On Monday, May 4th and Tuesday, May 5th, Sweetest Smiles Photography will host a porch photography fundraiser benefitting the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC’s Families in Need, a special COVID-19 emergency fund. The fundraiser, which takes place in conjunction with Giving Tuesday Now, a national campaign to raise emergency funds for non-profit organizations, will support the JCC’s social service programs.

Any Staten Islander who signs up and donates to the JCC will receive a brief family photography session on their front porch. Time slots in the afternoons of Monday and Tuesday are available to book here.

Sweetest Smiles Photography has already raised over $1,000 for the JCC over the past few weeks through their front porch photography campaign.

“We are incredibly grateful to Sweetest Smiles Photography and all of the families who participated in this fundraiser so far,” noted JCC CEO David Sorkin. “This is a great way to get a beautiful family photo taken while also helping families in need across our community.”
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Since the coronavirus crisis began, the Joan and Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island has stepped up to ensure that Staten Islanders in need had resources and support during this difficult time.

In memory of Mania Citrinbaum:
​We are so very sorry for the loss of your Mom.
Mania was a very special lady and touched many lives
And she will be greatly missed. Hopefully you can find solace in knowing that she is now resting in peace and out of pain.
All our love,
Lillian & Michael Prisco

We make this donation in Manias name. We know she loved spending her days at the “J” when times were good and she was healthy. We are so sorry for your loss and know that your love for each other was endless and deep. May your beautiful mother Rest In Peace and May her memory be a blessing. 
-Randy and Glen Rosen 

Dear Sheila and Family,
We know how much the JCC meant to your mom's life, and we hope this donation will help others enjoy all they have to offer.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Love,
Gail and Steven Niedelman 

Our sincerest condolences on the loss of Mania Citrinbaum.
From Arleen & Lorin Luchs 

In memory of Mania Citrinbaum 
-Betsy Wise

Many fond memories of joyful family time especially seeing Mania's happiness at grandson, Erik's wedding to our daughter, Annie. In subsequent years, being with her as she met her newborn great-grandchildren for the first time. Stories of her remarkable life and influence on her descendants' lives will go on. Peace and blessings to all family and friends who honor her memory during these and challenging times. 
-Nancy Howland

We loved her and all the Lichter’s and Borowka’s. Keep the memories going through everyone in the family, and she will live on. 
-Diane, Joey, and MB4

We loved Mania, she was one of a kind who raised a beautiful family. We love all of you. Remember the good times. 
-​Diane, Joey, Matt, Marisa, Maddy and Morgan 

We would like to make this donation in memory of Mania Citrinbaum, so that we can contribute to the programs that made such a difference in Mania's life.
Janet & Dana Goodman 

Dear Sheila and Les
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your beautiful and lovely mother. I do remember her and how gracious she was, May your memories give you comfort.
Regards, Dede Epstein 

In the memory of a truly wonderful woman.
Mickey, Jessica, Elliot, Jeremy and Jennifer 

​Dear Sheila and Debbie,
We extend our sympathy to both of you and your entire family in the passing of your beloved mother Mania. Wish we could hug you!
Love,
Janet and Paul Gensler 

We are thinking of you and sending all our love to all.
-Aunt Rita, Sheila and Steve 

Sending lots of love and sympathy!
Mania will be truly missed.
With love,
Susan, Kenny, Nicole, Brian, Ilyssa and Jason 

To the memory of your dear Mother. She was blessed with a long life and a devoted loving family. May she always rest in peace.
Susan & Jerry Cohen 

In honor of Mothers - and daughters who love them with their whole beings- your family is truly blessed.
-Esther Goldstein 

Rest In Peace.
-Marie R. Bayerle

Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
With deepest condolences,
Nikki and Evan Marx  

Sheila, Les & Family,
We are so sorry for this terrible loss. We have many wonderful memories of your loving, mother/grandmother/great grandmother.
All our love,
Suzette & Joel 

In memory of Mania Citrinbaum
-Joel T. Levine 

You are all in our thoughts and prayers
Love,
Your dear friends in Maryland

Debbie, Elliot & Family
You are in our thoughts and prayers
-All your Maryland friends 
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In memory of William A. and Belle G. Rosenthal:
​To honor the memory of Bill Rosenthal, former SIJCC Executive Director, who brought 475 Victory Blvd. up from the basement, became Dean of Wurzweiler School of SW at Yeshiva U. and Belle Rosenthal, board member of JCC Nursery School Scholarship Committee and the JCC. 
-Barbara Schutt

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Stories are an important part of the human experience. They help us connect with people who are different from us, learn more about ourselves and our place in the world, and unlock our imagination to take us to places we’ve yet to discover! We all love stories and that’s why we’re so excited about this year’s camp theme: The World of Stories.

​Each week at camp, we will delve into a different type of story, including folktales, science fiction, fairy tales, mysteries, comics, and fantasy. Because we pride ourselves on helping our campers grow up to be kind, caring adults, we will connect each type of story with values like responsibility, giving, family, and unity. We all know that reading is FUNdamental, and we hope that our study of stories will spark a love for books in all of our campers!

We can’t wait to explore the World of Stories this summer!

On Monday, April 20th, the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island announced that, thanks to the generosity of local foundations and utilities, hundreds of Staten Islanders will be able to receive free meals and other social services from the organization.

“Recognizing the level of food insecurity in NYC, especially for the isolated and medically-fragile elderly, the Joan and Alan Bernikow JCC, with the funding support of Con Edison, the Robin Hood Foundation, and Verizon, is ramping up the preparation, distribution, and delivery of nutritious Kosher and Halal food for seniors and others in need in our community,” said JCC CEO David Sorkin.

The funding for the program comes from a $25,000 grant from the Robin Hood Foundation, a $5,000 grant from Con Edison, and a $5,000 grant from Verizon. These grants will allow the JCC to provide hundreds of meals to seniors and other vulnerable populations, as well as provide funding for other emergency services during the COVID-19 crisis.

“From the bottom our hearts, we thank you for these funds, which will help us sustain our emergency programs. We are so grateful to these foundations and utilities for their commitment to the JCC and Staten Island,” said Orit Lender, Deputy Executive Director and Incoming CEO.

Since the coronavirus crisis began, the Joan and Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island has stepped up to ensure that Staten Islanders in need had resources and support during this difficult time.

Following the closure of JCC facilities to the public, staff members have been distributing thousands of meals to seniors, as well as others in need through its Kosher Food Pantry. The JCC recently established “grab-and-go” meal pickup sites, including the Gerard Carter Center in Stapleton.

In addition to providing meals, the JCC continues to provide social services to those in need during this crisis. JCC 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.

JCC staff members have also reached out to 300 seniors a day by phone, including those who attend the JCC’s three senior centers and individuals enrolled in the JCC’s Family Solutions to Memory Loss Programs. In addition to food, staff began providing resources and supplies to seniors isolated in their homes.

Other community services, including ESL classes and community afterschool programs, have also gone virtual, with activities taking place over Zoom. The JCC has also begun to offer free classes and lectures on its social media pages to entertain and educate those stuck at home.

Lender noted, “In these troubling times, when it feels like things are changing so quickly, we can be thankful for the things that will never change—like the JCC’s commitment to our Staten Island community. We are especially grateful for the heroes in our agency who have risen to this most challenging occasion. They remind us that our JCC is not just a building, but a force at the heart of our local community.”

To provide financial support for these programs, the JCC has also established Families in Need, a special COVID-19 emergency fund. The money raised will support the JCC’s social service programs.

Click here for more information on JCC social services. 
For more information on the Families in Need fund, click here.

​Our camp prides itself on not only providing kids with a summer of fun and adventure, but simultaneously preparing them to be compassionate, well-rounded adults. In all that we do, we focus on relationship-building and universal values like respect, perseverance, and kindness. While we strive to live out these values every day at camp, we also have a special day devoted to them— the Day of Caring and Sharing!

​We are so excited to announce our new Core 24 Summer Basketball Camp, under the direction of Mike Reape, our Director of Sports & Recreation!

​Core 24 Basketball Camp will help kids become well-rounded basketball players through drills that develop game IQ and skills like ball handling and shooting. Our program includes activities tailored to every child’s age and skill level. When they’re not practicing or having friendly competitions, campers will have fun playing board games and swimming! Learn more HERE!

Like many of our programs, our ESL (English as a Second Language) and HSE (High School Equivalency) classes have moved online so that students can continue learning while at home. Check out some photos of our teachers during their virtual lessons!

Rabbi Milton Steinberg told a story about stepping outside after a long illness that had kept him cooped up in his house. Steinberg said that as he crossed the threshold, sunlight greeted him. The sky overhead was very blue, very clear, and very, very high and everywhere in the great vault between earth and sky the golden glow of sunlight touched him with friendship, warmth and blessing. As he basked in its glory, Steinberg said the words of the prophet Malachi ran through his mind: "The sun shall some day rise with healing on its wings."

We remain hopeful that come June 29, JCC Day Camp will be up and running, providing the children with a safe, healthy environment where they can have the superior camp experience our camp families have come to expect and appreciate.

As we speak, camp directors continue to plan for the summer season. We are hiring and training staff, planning trips, creating programs, and designing schedules. After weeks of being stuck indoors, we know that kids are looking forward to so many camp activities like swimming in the pool, playing baseball, basketball, and soccer, exploring the Animal Kingdom with Brian Wild, competing in the Wild and Wacky Challenge show, and uniting as a camp community for Shabbat and the spirited Maccabi Games. We are especially excited about our 2020 camp theme, The World of Stories, and new offerings, including a Performing Arts Camp, woodworking, and a Teen Travel overnight trip to Virginia.

For nearly 90 years, our JCC has provided thousands of children with the summer camp experience of a lifetime. It’s a second home where the sound of children laughing fills the air and the colorful display of flowers and lush green trees, adventurous hiking trails, peaceful ponds, the soaring of birds, and the smell of freshly cut grass fill our senses. Times are undoubtedly difficult but we remain faithful that better days are ahead. We are certain that the sun will rise again with healing on its wings and thousands of JCC campers will again experience the touch of friendship, warmth and blessing.

Since the coronavirus crisis began, the Joan and Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island has stepped up to ensure that Staten Islanders in need had resources and support during this difficult time.
 
Following the closure of JCC facilities to the public, staff members distributed over 5,000 frozen and shelf-stable kosher meals to seniors in need as well as delivering meals to home-bound seniors. Meals were also distributed to the residents of Seaview Senior Housing, where the JCC operates the Social Services Office. The program is funded by the NYC Department for the Aging.
 
Additionally, the JCC has distributed meals to those in need through its Kosher Food Pantry, including special holiday meals. Thanks to the help of Borough President Oddo, the JCC was able to obtain 400 additional boxes of Kosher for Passover shelf-stable meals to ensure that no one goes hungry during the holidays.
 
“Usually, this time of year is celebratory,” noted CEO David Sorkin. “Despite the uncertainty around us, we want to maintain the spirit of the holidays by helping those in need access food for their families. This is something we do every year, but this year, we’re providing meals on a much larger scale.”
 
In addition to providing meals, the JCC continues to provide social services to those in need during this crisis. JCC 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.
 
JCC staff members have also reached out to 300 seniors a day by phone, including those who attend the JCC’s three senior centers and individuals enrolled in the JCC’s Family Solutions to Memory Loss Programs. In addition to food, staff began providing resources and supplies to seniors isolated in their homes.
 
Other community services, including ESL classes and community afterschool programs, have also gone virtual, with activities taking place over Zoom. The JCC has also begun to offer free classes and lectures on its social media pages to entertain and educate those stuck at home.
 
“Every year, the JCC serves over 6,000 Staten Islanders in crisis,” said Sorkin. “Unfortunately, this year, we expect that number to grow as more people experience loss of wages, food insecurity, and isolation. If you are in need, we are here to help. We encourage Staten Islanders experiencing hardships to reach out to us for assistance during this difficult time.”
 
To provide financial support for these programs, the JCC has established Families in Need, a special COVID-19 emergency fund. The money raised will support the JCC’s social service programs.
 
For more information on JCC social services click here. For more information on the Families in Need fund, click here.