About Us

Who We Are

At the JCC, we build community – it’s our middle name. The Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center (JCC) is a non-profit, social services agency serving the entire community with inclusive wellness, education, and community programs. Celebrating the diversity of the Jewish community, the JCC serves as a meaningful destination for children and adults in over eighteen unique programmatic areas.

A man is giving a high five to a group of children.
A group of men standing next to a plaque.

our history

The history of the JCC isn’t just about the 120-plus years we’ve served the Greater Milwaukee community or the 150 years of service throughout the national JCC movement. Our history dates back over 5,000 years – but it’s as much about tomorrow as it is about yesterday.

A man and two children holding pumpkins.

our mission

So, what makes the J different? It’s the feeling that you belong here. Knowing that each member is a potential new friend. And a belief that, while each of us is on our own journey, it’s a lot more fun to travel together.

A brick building with a blue sky.

our locations

Operating in six unique locations throughout the state of Wisconsin, the JCC creates spaces and opportunities for the entire community to experience values-focused, high-quality services for individuals and families of all backgrounds, abilities, and faiths.

A group of people putting their hands together in a circle.

Our JEDI Covenant

Alongside the JCC’s Mission Statement, our Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Covenant serves as a tool to guide our work. It is both a celebration of what we’re doing well and a guide to help us do better.

We empower a sense of belonging, where every individual can express their authentic selves, through our intentional experiences and demonstrated values.

our Values

Leading with our Jewish values, JCC leaders and team members strive to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect. To achieve our vision of a community void of hatred, biases, and division, we commit to put these values into action.

B’tzelem Elohim

All are made in the image of God.

Hachnasat Orchim

Welcoming all guests.

kavod

Honor and respect

kehillah

Community

tikkun olam

Repairing the world

kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh

All are responsible for one another

your impact

You make a difference! Because of the investments made in our mission and programs – with time, talents, and assets – our community grows stronger and healthier together.

Our members, donors, and partners support the community through a diverse array of services: feeding the hungry at the Jewish Community Pantry, providing scholarships for early childhood education and camps, supporting families with respectful and meaningful specials needs programs, and ensuring that adults – of all ages – have access to dignified social services.

With flexibility and the highest of standards, the JCC remains a destination for high-impact, highly accountable investment. Our supporters expect nothing less, and our community deserves even more.

$378,117

In scholarship funds allocated to help families access JCC programs

2400+

Pounds of produce harvested by adults with disabilities employed by the JCC

15,718

Served by the Jewish Community Pantry (22% increase over previous year)

810

Free rides provided each month to ensure adults with disabilities can access JCC programs

A woman wearing a pink sweater.

the people behind it all

The JCC cultivates generational talent, and serves as a destination for professional development. With an inclusive and vibrant culture, we’re a community-first place where our Family of Staff is our most valuable asset.