th, and your membership will be reactivated as of July 1st. If you choose to reactivate your account sooner, your monthly payments will restart. Memberships already paid in full will have the amount of time frozen added onto their current membership. All freezes will be backdated to March 16, 2020 and are in monthly increments once the freeze fee has been paid. All requests must be in writing and sent to membership@sijcc.com.
Option #3 – Cancellation: Your membership will be cancelled. If you pay monthly, no further billing will be charged. If you choose this option, your membership will not be automatically activated when the JCC reopens. If you choose to rejoin during the first three months the JCC is open to the public again, enrollment fees will be waived. All requests must be in writing and sent to membership@sijcc.com.
If you have already emailed us regarding a membership decision, you do not need to contact us again.
Our love for you and your family continues to sustain us through this crisis. We deeply appreciate you and we are here with you. We have felt the warmth of community in new and profound ways over these last seven weeks, and we look forward to the day we can be together in person again.
FAQ
What about my dues already paid for March?
There will be no refund or credit for the remainder of the month of March. As a courtesy, we will credit all membership accounts with two guest passes.
What does that mean for my programs and classes?
Once we reopen, we will provide makeup classes for those you have already purchased. In the meantime, we are working on various virtual options. Make sure to check out our J at Home newsletter to see upcoming virtual events.
What does this mean for Early Childhood Education (ECE), daycare, and after school programs?
For now, ECE, daycare, and our Explorers after school program will remain closed and all billing has been halted. As soon as there is a path to reopening and safely providing these services, we will be in touch with families to discuss interest and logistics.
What about Camp?
Our hope is that camp will start as scheduled. We hope you will consider registering for camp again this year, as we intend to have another wonderful summer. Registration is ongoing at camp.sijcc.org. As we adjust to the shifting landscape of this crisis, we will inform you about any changes to our programming. In the event that we have to make the heartbreaking decision not to open camp in 2020, you will receive a full refund.
As we move into May, we want to thank you for your continued support for the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island. Your messages and kind words have and will continue to help inform many of our decisions moving forward. Our top priority remains to ensure we can support our families, community and staff during this difficult time, and having your input is invaluable to us. At the end of this email are answers to some of the questions you may have, including when we anticipate reopening.
We are so grateful that so many of our members have continued to pay their membership dues during this period. Membership dues have allowed us to provide our J at Home virtual programming. In addition, we are providing food for hundreds of families in need, helping those affected by COVID-19 obtain health insurance and other services, and cleaning and updating our building and systems.
As you know, the JCC is a nonprofit organization that earns a remarkable amount of our income through programming and membership. As we enter week seven of the COVID-19 closure, we continue to face unprecedented challenges. We are anticipating a staggering loss of income each month we are closed, and yet, because of your support, we remain optimistic that we will come out on the other side of this crisis in a position to serve the community we cherish.
We want to continue supporting our members and our community as best we can through a variety of online programs and services for everyone to enjoy while at home.
We cannot do any of this without your ongoing membership or support. Based on the responses we received from you, we are offering you the following options regarding your membership. If you do not respond, monthly dues will be billed automatically.
Option #1 – Bill monthly dues: Though our building is closed, our normal operating expenses remain, including staff, maintenance, and utilities. By paying your monthly dues, you will help to ensure we can continue giving back to the community by delivering to our food pantry clients, calling isolated seniors, and offering other social services. Your contributions will allow staff to create virtual fitness, wellness, sports, aquatics, and cultural arts classes. You may request to pay a partial amount or percentage of your dues if your financial situation prevents you from making the full payment. If you choose this option, you will receive a receipt for a tax-deductible, charitable donation once normal operations are resumed. If you are currently paid in full, you may also request a charitable donation receipt for a portion of your membership once normal operations are resumed. If you choose this option, you will be billed on Friday, April 8th. All requests must be in writing and sent to membership@sijcc.com.
Option #2 – Membership Freeze: You can freeze your membership for up to 3 months for a one-time freeze fee instead of our normal monthly fees:
· $25 fee - Individual, Senior, Young Adult and Teen
· $35 fee - Couple, Senior Couple and Single Parent Family
· $45 fee - Family
For monthly payments, there will be no further charges from April 1st – June 30th, and your membership will be reactivated as of July 1st. If you choose to reactivate your account sooner, your monthly payments will restart. Memberships already paid in full will have the amount of time frozen added onto their current membership. All freezes will be backdated to March 16, 2020 and are in monthly increments once the freeze fee has been paid. All requests must be in writing and sent to membership@sijcc.com.
Option #3 – Cancellation: Your membership will be cancelled. If you pay monthly, no further billing will be charged. If you choose this option, your membership will not be automatically activated when the JCC reopens. If you choose to rejoin during the first three months the JCC is open to the public again, enrollment fees will be waived. All requests must be in writing and sent to membership@sijcc.com.
If you have already emailed us regarding a membership decision, you do not need to contact us again.
Our love for you and your family continues to sustain us through this crisis. We deeply appreciate you and we are here with you. We have felt the warmth of community in new and profound ways over these last seven weeks, and we look forward to the day we can be together in person again.
FAQ
What about my dues already paid for March?
There will be no refund or credit for the remainder of the month of March. As a courtesy, we will credit all membership accounts with two guest passes.
What does that mean for my programs and classes?
Once we reopen, we will provide makeup classes for those you have already purchased. In the meantime, we are working on various virtual options. Make sure to check out our J at Home newsletter to see upcoming virtual events.
What does this mean for Early Childhood Education (ECE), daycare, and after school programs?
For now, ECE, daycare, and our Explorers after school program will remain closed and all billing has been halted. As soon as there is a path to reopening and safely providing these services, we will be in touch with families to discuss interest and logistics.
What about Camp?
Our hope is that camp will start as scheduled. We hope you will consider registering for camp again this year, as we intend to have another wonderful summer. Registration is ongoing at camp.sijcc.org. As we adjust to the shifting landscape of this crisis, we will inform you about any changes to our programming. In the event that we have to make the heartbreaking decision not to open camp in 2020, you will receive a full refund.
An Important Message on Membership:
Please see the below message on membership billing, which was sent out to all of our members. If you have any questions, please direct them to membership@sijcc.com:
This closure is similar to weather closure - simply out of our control, an “act of god,” which is noted in our membership agreement. Even when we are closed during these times, expenses remain, which make the membership dues even more critical. Aside from our building expenses which are continual, we continue to provide crucial services for the community, including our food pantry, mental health services, health insurance navigation, and legal services. We are committed to living our Jewish values and feel it is important to compensate our staff that continue to work during this closure.
That being said, we feel it is important to give you options with your membership. Please choose from one of the following options:
Option #1 – Bill monthly dues: Though our building is closed, our normal operating expenses remain, including staff, maintenance, and utilities. By paying your monthly dues, you will help to ensure we can continue giving back to the community by delivering to our food pantry clients, calling isolated seniors, and offering other social services. Your contributions will allow staff to create virtual fitness, wellness, sports, aquatics, and cultural arts classes. You may request to pay a partial amount or percentage of your dues if your financial situation prevents you from making the full payment. If you choose this option, you will receive a receipt for a tax-deductible, charitable donation once normal operations are resumed. If you are currently paid in full, you may also request a charitable donation receipt for a portion of your membership once normal operations are resumed.
Option #2 – Membership Freeze: You can freeze your membership for up to 3 months for a one-time freeze fee instead of our normal monthly fees:
· $25 fee = Individual, Senior, Young Adult and Teen
· $35 fee = Couple, Senior Couple and Single Parent Family
· $45 fee = Family
For monthly payments, there will be no further charges from April 1st – June 30th, and your membership will be reactivated as of July 1st. If you choose to reactivate your account sooner, your monthly payments will restart. Memberships already paid in full will have the amount of time frozen added onto their current membership. All freezes will be backdated to March 16, 2020 and are in monthly increments once the freeze fee has been paid.
Option #3 – Cancellation: Your membership will be cancelled. If you pay monthly, no further billing will be charged. If you choose this option, your membership will not be automatically activated when the JCC reopens. If you choose to rejoin during the first three months the JCC is open to the public again, enrollment fees will be waived.
Please let us know what works best for you by emailing membership@sijcc.com, as we need your decision in writing.
Also, please make sure you are signed up for our email list to get all of our updates. You can sign up here.
Lastly, be sure to check out our amazing virtual community, J at Home. It has some fantastic fitness workouts, aquatics dryland exercises, sports strength conditioning and drills, virtual cultural arts tours, and so much more fun programming.
Thank you for your loyalty and support. If you should need anything at all, please know we are here for you.
We will look forward to seeing you in building soon.
This closure is similar to weather closure - simply out of our control, an “act of god,” which is noted in our membership agreement. Even when we are closed during these times, expenses remain, which make the membership dues even more critical. Aside from our building expenses which are continual, we continue to provide crucial services for the community, including our food pantry, mental health services, health insurance navigation, and legal services. We are committed to living our Jewish values and feel it is important to compensate our staff that continue to work during this closure.
That being said, we feel it is important to give you options with your membership. Please choose from one of the following options:
Option #1 – Bill monthly dues: Though our building is closed, our normal operating expenses remain, including staff, maintenance, and utilities. By paying your monthly dues, you will help to ensure we can continue giving back to the community by delivering to our food pantry clients, calling isolated seniors, and offering other social services. Your contributions will allow staff to create virtual fitness, wellness, sports, aquatics, and cultural arts classes. You may request to pay a partial amount or percentage of your dues if your financial situation prevents you from making the full payment. If you choose this option, you will receive a receipt for a tax-deductible, charitable donation once normal operations are resumed. If you are currently paid in full, you may also request a charitable donation receipt for a portion of your membership once normal operations are resumed.
Option #2 – Membership Freeze: You can freeze your membership for up to 3 months for a one-time freeze fee instead of our normal monthly fees:
· $25 fee = Individual, Senior, Young Adult and Teen
· $35 fee = Couple, Senior Couple and Single Parent Family
· $45 fee = Family
For monthly payments, there will be no further charges from April 1st – June 30th, and your membership will be reactivated as of July 1st. If you choose to reactivate your account sooner, your monthly payments will restart. Memberships already paid in full will have the amount of time frozen added onto their current membership. All freezes will be backdated to March 16, 2020 and are in monthly increments once the freeze fee has been paid.
Option #3 – Cancellation: Your membership will be cancelled. If you pay monthly, no further billing will be charged. If you choose this option, your membership will not be automatically activated when the JCC reopens. If you choose to rejoin during the first three months the JCC is open to the public again, enrollment fees will be waived.
Please let us know what works best for you by emailing membership@sijcc.com, as we need your decision in writing.
Also, please make sure you are signed up for our email list to get all of our updates. You can sign up here.
Lastly, be sure to check out our amazing virtual community, J at Home. It has some fantastic fitness workouts, aquatics dryland exercises, sports strength conditioning and drills, virtual cultural arts tours, and so much more fun programming.
Thank you for your loyalty and support. If you should need anything at all, please know we are here for you.
We will look forward to seeing you in building soon.
With regards to our Sports & Recreation, Aquatics, and Music programs, we are currently closed. All classes will be made up once we reopen. At this time, we cannot offer any refunds.
During this time, we have created curated lists of activities to allow our members and participants to stay connected to us. Check out our J at Home blog for activities kids can do at home.
During this time, we have created curated lists of activities to allow our members and participants to stay connected to us. Check out our J at Home blog for activities kids can do at home.
From the Desk of David Sorkin
Over the past 90 years, the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC has occupied various buildings and spaces throughout our community. No matter where we were located, our mission has never changed—to provide services to those in need across Staten Island.
As the needs changed, our JCC changed. We survived because we listened. We thrived because we adapted. Now, we see a clear need, and we are ready to transform the way we offer services to help those in crisis.
Even with our buildings closed to the public, the JCC has stepped up to do everything we can to help the community during this time. Our staff has been distributing emergency food to seniors—in some cases delivering food directly to their homes. Our social services have gone completely virtual, with staff members providing health insurance navigation, mental health services, legal support resources, and other COVID-19 resources over the phone and email.
We are aware that staying in leaves many feeling isolated and alone. To help people cope with the current situation, we are preparing virtual experiences in the fields of education, cultural arts, sports, fitness, and more.
We know that many of you have questions pertaining to our membership and programs. Please be patient with us as we navigate this crisis. We will be back in touch in the near future when we have answers about payments and rescheduled classes.
With each and every passing day, we will continue to listen, adapt, and deliver to those hit hardest by this crisis. Please know that if you have a need, we are here for you. You can email us, and someone from our staff will get in touch with you.
Until we see you in person again, you can follow our updates here, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. During these difficult days, we will be doing everything we can to assist you and your families. We know that however long our society is at a distance, it will be temporary, and we are counting the days till we can again welcome you with open arms.
As the needs changed, our JCC changed. We survived because we listened. We thrived because we adapted. Now, we see a clear need, and we are ready to transform the way we offer services to help those in crisis.
Even with our buildings closed to the public, the JCC has stepped up to do everything we can to help the community during this time. Our staff has been distributing emergency food to seniors—in some cases delivering food directly to their homes. Our social services have gone completely virtual, with staff members providing health insurance navigation, mental health services, legal support resources, and other COVID-19 resources over the phone and email.
We are aware that staying in leaves many feeling isolated and alone. To help people cope with the current situation, we are preparing virtual experiences in the fields of education, cultural arts, sports, fitness, and more.
We know that many of you have questions pertaining to our membership and programs. Please be patient with us as we navigate this crisis. We will be back in touch in the near future when we have answers about payments and rescheduled classes.
With each and every passing day, we will continue to listen, adapt, and deliver to those hit hardest by this crisis. Please know that if you have a need, we are here for you. You can email us, and someone from our staff will get in touch with you.
Until we see you in person again, you can follow our updates here, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. During these difficult days, we will be doing everything we can to assist you and your families. We know that however long our society is at a distance, it will be temporary, and we are counting the days till we can again welcome you with open arms.
Keeping our JCC Members and Friends Informed
COVID-19 Update #6
We are writing to let you know that we have made the difficult decision to close some of our facilities to the public, based on the guidance of the State and City of New York. This is not a decision we ever wanted to make, but the reality of the situation at hand means that we have to prioritize the safety of our members, program participants, and staff. We are proud of the community we have built at the JCC and want to ensure that we can keep everyone who walks through our doors safe and healthy. Until we get past this crisis, we have to close many of our physical spaces to ensure the safety of our community members.
Beginning tomorrow, March 17th, the following buildings will be closed to the public until further notice:
We will suspend all of our in-person programs at these locations until further notice. If you have already signed up for classes or programs at these locations, department directors will soon be in touch with regarding rescheduling.
Please know that we are more than just these physical spaces—the JCC is a community that continues to be here for you in times of great need. To that end, many of our social services, including ordering food from our Kosher Food Pantry, will be available via email or phone. We plan to be in touch soon about other services that can be provided virtually.
If you are in need, please let us know if we can help you, and we will do what we can to assist. As we are often reminded in times of crisis, Staten Island is one big family, and we are proud to be at the heart of it.
Beginning tomorrow, March 17th, the following buildings will be closed to the public until further notice:
- Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC (1466 Manor Road)
- Nancy & Ronald Avis/South Shore JCC (1297 Arthur Kill Road)
- Aberlin/North Shore JCC (485 Victory Boulevard)
- JCC/Berman Early Childhood Center (2221 Richmond Avenue)
We will suspend all of our in-person programs at these locations until further notice. If you have already signed up for classes or programs at these locations, department directors will soon be in touch with regarding rescheduling.
Please know that we are more than just these physical spaces—the JCC is a community that continues to be here for you in times of great need. To that end, many of our social services, including ordering food from our Kosher Food Pantry, will be available via email or phone. We plan to be in touch soon about other services that can be provided virtually.
If you are in need, please let us know if we can help you, and we will do what we can to assist. As we are often reminded in times of crisis, Staten Island is one big family, and we are proud to be at the heart of it.
Keeping our JCC Members and Friends Informed
COVID-19 Update #5
As you may know, the following information on services closed by the City was released only a few hours ago. There are still many details outstanding, and you will be hearing more specifics from us in the days to come. Once we get further clarification, we will pass the information along to you. We are hoping to keep some services open, but changes may occur day-to-day.
Right now, the following services are closed, beginning Monday, March 16th:
-All four Early Childhood Education Centers, located at the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC (1466 Manor Road), Nancy & Ronald Avis/South Shore JCC (1297 Arthur Kill Road), Aberlin/North Shore JCC (485 Victory Blvd.), and JCC/Berman Early Childhood Education Center (2221 Richmond Avenue)
-All senior services, including our three senior centers (CLLD, Center You Avis Neighborhood Senior Center, and Center You Stapleton Senior Center), Caregiver's Support Center, and Family Solutions to Memory Loss Programs
*Please note that if you are a senior in need of meals, please stay tuned for more information.
-Explorers After School Program will be closed--more details to come
-After School Programs for children and teens offered through our Department for People with Special Needs
-Cafe J will be closed to the public
The following services remain open:
-Sports, aquatics, and gymnastics classes
-Bernikow and Avis Fitness Centers
-All fitness classes (with the exception of those provided through our senior centers)
-Day Habilitation Without Walls Program for Young Adults
We still ask you to use your best personal judgment when using JCC services. If you feel sick, please do not enter any of our buildings. We ask that you continue to use good hygiene, including hand washing, wiping down equipment, and other sanitary measures.
We will continue to keep you updated on this changing situation.
Right now, the following services are closed, beginning Monday, March 16th:
-All four Early Childhood Education Centers, located at the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC (1466 Manor Road), Nancy & Ronald Avis/South Shore JCC (1297 Arthur Kill Road), Aberlin/North Shore JCC (485 Victory Blvd.), and JCC/Berman Early Childhood Education Center (2221 Richmond Avenue)
-All senior services, including our three senior centers (CLLD, Center You Avis Neighborhood Senior Center, and Center You Stapleton Senior Center), Caregiver's Support Center, and Family Solutions to Memory Loss Programs
*Please note that if you are a senior in need of meals, please stay tuned for more information.
-Explorers After School Program will be closed--more details to come
-After School Programs for children and teens offered through our Department for People with Special Needs
-Cafe J will be closed to the public
The following services remain open:
-Sports, aquatics, and gymnastics classes
-Bernikow and Avis Fitness Centers
-All fitness classes (with the exception of those provided through our senior centers)
-Day Habilitation Without Walls Program for Young Adults
We still ask you to use your best personal judgment when using JCC services. If you feel sick, please do not enter any of our buildings. We ask that you continue to use good hygiene, including hand washing, wiping down equipment, and other sanitary measures.
We will continue to keep you updated on this changing situation.
Keeping our JCC Members and Friends Informed
COVID-19 Update #4
As we’re sure you have already heard, due to recommendations of government agencies and to serve as a good community partner, we canceled and postponed several large-scale events, including our Jewish Music Festival. Despite these cancellations, we are doing everything we can to keep the vital services we offer available to our community members. We know that many Staten Islanders rely on us for childcare, food, and social services, and we want to ensure that we can continue to offer these services as long as it is safe to do so.
We can’t do this without your help. You may have seen posters at our buildings asking you to stay home if you are not feeling well. It is incredibly important that you follow these regulations and DO NOT ENTER any of our buildings if you are sick. We appreciate your cooperation during this difficult time.
We can’t do this without your help. You may have seen posters at our buildings asking you to stay home if you are not feeling well. It is incredibly important that you follow these regulations and DO NOT ENTER any of our buildings if you are sick. We appreciate your cooperation during this difficult time.
COVID-19 Update #3
We are fortunate to be connected to the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19 that is available from agencies, including the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Centers for Disease Control, and UJA-Federation. We continue to monitor all of these resources and are making decisions based the most credible information that we are getting.
Here are some updates on our programs:
We understand that the JCC plays an important role in your lives, and we will keep our programs open as long as it is safe to do so.
Below are some resources on COVID-19 from government agencies. You can also visit the CDC’s page at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html for up to date information. Should you require any additional information, please let us know, and we will be happy to pass it along to you. We will continue to keep you updated as the situation changes.
Here are some updates on our programs:
- Due to concerns about large-scale gatherings, we are postponing all of our Jewish Music Festival events, which were scheduled to kick off this weekend. Stay tuned for rescheduled dates later in the season.
- With regards to our Early Childhood Education Department, we are following all protocols as set out by DOHMH and the Department of Education. We are monitoring children closely for symptoms of illness and ask parents to keep their children home if they are sick. We understand parents’ concerns, and if you decide to keep your children home, we ask that you communicate with us. We will also be canceling Sunday’s Art Show and displaying the children’s artwork in the school buildings, where we will plan smaller scale opening receptions to honor their achievements.
- As directed by the Department for the Aging, we are communicating with seniors as we get updated information. Our staff has been trained in the proper protocols to take in case someone is showing symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
- Decisions on other large-scale events will be made on a case-by-case basis.
We understand that the JCC plays an important role in your lives, and we will keep our programs open as long as it is safe to do so.
Below are some resources on COVID-19 from government agencies. You can also visit the CDC’s page at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html for up to date information. Should you require any additional information, please let us know, and we will be happy to pass it along to you. We will continue to keep you updated as the situation changes.
