As we approach another Jewish new year, many of us look toward feelings of hope and renewal—and the sound of the shofar, the ram's horn trumpet sounded on Rosh Hashanah during prayer service. One of the teens in JCCA’s Kesher program recently asked if there’s a way to...
In May, JCCA talked with Jill Mullings a Parent Advocate and Outreach Coordinator for the Family Resource Center. Our conversation touched on her history with JCCA and why she was inspired to take on this role. It has been edited for clarity and length. What is...
Almost every year, the children on JCCA’s Pleasantville campus host a special dinner to show volunteers just how much they are valued. Unfortunately, the dinner is one of many special events our young people have had to miss during the pandemic. But they still wanted...
Dear JCCA Colleagues, I know that many of us have been closely following the trial of Derek Chauvin. But you don’t need to watch the trial to appreciate the horror of George Floyd’s death, the grief of those who witnessed the murder live, and the courage it took for...
Dear Friends, The seder is the ritual meal eaten during the Jewish holiday of Passover. Everyone is welcome, regardless of their life circumstances or their own starting point. A seder table is not complete without all being in attendance. An orchestra comprised of a...
Dear JCCA Colleagues, Last week’s horrific attacks in Atlanta underscore the vicious grip of white supremacy and xenophobia on our country. Far from an isolated event, these shootings represent a frightening escalation of frequent anti-Asian harassment and assault...
In honor of National Social Work Month, JCCA sat down with Darnette Ellis, one of the Social Work Coordinators for Foster Home Services specialized programs. Darnette is also a former social work fellow at JCCA and with UJA, who completed her MSW while working at...
JCCA teens had the opportunity to learn about career opportunities in design and architecture through a conversation with employees from Gensler. Gensler is a leading global architecture firm with a mission to Create a Better World Through the Power of Design. Gensler...
JCCA sat down with Pauline Rose LCSW-R, Director of JCCA’s Health Homes in the Bronx. Our discussion touched on what a Health Home is — and isn’t — as well as her role as a mentor and advocate. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity. JCCA:...
On January 23rd, 2021, JCCA hosted its first-ever virtual A Tree Grows in Pleasantville celebration. The annual celebration of volunteers, staff, and young people had moved online. Despite no canapés or open bar, nearly three hundred wildly enthusiastic attendees...