Guide Category: Community Organizations

JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Bernard Horwich JCC

At JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Bernard Horwich JCC, located in Chicago’s West Rogers Park neighborhood, your child is at the center of all we do.We strive to provide the foundation for children to develop and grow while bringing Jewish values to life. We believe children flourish and grow in an environment where they can explore, discover and create. Our director and teachers are dedicated professionals who focus on the individual needs of each child. We provide a warm, nurturing environment, enriched with exciting curriculum and a love of Judaism. For ages 2–4 years.

JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Bernard Weinger JCC

At JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Bernard Weinger JCC, in Northbrook, your child is at the center of all we do. We strive to provide the foundation for children to develop and grow while bringing Jewish values to life. Our professional, loving, one-of-a-kind teachers will help your family feel that Bernard Weinger JCC is your home away from home. From incredible classrooms to our beautiful outdoor space, your child will have endless opportunities to learn, play, grow and make friends that last a lifetime. For ages 6 weeks – 4 years.

JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Beth Emet

1224 Dempster St. Evanston IL 60202 847-763-3571 [email protected] At JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Beth Emet, in Evanston, we believe that children as young as 6-weeks are capable and confident learners. Our Reggio Emilia based curriculum provides the fou

JCC Chicago Early Childhood Education

JCC Chicago Early Childhood education provides children with a solid foundation for future learning success, socially, emotionally, cognitively, physically and spiritually. JCC Chicago Early Childhood Centers guide each child to reach his or her individual potential. The approach is simple: JCC Chicago puts your child at the center of everything. NAEYC accredited program covers core curriculum based on national and state standards including math, literacy, science and social studies. The JCC Chicago preschool program integrates Jewish curriculum that is rich in culture and tradition. Premier programs for families with children (infants through 5 years of age) are offered at locations throughout Chicago and the suburbs. Programs include full- and half-day preschool, infant/toddler care, pre-kindergarten, enrichment classes, adult/child classes, parenting classes, JNew Mom's Group, Stay and Play, preschool summer camp, summer fun programs and family events.

JCC Chicago Elaine Frank Apachi Day Camp

Nestled within 37 beautiful acres on the Lake County Jewish Community Campus, Elaine Frank Apachi J Camp features sprawling green sports fields, natural wetlands, winding nature trails, two heated outdoor pools, a climbing wall, zipline, ropes course, athletic courts, air-conditioned buildings and more. Our campers also get to take advantage of the amazing and unique Garoon Gateway to Science, an outdoor S.T.E.A.M. museum with 52 engaging, hands-on exhibits to explore. 3 years—7th grade + CIT.

JCC Chicago Family Programming

Second Fridays 5:45-7:30pm Northbrook@ Bernard Weinger JCC; Lake Zurich @ Lake County JCC; Lakeview @ Florence G. Heller JCC. Who doesn't love seconds and thirds of a good thing? Join the JCC community for a young family Shabbat on second Friday nights monthly. We provide dinner and dessert along with songs, stories and of course Shabbat Candle lighting and challah! Each month, Third Saturdays 3:30pm-5:00pm in Northbrook, Lake County, Lakeview. Third Saturdays is an opportunity for your family to enjoy an afternoon of fun with your JCC community. Ending with Havdalah, families can participate in a themed craft, snack and an interactive activity or entertainment.

JCC Chicago Financial Resource Development & Endowment

The JCC Chicago Endowment Foundation, in partnership with the Jewish United Fund's Agency Endowment Program, was created to provide for the agency's future and that of our programs and services to the greater Chicago Jewish community. Endowment revenue and annual philanthropic support enable JCC Chicago to strengthen Jewish identity and community, develop and deliver innovative programs and services, and cultivate future leaders in the Jewish community.

JCC Chicago Financial Resource Development & Endowment

The JCC Chicago Endowment Foundation, in partnership with the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago's Agency Endowment Program, was created to provide for the agency's future and that of our programs and services to the greater Chicago Jewish community. Endowment revenue and annual philanthropic support enable JCC Chicago to strengthen Jewish identity and community, develop and deliver innovative programs and services, and cultivate future leaders in the Jewish community.

JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival

The 6th Annual JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival will run March 1-17, 2019 featuring a compelling and diverse selection of films, including narratives, comedies, and documentaries, that will stir emotion, nostalgia, and inspire conversation. This year the festival is featuring films that focus on strong, inspiring female protagonists, women who make a difference for their families, for their communities, and the world. The 2019 festival includes masterfully told films that give a powerful voice to issues of social justice and come together to create a film festival infused with stories of love, loss, learning, humor and survival. This year, the JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival will include 43 feature-length films shown at premiere venues across the city and suburbs.

JCC Chicago Kehilla Programs

Sustaining a vibrant Jewish community. The Rose and Sidney N. Shure Kehilla Program is aimed at helping young adults and young families engage with Jewish life on the North Side of Chicago. The program is focused on sustaining a vibrant Jewish community in the City of Chicago with extensive engagement opportunities for singles and young married couples.

JCC Chicago Marketing & Fundraising-Development

5050 Church Street Skokie IL 60077 (847) 763-3666 (847) 763-3636 http://www.gojcc.org Doreen Edelman, Director of Marketing & Creative Services None true

JCC Chicago School’s Out

When school is closed, we’re here for you. School’s Out provides an enriching environment for children across Chicago. Our professional staff balances specialized activities with opportunities for independent play. Your child will enjoy participating in unique “In-House” programs that include games, crafts and a chance to meet new friends. Dynamic School’s Out field trips spark curiosity, foster creativity, and encourage fun! School’s Out is open to all children grades K-6, and before and after care may be provided to extend the day. We’re in session for most school holidays, institute days and emergency weather days.

JCC Chicago Sports & Aquatics

JCC Chicago offers a wide variety of sports programming at locations across Chicagoland. All programs provide an opportunity to learn new skills and progress in development through instruction, practice, and individual or team play. Children will learn a love for sports and find new challenges in a variety of classes and leagues within an appropriately competitive atmosphere. Staff is trained to enhance self esteem, teach skills and bring Jewish values to life both on and off the field/court. JCC Chicago also excels at group and individual swim instruction at all swim levels as well as lifeguard training. Swim lessons begin for children as young as three months old. Parent/tot, group and private swim lessons are also available. All-In Swim is a new, inclusive learn-to-swim program for children with autism spectrum disorder and is offered at aquatic locations across the city and suburbs.

JCC Chicago Travel

Travel with the J is more than just a trip. It's a unique and exciting opportunity to experience cultures and countries through thoughtfully designed, guided vacations paired with off the beaten path adventures. Our extraordinary guides and experienced tour leaders bring a richness and context to everything you see and do. Intimate group sizes provide personal attention, a chance to engage and connect with family and fellow travelers, and the ability to create your own story.

JCC Chicago Women’s Board

The JCC Chicago Women’s Board is a dedicated volunteer organization with an ongoing legacy of financial commitment, providing annual scholarship assistance to eligible campers at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi J Camp, Elaine Frank Apachi J Camp, Apachi Village J Camp, Camp Chi and all JCC Chicago Apachi J Camps in the city. Annual Women’s Board activities and initiatives strengthen JCC camps and enhance programs and facilities. The JCC Chicago Women’s Board also provides direct services to the needs of the greater Chicago Jewish community.

JCC Chicago’s J at School

Start and end each school day with learning, excitement and fun. J at School offers year-round programming with After School, Before School and Enrichment programs. Highly trained JCC staff guide children through entertaining and academically enriching activities, assist

JCC Maccabi Chicago

An annual, international Olympic-style sporting event held each summer in select cities for Jewish teens, 13-16 years of age. Competition includes basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, flag football, volleyball, track and field, swimming, tennis, golf, ice hockey and more. The largest organized sports program for Jewish teenagers in the world, the Games provide 6,000 Jewish youth with an unparalleled athletic and cultural experience and strengthens Jewish identity. A summer arts experience for creative Jewish teens ages 13-17 features workshops in a variety of specialties with some of the leading artists in each field and incorporates community service, social activities, and themes of Jewish heritage, community, and Israel.

JCC Perlstein Retreat Center

Host your next gathering on our 20 wooded, lakeside acres, right next door to the Wisconsin Dells. Serene and spacious facilities offer your group a real retreat from the hustle and bustle of every day. We are the perfect location whether you are celebrating, working or playing. Our professional staff help coordinate your special events and meetings. Every event at Perlstein Retreat Center is unique. We will customize our services to meet your needs so that your next gathering will be unforgettable. Winter Address:3050 Woodridge Lane Northbrook, IL 60062

JCC Pritzker Center for Jewish Education

Supporting Jewish educational programs and services offered by JCC.

JCC Shalom Over 50

Shalom Over 50 is a Jewish club that meets weekly at Shir Tikvah in Homewood for Yiddish classes, speakers and fellowship. A full schedule of thought-provoking lectures, current events and performances ensures lively discussion and a good time. Lunch is provided each week.

JCFS Chicago

Jewish Community Against Sex Trafficking Chicago (JCAST Chicago)

Works to eradicate sex trafficking in the Chicago area through public awareness, community engagement, and advocacy at state, local and national levels. Partners with interfaith and human rights groups, non-profit organizations, government officials, and law enforcement agencies, and works with congregations, clergy, Jewish organizations and secular groups to educate the community and take action to end demand for purchased sex and protect children. The coalition meets bimonthly in Chicago and the Northern Suburbs.

Jewish Council on Urban Affairs (JCUA)

Works to combat poverty, racism, and anti-Semitism working in partnership with diverse communities in Chicago. JCUA mobilizes the Jewish community to act on social justice issues that address the root causes of disparity and inequality in the city and region. Jewish community members can get involved through membership, regular meetings, events, and leadership development opportunities. Or Tzedek is JCUA's Teen Institute for Social Justice. Offering both year-round programs and immersive summer sessions, Or Tzedek reaches hundreds of teens every year. Teens build advocacy and community organizing skills, take action on meaningful social justice campaigns, and of course, have fun!

Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois

A non-profit organization dedicated to helping members collect, preserve, and perpetuate the records and history of their ancestors. JGSI is a resource for the worldwide Jewish community to research their Chicago-area roots. Monthly meetings feature informative speakers as well as access to an 800-volume genealogy research library and volunteer genealogy help desk. Members also have access to useful and informative online family history research resources, including a members forum, video recordings of past speakers' presentations, the JGSI Jewish Chicago Database, monthly JGSI E-News, quarterly Morasha JGSI newsletter, and much more.

Jewish Labor Committee

Enables the Jewish community and the trade union movement to work together on issues of mutual concern, including the security of Israel, combating anti-Semitism and other forms of racism, and economic and social justice.

Jewish Neighborhood Development Council of Chicago (JNDC)

Strengthening and preserving Chicago's flagship Jewish community in an international neighborhood. JCCWRP is an organization of neighborhood residents and Jewish community leaders who care deeply about the past, the present, and the future of West Rogers Park. We aim to promote and encourage commercial, cultural and residential development designed to sustain a thriving community for generations to come.

Jewish Student Union (JSU)

Runs more than 200 Jewish culture clubs on public high school campuses. The clubs provide Jewish teens with programs that strengthen their Jewish identity and connection to Israel.

Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A.

Open for membership to all Jewish veterans who have served in the US Armed Forces. We are organized into local posts which support veterans in local VA hospitals, uphold the fair name of the Jew, preserve the memories of patriotic service, honor the memory of our heroic dead, foster the education of former service-members, and provide support for active duty service members.

Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. Post 54

Open to all U.S. Armed Forces Jewish veterans regardless of where and when served. We support all veterans in local VA hospitals and through community activities, preserve the memories of patriotic service, honor the memory of our heroic dead, foster the education of former service members, and provide support for active duty service members. We meet the second Sunday of every month at Cong. Etz Chaim in Lombard, at 10am (please check our website for exact time and location). You are invited to attend a meeting, become a member, and help us help all veterans.

Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs (JACPAC)

Supports a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, reproductive choice and separation of religion and state.

JPRO Chicago

The mission of JPRO Chicago is to support individual career growth and the collective growth of our community by serving as a central resource for professional development. JPRO Chicago connects Chicago’s Jewish communal professionals to each other, provides training and leadership development opportunities, inspires and strengthens individuals and their organizations, and empowers professionals to make a difference in our community.

JUF TOV Volunteer Network

Engages members of our community in the mitzvah of tikkun olam, repairing our world. TOV connects individuals of all ages to one-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities throughout the Jewish and greater Chicago community. Join TOV in repairing the world, one good deed at a time.

JUF Uptown Cafe

Located in the Dina and Eli Field EZRA Multi-Service Center, this first kosher anti-hunger program feeds the hungry while nourishing their spirits. The Cafe serves dinner three nights a week and Sunday brunch. Staffed by volunteer servers, the Cafe provides a dignified setting for nutritious food and connections to the community.

JVS Career and Employment Central Office

Keshet: Special Needs. Extraordinary Opportunities

Keshet, a non-profit organization founded in 1982, provides state-of-the-art, year-round educational, recreational, and vocational programs for children and young adults with developmental and varying learning challenges. Students are mainstreamed, with assistance, into existing schools, camps and the workplace alongside their typically developing peers. Keshet believes that every child and young adult should have the opportunity to participate in the mainstream of their community.

Lubavitch Women’s Organization

Programs for all Jewish denominations.

Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago

Delivers kosher holiday foods to families and individuals in need throughout the Chicago metropolitan community. Food is delivered for Rosh Hashanah and Passover. Volunteer opportunities exist for all aspects of the delivery—building boxes, packing boxes, and delivering the meals door to door. Everyone is welcome.

Maxwell Street Foundation

The mission of the Maxwell Street Foundation is to preserve and interpret the history of Chicago's Maxwell Street neighborhood for future generations. The Foundation presents slide programs at outside venues about historic Maxwell Street; walking tours of the redeveloped Maxwell Street, upon request; and participates with the New Maxwell Street Market on select Sundays of the year operated by the City of Chicago on Desplaines Avenue north of Roosevelt Rd. The Foundation sells Maxwell Street-themed items on its website, and accepts donations of Maxwell Street artifacts and memorabilia for its archive and collection. The Foundation provides research in its archive upon request, for a donation. The Foundation assists new research on historic or contemporary aspects of Maxwell Street and the Market. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and contributions are tax deductible.

Midwest Jewish Council

Yearly commemorations of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and continuing remembrance of the Holocaust.

Mount Sinai Hospital Resale Shops

814 W. Diversey Ave. Chicago IL 60614 (773) 935-1434 true 0737

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW)

The National Council of Jewish Women is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children and families, and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. For over a century, NCJW has been at the forefront of social change. NCJW members are outspoken champions for progressive policies at the federal, state and local levels. Over the years, NCJW's collective voice has changed the world for the better -- improving the lives of women, children and families in the US and Israel.

National Council of Jewish Women South Cook (NCJW)

For 96 years, NCJW South Cook Section has addressed the needs of our South Suburban Chicago communities through dedication to improving the lives of women, children, and families, community service, and advocacy programs to preserve our individual rights and freedoms. We are advocates, tutors, readers, art appreciation volunteers, local agency board members, actors and singers who entertain special needs populations, supporters of local emergency shelters, lunch servers, donors, event planners, and so much more. We are proud to partner with other local agencies to provide the most comprehensive programs to assist those in need in our communities.

ORT Resale Shop (Highland Park)

Proceeds benefit the Women's American ORT education programs.

Pushing the Envelope Farm

A community farm and education center in Chicagoland's Fox Valley serving the greater metropolitan Chicago area. The farm explores Jewish connection to the land, provides hands-on educational experiences, and offers the opportunity to experience sustainable agriculture firsthand. The farm provides a wide variety of custom programs, such as educational programs and workshops for people of all ages and groups such as schools, synagogues, churches, home school and scout groups either on the farm or off the farm.The 14-acre site hosts organic farm that grows anything from small plots to multiple acres of land.

REFUGE: Stories of the Selfhelp Home

A highly acclaimed documentary that explores the lives of Holocaust survivors and refugees from Chicago and tells the story of a community here that has given refuge to more than 1,000 victims of Nazi persecution from Central Europe. Director Ethan Bensinger is available for programs. Accompanying educational curriculum. No charge to community organizations and schools.

Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC)

Fosters and enhances ties between the American Jewish-community and Republican decision-makers.

Road Scholar, formerly Elderhostel

JCC offers a variety of multi-day programs with a focus on Chicago. Each program provides an opportunity for stimulating and interesting experiences and discussions, enriched by the insight of expert docents and the company of fellow lifelong learners. Past programs have included Signature City Chicago, A Taste of Chicago's Food History, Beautiful Music at Ravinia, Theatre in Chicago, and City Highlights Weekend. Road Scholar programs offer adults 55+ affordable, short-term vacation opportunities designed to be both educationally and culturally stimulating and socially gratifying. Program fees include Road Scholar educational sessions, accommodations, entertainment and most meals.

Say it in Hebrew!

Connect to Israel and Jewish culture by learning the everyday language spoken in Israel so that is practical, relevant and effective for real life. Students are immersed in a Hebrew speaking setting in small classes with fellow learners of similar language proficiency. Multiple levels of instruction at three sites across the Chicago area.

SHALVA

Supports Jewish women experiencing and healing from domestic abuse, through counseling, supportive services and education. Free, confidential services include: 24-hour help/crisis line, individual and group counseling, legal support, financial assistance, case management and referrals.

Sharsheret

Sharsheret is a national not-for-profit organization supporting Jewish women and their families facing breast and ovarian cancer. Our mission is to offer a community of support to women, of all Jewish backgrounds, diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer or at increased genetic risk, by fostering culturally-relevant individualized connections with networks of peers, health professionals, and related resources.