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JCC+MKE
Ever since Lizzie Kander formed the Jewish Mission in 1895 to serve newcomers to our beloved city, we have been partnering to build a healthier Milwaukee. Today’s Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC is a destination for excellent programs and services, but it is first and foremost a non-profit, social-services agency committed to serving the ever-changing needs of the entire community. Beyond religion, race, background, ability, and geography, we believe that our community is stronger when we are supporting one another with shared values on a shared journey.
fighting food insecurity
The Jewish Community Pantry provides emergency food to individuals and families in Milwaukee. Connecting guests to community resources, while increasing our community’s awareness of hunger’s impact and working to alleviate its impact, the Pantry is our Jewish communal response to hunger.
Volunteers help stock shelves, interview guests, and assist with our guest-choice food allocation process.
making camp connections
Road to Rainbow brings thousands of children from underserved communities up to Fredonia each summer for an immersive week at the Albert & Ann Deshur JCC Rainbow Day Camp – all free of charge thanks to generous contributions. The summer program includes swim safety lessons and a counselor-in-training program, and during the school year we offer our Road to Rainbow partners and Milwaukee Public Schools hands-on experiences that support classroom learning. Recent partner organizations include Hmong American Peace Academy, Journey House, Meta House, Milwaukee Public Schools, Operation DREAM, and United Community Center.
creating an inclusive community
We work together to build a JCC that is inclusive to all, founded upon the belief that we are stronger when everyone has access to our programs regardless of background, ability, or means. Our Inclusion Services provide accommodations, resources, and support for individuals and families of all abilities to make full use of the JCC.
Programs like Chaverim, Wellness 360, and Bonim Farms build community for adults with developmental disabilities.
We are also blessed to be stewards of our community’s Scholarship funds and take seriously our responsibility to make these funds available to all who may need assistance.
Community Service
Jewish Community Pantry
All Ages 2900 W Center Street (Entrance on 29th Street)Youth & Family
Inclusion Services
Early Childhood (0-3), Kindergarten (4-5), Elementary (6-9), Preteen (10-13), Teen (14-17), Adults (18+), Seniors (65+), All Ages JCC in Whitefish BayJCC+MKE
Adaptive Aquatics
Ages 4-18 JCC North Entrance, Whitefish BayJCC+MKE
Senior Adult Programs
Seniors (65+) Location LabelJCC+MKE
Chaverim
Adults 18+ Events throughout the communityWellness
Wellness 360
Adults 18+ JCC West Entrance, Whitefish BayJCC+MKE
KidShare
Adults Pfister Hotel
Elyse Cohn
Chief Development Officer
she/her
Mark Shapiro
President & Chief Executive Officer
Staci Wellentin
Chief Operating Officer
she/her
Tommy Jostad
Chief Financial Officer
Kaitlyn Essman
Chief Talent Officer
she/her
Julie Lookatch
Marketing Director
she/her
Jonah Geller
Chief Innovation Officer
Aimee Reistad
Executive Assistant
Partnering to Build a Healthier Milwaukee
Connect with the JCC to volunteer, invest, sponsor an event, or partner with us on a new project.