Giving Guide: Jewish Community Center

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The JCC State of Mind: Happy, Healthy, and Whole. This wonderful focus is key to the way they meet the challenges of Pittsburgh’s constantly changing community, now and for generations to come.

If you’re looking for community, recreation, enrichment, wellness, and a great place to work out, you’ll find your fit at the JCC, which strives to provide programs and services to keep the community Happy, Healthy and Whole.

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, one of the largest social service, recreational and educational organizations in the region, has been serving the community for 127 years. Open and accessible to everyone regardless of age, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or special need, the JCC welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, embracing their uniqueness and diversity under our communal tent.

The JCC houses state-of-the-art fitness and wellness facilities, temperature-controlled pools, gymnasiums, accessible playgrounds, auditoriums, dance studios, classrooms and meeting areas in two year-round facilities and three summer locations.

Comprehensive, inclusive programming and services for all ages and interests include childcare and preschool, after-school and school’s-out programs, day and overnight camping, senior adult activities, fitness and wellness programs, special needs and neurodiverse services, arts and cultural activities, social justice and civic engagement, and scores of programs for the community. Members and guests enjoy lap swimming and aquatic fitness, group exercise and personal training, spinning, first class cardio equipment, strength training, basketball, pickleball, dance classes, massage, whirlpools, saunas, towel service, lounge areas and more.

As the JCC moves into the fourth year impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, the agency reflects on the journey and path forward. When the JCC’s financial foundation was ruptured on March 15, 2020, JCC lay and professional leadership made a “core bet” to double down on their commitment to meet community needs as safely, flexibly and fiscally responsible as possible. That “core bet” is paying off as the JCC welcomes first-time and returning participants to existing and new activities and services each day.

The JCC’s commitment to the health and safety of its constituents has remained paramount from day one of the pandemic and continues to guide the agency in the months to come.

The support of individuals, foundations and corporate efforts offset much of the JCC’s unforeseen reductions in earned revenue, but the need continues. Donations and sponsorships support the entire community in so many ways, from enabling the agency to provide necessary services such as hosting blood drives and Covid vaccination clinics, to providing financial assistance so that individuals with financial need can participate in programs like fitness, youth sports, dance, basketball, summer camps, special needs and senior classes.

Through the JCC’s Center for Loving Kindness, the JCC continues to take action as caring neighbors, providing comfort and nurturing a more just society.

“JCC with all the programs and opportunities it offers has a big, positive impact on those who are a part of it. For us, immigrants from far away countries, it

gives a sense of community and belonging. By offering scholarships, it puts away the financial factor, making the membership and programs affordable for everyone.” —JCC Member

The JCC envisions a dynamic future in its enduring commitment to serve community, and is grateful to all—friends, constituents, donors and supporters—for their steadfast commitment.

Website: JCCPGH.org

Facebook: @JCCPittsburgh

Instagram: @JCCPGH