Creating for Tomorrow

Dear Trustees of the JCA Charitable Foundation,

We write to you in gratitude for your continued investments in the Jewish community. Because of you our beloved community is stronger, healthier and happier. Thank you.

The St. Louis Jewish Community Center (the J) has been a cornerstone in building community for 143 years. Facilities and programs have changed, evolved, and expanded; but what has remained constant is the J’s welcoming of all people as they connect and form community.

Many in the Jewish community report seldom or never attending religious services, yet they desire to connect with Judaism and one another in diverse ways. The J is “home” for 50% of the Jewish community in St. Louis. We also welcome the larger St. Louis community under our tent. Children learning in the J's Early Childhood Centers, young families seeking connection, young adults living with developmental challenges, and seniors thriving in our Adult Day at the J program are all part of our J family.

With this background, we want to share an inspiring plan that will help the J meet the changing needs of those we serve. Following successful investments in the Staenberg Family Complex and Camp Sabra, it is now time for us to focus on enhancing the Marilyn Fox Building in West St. Louis County in response to demand for additional services in adult day care, early childhood, day camps, community building, and fitness.

As we look to the future, we see an urgent need to expand our services and to meet the current and anticipated needs of our community. It is with this vision that we are embarking on our Creating the J for Tomorrow campaign.

The plan calls for $11 million in philanthropy to expand and enhance our programs and to upgrade our facilities that house them. Early commitments have already been secured, totaling $5.5 million, leaving an additional $5.5 million to be raised.

We enthusiastically submit this proposal and are grateful for your thoughtful consideration. This important initiative to expand services at the Marilyn Fox Building will empower us to fulfill current and future needs of our community and ensure that our impact on generations of Jewish families extends far beyond our time.

We look back with gratitude for those who laid the groundwork for today’s J. The time is now for the Jewish community of today to invest for the Jewish community of tomorrow.

With Gratitude,

Debbie Lefton Capital Campaign Co-Chair

Greg Siwak Capital Campaign Co-Chair

Ted Flom Board Chair

Lynn Wittels President & CEO