WELCOME

Dear Friends,

I am excited to announce that the MJCC has completed a new strategic plan to guide our growth in the next few years! This new plan places special emphasis on six strategic priorities:

1. Revitalize and reimagine camp.

2. Invest in a significant expansion of our portfolio of youth programs, including after school enrichment, aquatics, and sports.

3. Strengthen the “pipelines” for young families into the JCC (including PJA families, PJ Library, and more).

4. Launch a “signature” outreach or event series that increases the JCC’s profile, importance and relevance in the Jewish community (and especially beyond its own campus).

5. Develop our board to more effectively carry out its governance and philanthropy work.

6. Refresh the fitness offerings in ways that accentuate our positioning as a welcoming and inviting wellness community.

Of particular note is that four of these six priorities are focused on enhancing our service to youth and young families, and implementation efforts are already underway. Our 2023 Summer Day Camp has greater capacity and new options for older campers, CIT’s, and those looking for specialty camps. Camp registration is now open (see page 13), and we encourage early registration to avoid disappointment. We’ve also expanded our spring afterschool program offerings to meet the range of interests of more children in our community.

We’re proud to offer PJ Library to families in the Portland metro area, thanks to a new partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland. We look forward to engaging PJ Library families with new programs and resources throughout the year. Don’t miss our Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) celebration on April 26 (see page 6) which will feature an array of activities for kids presented in partnership with our PJ Library partners throughout the community.

For hours, administrative office closures, and special class offerings on holiday dates, visit oregonjcc.org.

Our new “signature event” mentioned in priority #4 above is the “Day for the J!” This year, it will be held on Sunday, April 23 (see page 6), and it will feature something for everyone! Building off our successful “Walk for the J” during the past couple of years, our community can now participate in our first-ever pickleball tournament… or our racquetball tournament! Bring the family to our Sportsplex to enjoy activities for kids! Or get some exercise while supporting the J by swimming in our pool or walking laps on our playing field. Sponsorship opportunities are available, as well.

We are excited to share additional opportunities for youth and young families as we implement our new strategic plan in the coming months!

See you at the J!

Steve Albert Executive Director