SHARE YOUR STORY
How have you helped others during this challenging time? Share your story for a chance to be featured.
SHARE YOUR STORY
How have you helped others during this challenging time? Share your story for a chance to be featured.
Together, we will get our momentum back.
JCC CHICAGO TRANSITIONS TO VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES
As a provider of summer camps, early childhood education, and community programs, human connection is vital to what JCC Chicago does. During COVID-19, how could that be maintained? By building innovative and uplifting experiences that allow for social distancing.
“Our virtual doors are wide open to all who want to engage, learn and connect,” said Addie Goodman, JCC Chicago President and CEO. “We have welcomed participants from neighboring communities, across the country and in Canada.”
For example, the annual JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival migrated online. Festival goers can stream more than 75 movies for free with Amazon Prime (or pay $0.99 for a download). For certain films, JCC Chicago is hosting virtual Q&A sessions with the film’s director or topic expert, mimicking the in-person experience. The festival is also curating weekly talkbacks, where people can discuss the films with each other.
A new initiative, JPals, was formed. The kids within JCC Chicago’s early childhood programs are reaching out virtually to seniors in their community, while JCC Chicago teens are connecting with residents at CJE SeniorLife, to provide connection and joy to each in a time of social distancing.
To keep spirits up, the organization’s branded and wrapped Apachi Day Camp and Camp Chi bus is visiting families of campers every Friday, to remind campers of their summer camp friends and counselors. This curbside experience has been highly popular and spreads joy with every mile.
JCC Chicago’s transition was due, in part, to a forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loan through First Midwest Bank, which allowed staff to return to work after a brief furlough. The staff’s energy and resourcefulness has resulted in virtual programs with tens of thousands of participants during the first eight weeks of social distancing.
