Over the past year, our lay and professional leadership went through the thoughtful and intentional process of updating our Mission Statement.

Our goal was simple – to help our members, guests, professional staff, donors, partners and other stakeholders know more than what we do, but WHY we exist and who we aspire to be.

Mission statements are more than just assemblies of words. Each word has weight and intention. It is our “North Star” that guides us in our future efforts to meet the community wants and needs. They help focus our efforts on what matters and how we aim to bring greater impact to our corner of the world.

A close examination of mission has been part of our DNA for the 123 years we have served community.  In 1939, the Irene Kaufmann Settlement (predecessor to the JCC) wrote a mission statement that included as its primary objective the advancement of “the civic, intellectual and social welfare of the surrounding community.”

Twelve years ago, our board developed and adopted the following statement:

“To advance our vision of an exemplary, thriving, engaged community rooted in Jewish values, the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh’s mission is to enrich our community by creating an environment that strengthens the physical, intellectual and spiritual well-being of individuals and families.”

The process this year was much more inclusive.  We involved more parties — staff, board members and individuals from the community. We held discussions and focused meetings to solicit ideas and input, filling up whiteboards with words and beliefs.

And here, simple and direct is our new Mission Statement:

We thank you, every member of our community, for inspiring us to make every word matter.

Brian Schreiber is President and CEO of the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh.