For the most up-to-date information about health and safety protocols at the JCC, please click HERE

February 27, 2022

Dear JCC Friend,

Throughout the past two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have done our utmost to serve you and our community, with health and safety the JCC’s top priority.

Informed by medical experts and guidance of the CDC and local health authorities, we have successfully served people of all ages and abilities in our facilities for nearly 24 months to the best of our ability.

With your cooperation, we have created a welcoming vaccinated environment for members, staff and guests entering our facilities.

On Friday afternoon, the CDC issued updated guidance, noting that “current high levels of vaccination and high levels of population immunity from both vaccination and infections, the risk of medically significant disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 is greatly reduced for most people.”  The CDC is now monitoring Covid 19 by Community Level , a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data.

With this in mind and after reviewing the current CDC Community Level assessment of Allegheny County, the JCC is pleased to announce the following changes effective Tuesday, March 1.

• The JCC will eliminate the requirement of mask wearing indoors for individuals ages 5 or older.
• The indoor mask mandate will continue for participants and staff within our Early Childhood Development Centers and the Clubhouse after school program.  These programs serve both a population not yet eligible for vaccination and work closely with schools whose indoor masking practices have not changed at this time.
• The mask requirement will also remain in effect within PT at the JCC – Powered by the JAA.
• We strongly encourage those of you who are at greater risk of contracting Covid-19 or feel more comfortable wearing masks indoors to continue to do so. The JCC has a supply of masks available at your request.
• The JCC continues to follow regular cleaning protocols, HEPA fan/filtration units, and enhanced HVAC systems indoors that allow for increased outside air flow.
• The JCC will continue to offer a combination of indoor and outdoor group exercise activities at this time to support the varied wants of our members.

We will continue to regularly monitor CDC guidance and the evolving local condition and communicate with you of any changes to our current policy.
Our vaccination policy remains unchanged.

We thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we work together on the next phase of community service in our 127^th year of operation.

Brian Schreiber, President & CEO
William S. Goodman, Board Chair

December 7, 2021

Dear JCC Families,

As we have shared with you before even the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Allegheny County, the health and safety of our members, guests, and professional staff is the JCC’s top priority. Consistent with our mission, we remain resolute in this commitment for as long as it takes our community to fully emerge from the pandemic. We are inspired by the Jewish value of pikuach nefesh (saving of a life) and our longstanding tradition that the preservation of human life takes precedence over other practices.

Effective October 18, 2021, the JCC began requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all members, staff and guest ages 12 years and older. The process has gone exceptionally well, with thousands of JCC members and guests providing one-time proof of vaccination for seamless access to our facilities every day.

JCC leadership continues to review additional ways to better support community well-being and enhance mitigation of COVID-19 exposure and potential virus spread. With this in mind, and with the unanimous support of the JCC Board of Directors, we announce the following new requirement:

Children ages 5-11:
As parents, you are most likely aware that on November 2, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that children ages 5 to 11 years old be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine.

Effective February 7, 2022, JCC members and guests ages 5-11 years old will also be required to provide one-time proof of vaccination to gain access to all facilities and programs under our direct supervision.
We have intentionally provided this window of time to allow adequate opportunity for all of our families to have their children vaccinated and to account for the additional two-week period following the second dose in order for one to be considered “fully vaccinated.” When your child is fully vaccinated, please bring their proof of vaccination the next time you stop in at the JCC.

How to show proof of vaccination:
 Parent or caregiver must present proof in person only – cannot be mailed or emailed
 You only need to show proof one time
 You can present your child’s Vaccine Card, a photocopy of the card, or a digital version on your mobile phone, or a record from your child’s healthcare provider showing that they received their vaccination.

We encourage you to click on our FAQs that provide greater detail about how we plan to implement the member/guest vaccination requirement and the limited exemptions that will be made available.

All along, we have believed and followed the science and the ongoing guidance from our panel of medical experts and national and local health authorities. Each operational component to our multi-phased reopening has been rigorously pressure tested by our colleagues at the Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative, a nationally recognized expert in quality improvement in healthcare and community settings. This methodical and well-informed approach has enabled us to serve thousands of you throughout our region – in-person and mostly without interruption – for more than 20 months as we adapt to changing conditions and modify programming and health and safety procedures along the way.

We recognize that not everyone will agree with our decision, but it has become increasingly clear that our community’s health is better served when everyone becomes vaccinated and that a large number of unvaccinated people worldwide allows for the pandemic to continue and the virus to mutate. Our commitment to community frames everything we do. This decision is supported by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Public Health Association.

We thank you for your continued cooperation as we work together to support each other through this extended public health challenge and do our utmost to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in our area.

Brian Schreiber, President & CEO

William S. Goodman, Board Chair

August 25, 2021

Dear JCC Friends,

As we have shared with you before even the first case of Covid-19 was reported in Allegheny County, the health and safety of our members, guests, and professional staff is the JCC’s top priority.  Consistent with our mission, we remain resolute in this commitment for as long as it takes our community to fully emerge from the pandemic.  We are inspired by the Jewish value of pikuach nefesh (saving of a life) and our longstanding tradition that the preservation of human life takes precedence over other practices.

All along, we have believed and followed the science and the ongoing guidance from our panel of medical experts and national and local health authorities. Each operational component to our multi-phased reopening has been rigorously pressure tested by our colleagues at the Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative, a nationally recognized expert in quality improvement in healthcare and community settings.  This methodical and well-informed approach has enabled us to serve thousands of you throughout our region – in-person and without interruption – for over 15 months as we adapt and modify programming and health and safety procedures along the way.

Our latest announcement on August 3^rd requiring face masks for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals while indoors at the JCC is expected to continue until Allegheny County falls below the high or substantial community transmission rate.

Since that announcement, our leadership has carefully reviewed additional ways to better support community well-being and enhance mitigation of Covid-19 exposure and potential virus spread.  With this in mind, and with the unanimous support of the JCC Board of Directors, we announce the following new requirements:

• JCC Employees:   Effective October 18, 2021, all current full-time and part-time staff will be required to provide proof of vaccination as a condition of their employment with the agency.  While more than 95% of our employees are fully vaccinated (far greater than Allegheny County’s current adult vaccination rate of 64.5%), we believe this measure offers the best mitigation strategy available to us in addition to the current indoor mask requirement.  Effective immediately, all new JCC employees must be vaccinated to secure employment with the agency.
• JCC Members/Guests:   Effective October 18, 2021, JCC members and guests over age 12 will need to show proof of vaccination to gain access to indoor health and fitness facilities and other programs under our direct supervision.  We have intentionally provided this window of time to encourage those of you who are long-standing JCC members and have yet to be vaccinated or those of you who have not yet made the decision to vaccinate your adolescent children the opportunity to do so at your earliest convenience before we can no longer serve you in the manner you have been afforded until now.

These vaccination policies will be implemented as open-ended, with any changes or reversals informed by updates relating to infection rates, transmission data, variant developments, and local, state, or federal regulations.

We encourage you to click on our FAQs that provide greater detail about how we plan to implement the member/guest vaccination requirement and the limited exemptions that will be made available.  We also note that JCC services provided through a contract with the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging will not require proof of vaccination as a condition of service, though we strongly recommend older adults registered for the senior center be vaccinated and other programs within the JCC will require older adults be vaccinated to participate.

We recognize that not everyone will agree with our decision, but it has become increasingly clear that our community’s health is better served when everyone becomes vaccinated and that a large number of unvaccinated people worldwide allows for the pandemic to continue and the virus to mutate.  Our commitment to community frames everything we do. This decision is supported by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Public Health Association and similar mandates are being implemented in an increasing number of leading employers and service providers nationwide.

We thank you for your continued cooperation as we work together to support each other through this extended public health challenge and do our utmost to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 in our area.

Brian Schreiber, President & CEO

William S. Goodman, Board Chair

August 3, 2021

Dear JCC Friend,

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we have done our utmost to serve you and our community, with health and safety the JCC’s top priority.

By following the science and medical experts and following the guidance of the CDC and local health authorities, we have successfully served people of all ages and abilities in our facilities for over 14 months, operated child care and camping programs, restored fitness and wellness activities indoors, reopened locker rooms, and supported ongoing public health and nutrition programs.

The rapid onset of the Delta variant challenges us again to best serve you and mitigate exposing our members, volunteers, and staff to this highly contagious variant. At this time, we plan on continuing ALL current programs and services currently held at the JCC. To accomplish this, we will follow the most recent guidance of the CDC and the Allegheny County Health Department that recommends both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals remain masked indoors in substantial or high transmission locales.

As of yesterday, Allegheny County reached the substantial transmission rate for Covid-19. As such, we are reinstituting required mask wearing for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals of all ages for members, guest, and staff inside all JCC facilities effective Wednesday, August 4^th at 6 AM.    While this may be a temporary inconvenience for some, your continued cooperation better protects you, your friends and neighbors, and our professional staff who have gone above and beyond to meet your needs during this prolonged epidemic. Masks will remain optional for health and wellness programs for adults held outdoors and we anticipate adding outdoor classes to the best of our ability during this next wave.

We remind you that the JCC continues to follow regular and rigorous cleaning protocols, HEPA fan/filtration units, and enhanced HVAC systems indoors that allow for increased outside air flow. We also note that the Henry Kaufmann Family Park in Monroeville will remain open for member use on weekends through September 4^th.

Thank you for standing with us over this highly unusual period in our 126-year history. With your continued cooperation we will get through this current phase together.

Brian Schreiber, President & CEO

William S. Goodman, Board Chair

May 14, 2021

Dear JCC Friend,

We presume that many of you are aware of updated guidance from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the PA Department of Health (DOH) related to vaccinated individuals wearing masks in both outdoor and indoor settings. Our priority remains our community’s and your personal health and safety as we continue to rely on federal and state guidance in our decision making.

How will the new guidance affect you at JCC facilities indoors?

• The JCC will continue to require mask wearing for all individuals – either vaccinated or unvaccinated – until Monday, June 28 to afford all individuals age 12 or older (now eligible for the vaccine) sufficient time to complete their vaccinations.
• On June 28, the JCC will eliminate the requirement of mask wearing indoors for all vaccinated individuals ages 12 or older.  We encourage those of you who feel more comfortable wearing masks indoors to continue to do so after June 28.
• We now anticipate a return to indoor group exercise classes beginning on June 28 that will complement existing outdoor and virtual classes.
• Those of you who remain unvaccinated are expected to take personal responsibility to comply with Governor Wolf’s mandate to remain masked indoors until 70% of our Commonwealth’s adult citizens are fully vaccinated.

The JCC also serves a large population of children under age 12 who are not yet eligible to receive a vaccine. Until further notice and consistent with the PA Department of Human Services’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning, all children between the ages of 2-11 will continue to be required to wear a mask indoors and outdoors when they cannot consistently maintain a distance of 6 feet from one another. Until further notice, all staff working with children in this age cohort will also be required to wear a mask. The JCC will continue to do our utmost to keep our child and adult populations physically separated to the greatest extent possible as we have done over the past year.

The JCC will continue utilizing:

• Hands-free hand sanitizer and water bottle filling stations throughout facilities
• Regular, rigorous cleaning protocols
• Clean air monitoring
• HEPA fan/filtration units and enhanced HVAC systems, with increased outside air flow

And we remind you of the following:

• The Henry Kaufmann Family Park (Monroeville) outdoor pool will open to member use only on weekends beginning May 29.
• The Squirrel Hill Centerfit Platinum locker room facilities (with wet area modifications) will re-open on June 1.
• The Allegheny County senior center services located at the JCC Squirrel Hill remain limited to Meals To Go and Delivery, programs through Virtual Senior Academy, as well as 1:1 appointments for information and referral and/or registration.

We thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we work together to ensure your safety as well as your neighbor.

Brian Schreiber, President & CEO
William S. Goodman, Board Chair

April 14, 2021

Dear JCC Friend,

As we enjoy the onset of spring and the promise of better times to come, we want to thank you for your ongoing support during these unprecedented 13 months of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The experience of this past year prompted us to continually think hard about how we can best serve you and our community. We have pivoted often, adapting and reinventing how to fulfill our commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all and prioritizing ways to support each individual to remain healthy in mind, body and spirit — remotely and in person.

We want to assure you that your health and safety is the JCC’s top priority.  Even while an increasing number of us are getting vaccinated, we remind you that our established practices of required mask wearing, health screenings, and social distance guidelines remain in effect  as we continue to serve the youngest and oldest within the community.  Your continued cooperation better protects you, your friends and neighbors, and our professional staff who have gone above and beyond to meet your needs during this challenging time.

For those of you planning to return to in-person activities at the JCC, we have also instituted physical improvements at our facilities over the past year informed by iterative CDC guidance, including:

• Disinfecting stations throughout the fitness centers
• Hands-free hand sanitizer stations throughout facilities
• Hands-free water bottle filling stations
• Regular rigorous cleaning protocols
• Clean air monitoring
• HEPA fan/filtration units
• Enhanced HVAC systems, with increased outside air flow

As we continue to rebuild, we feel increasingly confident of our ability of restoring the following services over the coming weeks.

• Opening the Henry Kaufmann Family Park (Monroeville) outdoor pool to member use on weekends beginning May 29, Memorial Day weekend.  Specific details will be shared with you in separate communication over the coming days.
• Reopening of the Squirrel Hill Centerfit Platinum locker room facilities (with wet area and seating modifications) on June 1.
• Opening of Emma Kaufmann Camp and all JCC day camps on June 20 and 21, respectively.

We are also looking forward to expanding public access to an increasing number of vaccine clinics at both JCC locations through a sustained partnership with the Squirrel Hill Health Center and intermittent clinics through UPMC, Allegheny Health Network, Giant Eagle Pharmacy, and the Allegheny County Department of Health. As these public opportunities become more available, information will be available via jccpgh.org and related social media platforms, and we encourage you to visit these sites regularly for up-to-the-minute information on ongoing and special activities.

Over the past year, we are proud to have supported community needs in new and unprecedented ways. This includes:

• Conducting 14,874 Wellness checks to isolated older adults
• Serving or delivering 65,856 meals to seniors and school children
• Hosting 60 blood drives that supported over 4,500 individuals
• Serving more than 700 school age children in JCC camps and 355 children from 27 schools in All Day at the J virtual learning support and our Early Childhood Development Centers
• Hosting regular COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics throughout the fall and  winter that supported over 6,000 people, complimented by a corps of more than 70 volunteer UpStanders through our Center for Loving Kindness who have helped several thousand underserved residents of Allegheny County for needed  assistance with Covid-19 vaccinations

We thank the ongoing and unconditional support of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, and thousands of JCC members and friends who have provided critical financial support to enable us to embrace our life saving/life sustaining work. This sustained philanthropic assistance bolsters our continued optimism of our community’s values and ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances.

Thank you for standing with us over this highly unusual period in our 126-year history. With your continued cooperation and generous support, we look forward to an enriching summer season.

Brian Schreiber, President & CEO
William S. Goodman, Board Chair

December 31, 2020

Dear JCC Members and Friends,

With the governor’s limited-time mitigation order set to expire in several days, we want to confirm that the JCC plans to reopen fitness and aquatics facilities and related programming on Monday, January 4 at 8 am.

As was the case prior to our closure, you can register 72 hours in advance for swim times and live pop-in outdoor classes on our Mind-Body app.  Personal training can also resume indoors or sessions can be scheduled remotely.   We continue to invite you to take advantage of a growing library of pre-recorded exercise classes by your favorite JCC instructors and over 50 live classes a week that our members can enjoy through  jccpgh.org/jccpghvirtual-beyond-our-walls/.

We also remind you that the following services continue to remain open at the JCC:

• Child Care/Early Childhood Development Center (Squirrel Hill and South Hills)

• School Age Child Care – All Day at the J  (Squirrel Hill and South Hills)
• Physical Therapy – PT at the JCC Powered by the JAA
• JCC life sustaining services – such as AgeWell Meals to go and deliveries, blood drives, immunization clinics and Covid-19 testing, in partnership with the Squirrel Hill Health Center

Throughout the course of the pandemic, the JCC remains committed to providing services to the best of our ability.  If you have specific questions, please direct them to [email protected] who can best address your inquiry.

We wish you and your families a safe and healthy new year.

Sincerely,

Brian Schreiber, President & CEO

William S. Goodman, Board Chair

December 10, 2020

Dear JCC Members and Friends,

As we wrote to you several weeks ago, we have been closely monitoring the spike of Covid-19 cases across the Commonwealth and altering activities as needed. Since reopening more than six months ago, your health and safety remains our #1 priority while continuing our mission of community service and sustained impact.

With the Governor’s new mandate in place effective Saturday, December 12, we want to share with you how this impacts service delivery at the JCC.

The following essential services remain open without modification in-person at the JCC:

• Child Care/Early Childhood Development Center (Squirrel Hill and South Hills)
• School Age Child Care – All Day at the J  (Squirrel Hill and South Hills)
• Physical Therapy – PT at the JCC Powered by the JAA
• Individual supportive counseling and information & referral services BY APPOINTMENT ONLY (412.697.3534 or [email protected]) through the 10/27 Healing Partnership
• JCC life sustaining services – such as AgeWell Meals to go and deliveries, blood drives, immunization clinics and Covid-19 testing, in partnership with the Squirrel Hill Health Center

Based on the latest mandate, beginning Saturday, December 12, the JCC will temporarily suspend all indoor fitness, aquatics programs and youth fitness for 23 days until January 4th. This is subject to State and County directives and continued guidance from our health experts and the Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative. The programs mentioned above will be open tomorrow Friday, December 11, until our regularly scheduled closing at 6pm.

The JCC will also continue permissible “POP-IN”, capacity-limited outdoor exercise classes  (weather permitting), where we can continue to practice social distancing guidelines. Personal trainers will be able to continue serving their clients virtually or in socially distanced outdoor settings.

During these few weeks that indoor fitness is prohibited, we invite you to take advantage of a growing library of pre-recorded exercise classes by your favorite JCC instructors and over 50 live classes a week that our members can enjoy through jccpgh.org/jccpghvirtual-beyond-our-walls/.

Despite these challenges, the JCC is doing our utmost to provide services to the best of our ability, including supporting your individual health and wellness needs.   If you have specific questions, please contact [email protected] who can best address your inquiry as quickly as possible.

We wish you continued good health and sincerely thank you for your support during this current chapter of the pandemic.

Thank you,

Brian Schreiber, President & CEO
William S. Goodman, Board Chair

November 20, 2020 –  Modifications

In light of the recent Allegheny County Stay-at-Home Health Advisory

Effective November 20, 2020, the JCC will temporarily suspend:

• Private swim lessons and group swim classes
• Other small group indoor classes (even where social distance can be maintained)
• In person teen and performing arts programs
  

The following services remain in effect and will, in all likelihood, continue as scheduled should the advisory extend to a mandate at a later date:

• Child Care/Early Childhood Developmental Center
• School Age Child Care – All Day at the J
• Physical Therapy – PT at the JCC Powered by the JAA
• JCC life sustaining services such as AgeWell Meals to Go and deliveries, blood drives, immunization clinics
• Recently implemented Covid-19 testing through our partnership with the Squirrel Hill Health Center
• Outdoor, capacity-limited “Pop In” exercise classes will continue, weather permitting, while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
• The JCC will remain open for indoor individual exercise at this time unless otherwise mandated.

July 1, 2020

Dear JCC Members and Families,

We want to make you aware of this afternoon’s order by the PA Secretary of Health ordering all residents of the Commonwealth over age 2 to wear universal face coverings at all times, both inside and outdoors – excluding personal residence. This order takes effect immediately. All JCC programs will continue to operate as scheduled.

We ask for your cooperation in our child care, camping, fitness and nutrition programs as the JCC makes all efforts to comply with this order. Our priority will continue to be the health and safety of our members, guests, and county residents.

Be well,

Brian Schreiber, President & CEO

William S. Goodman, Board Chair

Resources for up-to-date information:
Allegheny County Health Department Updates

Centers for Disease Control

View JCC REOPEN FAQ’s HERE

June 11, 2020

All YOU NEED TO KNOW

June 5, 2020

Dear JCC Members and Friends,
We are excited to announce Phase 1 Reopening
of our Squirrel Hill and South Hills Fitness and Indoor Aquatics Facilities!

On Monday, June 15, we will reopen our buildings to members only for the following activities:

• Cardio
• Weight Training
• Personal Training One-on-One

On Thursday, June 18, we will reopen our buildings to members only for the additional following activity:

• Indoor Pool- Lap Swim Only

The health and safety of our community is the JCC’s top priority. Every decision made regarding our Phase 1 reopening has been through the lens of the health and safety of our members and staff. The JCC has worked closely with long time partner, the Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative, for continued guidance in the reopening plan.

Reopening Phase 1 – is the first of a multi-phased plan to resume JCC fitness and wellness services in a safe and modified form in compliance with state, county and local guidelines and CDC recommendations, including mandatory masks, social distancing and sanitation practices, and extensive cleaning protocols.

Our virtual programming will continue actively as we transition into this next phase, bolstered by its growth and your positive feedback and cognizant that a number of you are not yet ready to reenter public environments. See the class schedule at: jccpghvirtual-beyond-our-walls/

Detailed communication will be shared with you later next week on hours of operation, safety and cleaning protocols, expectations of our members and more.

As we move forward in our next phase – We would like to thank you for your support and patience as we have continued to navigate through this pandemic.

We look to you – the families, community and staff who rely on us- to make this next chapter of  JCC life one of resiliency and accomplishment.

We are excited to see you back at the JCC!

Thank you,

Brian Schreiber, President & CEO
William S. Goodman, Board Chair

June 1, 2020

Dear JCC Members and Friends,

Today is a special day at the JCC as we welcome over 130 young children to our early childhood development center in both branches during the “yellow” phase.   These are our first constituents   physically returning to our facilities in 2 ½ months and we have looked forward to this day for some time.

As Allegheny County begins moving to the “green” designation at week’s end, what does it mean for the JCC and you?

In the not too distant future, we will have the opportunity to reopen our fitness facilities and resume additional activities.  We are actively putting a comprehensive plan in place to resuming our fitness and wellness services in a safe and modified form.

We are not yet ready to announce a reopening date, but will continue to communicate with you electronically and through social media as plans unfold.   We are eager to have you back, but must do it carefully and prudently – mindful of social distancing and capacity limitations.   We will build our reopening plan around CDC and local guidelines and regulations – adapting learnings in real time from a number of sister JCC’s around the country that reopened over the past week and others reopening today.

Our virtual programming will continue actively as we transition into this next phase, bolstered by its growth and your positive feedback and cognizant that a number of you are not yet ready to reenter public environments.

Moving Forward, TOGETHER

As we move forward in our next phase – we look to you- the families, community and staff who rely on us- to make this next chapter of JCC life one of resiliency and accomplishment.

Please click on our 55 second video presentation to share our commitment to our community and to you.

Let’s reopen, re-imagine and rebuild community together.

We look forward to seeing all of you at the JCC as soon as possible.

Thank you,

Brian Schreiber, President & CEO
William S. Goodman, Board Chair

May 22, 2020

Dear JCC Members and Friends,

We hope this letter finds you well and that you have adapted healthy routines during these weeks of limited activity and restrictions.

As Allegheny County has entered its first week in the “yellow,” we are excited to focus our attention on reopening and recovery and serve our community both virtually and in person in a staged and prudent manner.

On June 1, we will be reopening Early Childhood Development Center programs at both our Squirrel Hill and South Hills locations.  This will be done with the utmost of care and attention to current best practices.   Our updated policies and daily protocols are based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning and supported through the consultancy of the Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative, one of the nation’s first collaboratives organized around safety and quality improvement.

View ECDC Reopening FAQs HERE

While we continue to await further state and local guidance, we are increasingly optimistic that our day camp programs in Squirrel Hill, South Hills, and Monroeville will be permitted to operate this summer.   Again, we will rely on directives from civil authorities, as well as guidance from the CDC and our accrediting body, the American Camp Association.   Details and FAQs for both early childhood and day camps will be updated on JCCPGH.org as new information becomes available.  We are disappointed to share that it is increasingly unlikely that the Monroeville Family Park will be open for member and guest use this summer.

As we patiently await a time to reopen other programs at the JCC when the county enters the “green” phase, we are currently making accommodations to our facilities to support physical distancing for workouts, swimming, and classes.

To keep you engaged and active, we will continue expanding #JCCPGHVirtual, a robust menu of LIVE and recorded classes and programming on JCCPGH.org, that is averaging more than 100 programs each week!

Our life sustaining work continues as it has since the beginning of the pandemic, with ongoing nutrition and wellness checks for seniors and a new series of Vitalant blood drives at our facilities that already have helped more than 1,000 of our friends and neighbors in our area. Sign up today at jccpgh.org

We wish you a special holiday weekend as we pay tribute to those who died in service to our country and looking forward to a healthy restart at the JCC!

Brian Schreiber, President & CEO
William S. Goodman, Board Chair

April 13, 2020

Dear JCC Members and Friends,

We hope that you had the opportunity over the past week to celebrate the arrival of Passover and, for those of you of the Christian faith, a meaningful Holy Week.

As we enter our fifth week of service interruption,  we remind you of the JCC’s continuing involvement in life sustaining work and how you can continue to connect to JCC programming remotely.

• Blood Drives: Due to continuing need, donation dates have been extended about both the JCC Squirrel Hill and South Hills facilities through the end of the month in controlled and sanitary environments. Reservations are required – no walk ins allowed.  View Information
• AgeWell at the JCC continues to provide Lunch Meals “To Go” for participants who are already registered in our Senior Center program. jccpgh.org/event/agewell-at-the-jcc.  For those who are in need of nutrition services, but were not registered for senior center services prior to March 14^th, please call 412-350-5460 or 1-800-344-4319 (Toll-free) so that we can connect you to the appropriate services.
• We continue to contact hundreds of older adults each week through wellness checks.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact 412-992-5209.
• The 10.27 Healing Partnership has transferred its services to online formats: 1027healingpartnership.org/

·       Our Virtual Programming to keep you connected is growing by dozens of people each day: The #JCCPGHVirtual initiative on our digital platforms includes opportunities for live classes, meet-ups and activities for all ages. jccpgh.org/jccpghvirtual-beyond-our-walls/.
Please note that, in commemoration of the 7^th day of Passover, the JCC will suspend virtual content on Wednesday, April 15^th and resume the following day.

We remind you that the JCC remains committed to serving our community through the good and the bad, as we have done for the past 125 years.

And with your continued support, we will come back!

Here’s how you can help the JCC:

• Opt-in to donate your membership fees as a charitable contribution. Please fill out this FORM.
  OR
• To make a one-time or recurring donation to the JCC, click donate.jccpgh.org/donate

We wish you good health and a joyous conclusion of Passover.

Thank you-

Brian Schreiber, President & CEO

William S. Goodman, Board Chair

Resources for up-to-date information: During this time when we all are scrambling to stay informed, here are public health resources for up-to-date information:

• Allegheny County Health Department Updates
• Centers for Disease Control

Update 3/27/20

The JCC suspended regular operations of all programs and services and all of our buildings have been closed. In keeping with guidance and directives of our local and state health and elected officials, current plans are for the JCC to remain closed until further notice.

Update as of 3/23/20

Dear JCC Members and Friends,

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we all are doing our best to navigate uncharted waters. We at the JCC – your JCC – are working hard to respond quickly so that we can continue to provide the community with life sustaining services and you with virtual content to stay engaged.

For us to continue supporting your community and providing necessary resources, and to ensure the future of the JCC, we need your help.

The JCC is incurring significant expenses while our buildings are closed. Membership dues have been frozen since March 15, and the JCC will not take April payments until there is a plan to reopen.

Here’s how you can support the JCC:

• Opt-in to donate your membership fees as a charitable contribution. Please fill out this FORM.
  OR
• To make a one-time or recurring donation to the JCC, click donate.jccpgh.org/donate

Our need is critical. Please support us so that we can continue supporting you and our community now and for the years to come.

And as always, take care of yourself and your loved ones, and be well. We look forward to seeing you at the JCC soon.

Brian Schreiber, President & CEO

William S. Goodman, Board Chair

Update as of 3/20/20

March 20, 2020
Dear JCC Members and Families,

As we watch the week unfold, we are settling into an uncomfortable and difficult reality as we continue to heed the guidance and directives of our local and state health and elected officials.

Our primary mission is staying focused on public health, human services and community need while working to keep you virtually connected on our website and emerging social media platforms.

While plans are not finalized, we are in contact with Vitalant (formerly known as Central Blood Bank) to host desperately needed blood donations next week in our Squirrel Hill and South Hills in a controlled and sanitary environment.   We will let you know when dates are scheduled as we have heard from so many people who want to be helpful at this time.

We have also reached out to both the UPMC and Allegheny Health Networks to make our facilities available should a more severe public health need arise to necessitate alternative sites for medical services.   We were created 125 years ago to respond to the health needs of the immigrant community at the turn of the century and will continue to stretch ourselves to provide to support our community at this great time of public need.

Good news!  We received permission to adapt our senior meal program as follows: 

AgeWell at the JCC is pleased to offer Lunch Meals to Go for participants who are already registered in our Senior Center program.

• Meals will be freshly prepared and kosher.
• Meal pickups will be drive-through only, between 11 am and 2 pm Mondays and Wednesdays at the Darlington entrance of the JCC Kaufmann Building, 5738 Darlington Road, Squirrel Hill, beginning Monday, March 23.
• On Mondays, we will be providing one hot and one cold meal – covering two days. On Wednesdays, we will be providing one hot and two cold meals – covering three days.
• Those who are picking up are not to get out of their vehicles
• Participants may pick up for a registered spouse but not for friends. If a senior is unable to pick up meals, please contact Home Delivered Meals at 412-350-5460 or Senior Line 412-350-5460 or 1-800-344-4319
• Participants must call into our lunch line at 412-567-1715 by 8 pm the night before the Monday or Wednesday pickup to reserve each week. Please leave your name (and spouse if picking up for them), and if you will be picking up Monday and/or Wednesday.
• If you have questions, please leave a message on the on the lunch reservation line, 412-567-1715, and we will call you back.
• We regret that we are unable to accommodate walk-ins or register new clients at this time. However, registration for the Senior Center can be made through the Senior Line at 412-350-5460 or 1-800-344-4319 (Toll-free)

We know this is an unusual and uneasy time for everyone, which is why we want to stay connected to you and provide as many services as possible. We are fortunate that through our digital platforms, we can offer you many ways to connect.

Some highlights of #JCCPGHVirtual on our website: https://jccpgh.org/jccpghvirtual-beyond-our-walls/ 

• Group Ex classes, both live streamed and on video
• Demos from our personal trainers
• Information from our health and wellness experts
• Meet-ups for teens
• Live events and activities designed to connect and engage all ages, including our early childhood, afterschool and camp communities

We also acknowledge that some of our members have contacted us with questions about membership and program fees.   We have adopted a strategy that many other businesses and sister JCCs have put into place at this time:

• We are freezing all memberships as of March 15, so there is no need to contact us until we resume services
• We are not taking April payments until we have a plan to reopen, though we will be offering an opt-in opportunity for you to donate your membership fees as a charitable contribution as we continue to incur significant expenses for personnel and facilities while we are closed
• We will provide automatic JCC credit for fees already paid for programs and classes while our buildings remain closed

We have set up a dedicated email inbox for your inquiries at [email protected].  Please continue to bear with us as we transition our workforce to work remotely and support our membership and business operations. Continue to follow our website at https://jccpgh.org for additional information and updates.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones and be well.    We look forward to seeing you at the JCC soon.

Brian Schreiber, President & CEO

William S. Goodman, Board Chair

Update as of 3/17/20

Dear JCC Members,

We continue to follow the COVID-19 situation closely and monitor guidance and directives from state and local government officials as well as the Allegheny County Health Department.

Allegheny County officials are calling on all nonessential businesses in the county to close for at least 14 days beginning Monday, March 16, due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus.

With this information in hand, the JCC is continuing its SUSPENSION of regular operations of all programs and services and all of our buildings have been closed for a minimum of 14 days until at least March 30.

We want to stay connected to all of you while our facilities are closed and are working towards continuing activities virtually.  We will be sending this information to our community via our social channels and emails.

Additionally, we are finalizing plans with the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging to resume our critical meal program in a TO GO format as well as other AgeWell at the JCC resources later this week.

We have set up a dedicated email inbox for your inquiries at [email protected]. Please continue to bear with us as we prepare our workforce to support our membership and business operations remotely.

Please continue to follow our website for additional information and updates.

As this quick moving situation continues to unfold, the JCC will continue to work closely with our local health authorities and government leaders to support our community through this public health crisis as we have proudly done for 125 years.

We are hopeful that you will continue to support the JCC as we work through this and we will do what we can to meet the needs of everyone to serve the entire community for years to come.

Take care of yourself and be well. We look forward to seeing you at the JCC soon.

We thank you for your support and patience at this unprecedented time.

Brian Schreiber, President & CEO

William S. Goodman, Board Chair