OFFICERS Caron Mitchell, Chair
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter from Todd Rockoff.............................3
Danielle Kaplan, Chair Elect Lea Standridge, Vice Chair
Elise Lopez, Vice Chair Tamar Kugler, Vice Chair Eric Smith, Treasurer Lauren Talkington, Secretary Jordan Emerson, Immediate Past Chair
Financial Summary.........................................4
Philanthropy + Development......................5
Membership, Experience + Facilities .......8
Fitness + Wellness..........................................9
Arts, Culture + Community........................16
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jack Alvarez Randy Emerson Joy Feldman Katie Filous-Malka Rina Fox Jenna Lefkowits Max Miller Raquel Schnitzer Abby Stadheim Lee Surwit Lauren Talkington Cindy Tank Claire West Ben Wexler Todd Wiener
Early Childhood Education........................18
Children, Youth, + Teen..............................20
Disability Program Services .....................24
Thank You Community Partners.............26
YOATZIM TEAM
Todd Rockoff, President + CEO Josh Shenker, Chief Operating Officer Fran Katz, Chief Development Officer Mike Gadarian, Chief Financial Officer
Amy Dowe Sr. Director of Member Experience + Wellness Julius English Sr. Director of Youth, Camp, + Talent Dale Green Sr. Director of Building Services Jennifer Lorch Selco Sr. Director of Jewish Life + Engagement
Rachael Mitchell Sr. Director of Marketing, Communications + PR Charlie Paige Sr. Director of Disability Program Services Joline Riddle Sr. Director of Early Childhood Education
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT + CEO
Dear Tucson J Community, 2024 was a year filled with remarkable accomplishments here at the Tucson J; I am filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible journey we undertook together. This year has been a significant milestone for the Tucson J as we continued to strengthen our financial foundation and expand our programmatic offerings, all while creating a welcoming environment that embodies our vision of being the town square of our community. We have proudly affirmed that at the Tucson J everyone belongs and some people join, and it is this very sense of belonging that we have worked so diligently to cultivate. Our commitment to relationship-based engagement has deepened connections within our diverse community, ensuring that every individual feels valued and included. I would like to take a moment to recognize our unbelievable staff and dedicated board. Their unwavering passion, creativity, and hard work have driven our success this year. Their tireless efforts have allowed us to serve our community more effectively and with greater impact than ever before. We are looking ahead, with great anticipation. We are excited to host the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games, an event that will not only showcase the talent of young athletes but also foster a spirit of unity and camaraderie among participants. Additionally, we are in the process of creating a new strategic plan that will propel us into a bright future, equipped with the vision and goals that will guide us in fulfilling our mission. In the coming pages you will have the chance to read about the work of each of our departments and how individually and collectively we work to build and strengthen our community. Thank you for being an integral part of our Tucson J family. Together, we are building a community where everyone feels at home and connected. Here’s to another year of growth, collaboration, and unforgettable memories. With deep gratitude,
Todd Rockoff President and CEO
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
2024 Operating Fund Revenue
Program Revenue Membership Dues Contributions/Grants
41% $ 5,659,776 17% $ 2,363,985 14% $ 1,953,792
4%
22%
JPSA Allocation
2% $ 273,652
DDD Funding
22% $ 2,852,660
Other Total
4% $ 579,815
41%
$ 13,683,680
2%
14%
17%
2024 Operating Fund Expense
Payroll + Benefits 67% $ 9,162,370 Contract Fees - Services 9% $ 1,222,508 Facilities 10% $ 1,285,432 Program 8% $ 1,169,707 Administrative 6% $ 873,440 Total $ 13,713,457
6%
8%
10%
67%
9%
PHILANTHROPY + DEVELOPMENT
“At the minimum, The J has always exceeded my expectations. There is simply no other facility in Tucson that compares to the comprehensive scope of services, programs, friendliness of the staff, the members and overall culture.” - J Member, Jeffrey Ferber
In 2024, our community showed up for the Tucson J more than ever before—with more individual and corporate partners contributing to our mission through their financial support, totaling nearly $4.5 million in gifts including over $800K awarded in grants. But it’s not only our donors who make a difference; our volunteers, staff, and all of the people who come to the J to learn, play, and grow, helped us further our work in 2024. This remarkable surge in support and participation reflects a growing belief in what we’re building together: not just programs and services, but a strong, sustainable future. This year, we turned our focus toward capital improvements—investing in the spaces and places that bring our mission to life. Thanks to the generosity of our expanding donor base, we were able to make essential upgrades across our campus, ensuring that the J remains a welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring environment for all who walk through our doors. Momentum continued with our Patrons of the Arts fueling the evolution of our Arts, Culture + Community programming through offerings like the Mike + Beth Kasser Signature Series and allowing us to keep this programming not only of the highest quality, but accessible to all. The spirit of giving in 2024 has not only sustained us—it has transformed us. We are deeply grateful for the support of our community. Some highlights from the year include: • The creation of the Endowment for the Future of the Tucson J was started with initial funds contributed by the Tucson J board; thanks to a generous donor who provided a $500,000 matching grant, the endowment will support the growth and sustainability of our work. • A newly remodeled Alice and Paul Baker Ballroom gave our flourishing Arts, Culture, and Community programs an updated home that reflects the quality and value of our offerings. • As an extension of our service pledge to provide a safe and secure environment for all people of all ages, we began building Phase 1 of the Accessible Pool Playground that accommodates wheelchair users and offers one more place for families of all shapes and sizes to play at the Tucson J.
TOTAL OF ALL CAMPAIGNS $4,365,109.62
2024 Annual Giving
Stars of Giving $ 379,567.54 Tucson JCC Tax Credit Fund $ 113,292.50 Patron of the Arts $ 71,800 Early Childhood Education $ 60,379* Friends of the J $ 57,359.34 Arts for All $ 9,938.37 Camp J $ 66,300.00 Disability Program Services $ 9,900 Corporate Partners $ 42,555 PJ Library $ 38,005 PJ Library Grandparents Circle $ 30,160 Grants $ 574,480** Legacy $ 12,180*** 2025 Tucson J Intl. Film Festival $ 17,060.64 General Temp Restricted Fund $ 349,282.68 Tennis $ 300 Erin Schoenberg Endowment $ 4221.55 Tributes and Memorials $ 2313 Garden of Hope $ 358 Sculpture Garden $ 20,435**** Total $ 1,859,529.62
* Includes interest from Jill Rosenzweig Sculpture Garden endowment ** Total cash received for grants in 2024 $827,964 *** Have received a commitment for a $500,000 match **** Includes interest from Jill Rosenzweig Sculpture Garden endowment
2024 Special Projects
Inclusive Playground
$ 467,400*
JCC Maccabi Games 2025
$ 1,038,180**
19%
Jewish Heritage Center
$ 250,000 $ 750,000
30%
Ballroom
Total
$ 2,505,580
* Includes $150,00 to be paid in 2025 ** Cash in hand $534,784
10%
41%
GRANT ACTIVITY
Grant Status
2024 Funders
Awarded 21 $ 2,871,580
Camp J • Cox Charities (AZ Community Foundation): $3,500 for Science of Sport Curriculum Disability Program Services • AZ Commission on the Arts: $9,700 for Arts for All • Arizona Complete Health: $5,000 for health and fitness instructors • AZ Dept of Transportation: $145,774 for a replacement vehicle and preventative maintenance • City of Tucson Framework Funding: $30,000 for workforce development program • David & Lura Lovell Foundation: $125,000 for Arts for All Sustainability Initiative • Dennis Schuman Charitable Foundation: $5,000 for security for DPS • Elizabeth Read Taylor Foundation: $10,000 for workforce development program • Long Realty Cares Foundation: $1,000 for vocational programming • Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation: $8,000 for DPS culinary project Early Childhood Education • AZ DES Childcare Assistance Provider Grant: $80,000 for staff salaries Healthy Aging Programs • The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Molly Blank Fund: $30,000 for Healthy Aging Programs • Parkinson’s Foundation Community Grant: $15,000 for Parkinson’s Wellness Program • The Sephardic Foundation on Aging: $19,000 for “You Belong Here” Dementia Friendly Initiative • Banner Community Reinvestment: $50,000 for Healthy Aging Programs Inclusive Playground • The Harold Grinspoon Foundation: $25,000 matching grant J-Care • Pima Federal Credit Union: $500 • ScanSource Charitable Foundation: $1,500 for transportation costs JCC/Arts for All Integration • Community Finance Corporation: $10,000 for Arts for All integration Jewish Life & Learning • JPSA Palchik Family: $5,000 for Shavuot community programming • JCCA Mithabrim Grant: $12,000 for Israel Week • Better Together Grant: $5,000 for BBYO/Handmaker Better Together Program • Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona: $30,000 for Engagement Manager position • The Harold Grinspoon Foundation: $14,640 for two Parent Connectors Sports & Wellness • USA Swimming Foundation: $1,500 for free swim lessons • Cardinals Charities: $5,000 for community tennis program Security • AZ Department of Homeland Security: $150,000 for security upgrades • JPSA/JFNA Emergency Security Grant: $14,850 Other • JPSA Fall Grant: $15,000 for strategic planning
Pending 21 $ 423,500
Denied
30
Submitted 72 $ 2,871,580
2024 Grant Win Rate: 29.2% (21 out of 72)
Grants by Program Area
Disability Program Services
$ 339,474 $ 164,850 $ 114,000 $ 80,000 $ 67,640 $ 25,000 $ 15,000 $ 10,000
Security
Healthy Aging Programs Early Childhood Education Jewish Life + Learning Inclusive Playground
Strategic Planning
JCC/Arts for All Integration
Sports + Wellness
$ 6,500 $ 3,500 $ 2,000
Camp J
JCare Total
$ 827,964
MEMBERSHIP, EXPERIENCE + FACILITIES
Our membership community continued to thrive in 2024, fueled by the growing sense of belonging and connection that defines the J. The year brought a steady wave of new faces—nearly 600 new individuals or families joined us—and we deepened our relationships with returning members, each one adding to the rich tapestry of our community. We remained deeply committed to ensuring that financial circumstances never stand in the way of someone’s participation, keeping accessibility at the center of all we do by offering scholarships to more than 200 members. This commitment extended beyond traditional membership as we deepened our relationships with local organizations through expanded facility partnerships and rentals. By opening our doors to a broader range of community groups and events, we welcomed new energy into our spaces and planted the seeds for organic membership growth in the process. 2024 wasn’t just about numbers—it was about people, connection, and creating spaces where everyone feels at home. Some highlights from the year include: • We kicked off the year in the spirit of community building and Tikkun Olam with Blood Drives in January and April in partnership with the Red Cross, and later in the year made an impact with a Community Wide Volunteer Day with Jewish Philanthropies of Southern AZ in April and our annual School Supply Drive for Homer Davis Elementary School in July. • In July and August, we welcomed new members with our Splash into Summer Sale that was promoted during the 2024 Summer Olympic Games on KVOA. The commercial spot featured
members and staff who were excited to see our vibrant community represented in a global event that shares our mission to foster wellness! • With the beautifully renovated Alice and Paul Baker Ballroom available, we were proud to welcome more lifecycle events like weddings and Bat Mitzvahs, as well as more upscale speaking and philanthropic events to the Tucson J as rentals.
Membership Revenue $2,348,568
People receiving Scholarships 210 Insurance-Based Membership Units 3,642
Active Dues-Based Membership Units 1,993
Total New Joins 574
Awarded in Scholarships $115,110
“Great location, excellent early childhood education, terrific tennis courts, glorious pool and aquatics, super friendly, amazing fitness classes and exercise equipment, very safe, great cafe, and film festival, weekly newsletter, clean locker room and relaxation center.” - Priscilla Edelman , J Member
FITNESS + WELLNESS
In 2024, our approach to Fitness + Wellness centered around the key idea that every journey at the J is personal and it is our responsibility to respond and adapt to the unique needs of our individuals and our community at large. Through signature services like Personal Training, new offerings like Adult Stroke Clinics and American Red Cross Lifeguard Certifications, more Pickleball programming keeping on top of national trends, and a continued focus on our Healthy Aging programs, we saw consistent growth across all areas of wellness—proof that tailored support makes a real difference. Beyond individual goals, we continued to view wellness through a holistic lens, offering programs that nourish the body, engage the mind, and build meaningful connections. Whether fostering community through group experiences or empowering individuals with custom pathways to health, the Tucson J is proud to be more than just a fitness center—we’re a place where wellness is personal, inclusive, and rooted in community. Some highlights from the year include: • In January 2024, we revamped the Fitness Center, improving the flow of the space and bringing in new cardio and strength equipment, including a new 60’ turf area for high intensity training. • Personal Training continues to be a huge income driver, but more than that, these programs foster relationship-building with members and guests across the age spectrum; in 2024, we offered an incredible 9,259 personal training sessions—up by over 100 in 2023.
“The J really feels like a fitness community for all abilities. From the friendly and knowledgeable instructors to the diversity of classes and equipment.” – Jasmine Gruia-Gray, J Member
Fitness + Wellness Revenue. Includes JXT, Ladies Who Lift, and additional small programs $74,232
JXT Participants 60 Participants 17 Krav Maga + Jiu Jitsu Participants 34
Ladies Who Lift
Personal Training Revenue $579,125
Personal Training Sessions for 567 Participants 9,259
Sports + Rec Revenue $176,612 Adult Programs $38,806 Youth Programs $125,831
SPORTS + REC Some highlights from the year include:
• In 2024, we listened to our community and expanded the programs they love and offered new opportunities based on their preferences including bringing back our Adult Volleyball League and adding new Youth Flag Football Clinics. • For the third year, we were proud to bring in local legend Sam Thomas (formerly of the UA Wildcats and Phoenix Mercury) to host the Hoop Group Youth Basketball Clinic for 48 young basketball enthusiasts. • In March, in partnership with the Weintraub Israel Center, we welcomed the Israel ParaSport Center’s Hope in Motion Wheelchair Basketball Tour for two matches and a truly inspiring experience for our community. • In July, we partnered with USA Track & Field to offer Run, Jump and Throw, with nearly 50 youth coming to the free event to learn from experts in the field! • We ended the year with largest Hanukkah Hot Cocoa Run we’ve seen in it’s 8-year history, with 304 participants of all ages and more community partners and vendors than ever joining the fun, including a DJ from iHeartRadio thanks to our Corporate Partnership.
Hanukkah Hot Cocoa Run $6,694
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
Youth Volleyball Clinics 14
Private Sports Lessons 136 Peewee Sports 97 Adult Drop-In Volleyball League 54 Youth Basketball Leagues + Clinics 226 Youth Flag Football Clinics 8 Sam Thomas Hoop Group Clinic 48
Youth Dance 68
Men’s Basketball League 93 Hanukkah Hot Cocoa Run 304 Run, Jump + Throw with USA Track and Field 49
“The J is a welcoming environment that has supported our family’s needs for education, supervision, sports and recreation.” – Sally Boeve, J Member
RACQUET SPORTS Some highlights from the year include:
• Our dedicated Racquet Sports community grew with continued interest in Pickleball programming offered for all levels, with some focus on beginners—130 of whom took Pickleball lessons with a Tucson J pro. • Always in effort to forge stronger community partnerships, we began offering tennis programming to Tucson Hebrew Academy students during the school day, which yielded an increase in participation in other Youth Tennis programming.
“I love the tennis instructors and I think they do a great job with the clinics for adults.” – Linda Barrows, J Member
Aquatics Revenue $300,009
AQUATICS Some highlights from the year include:
“As an avid swimmer, I was initially attracted to the J’s excellent pool and locker room facilities. But over almost a year that I have been swimming almost daily at the J, I have developed fondness, gratitude and a sense of respect for the diverse community I find here. I was especially impressed by the youth programs at the pool this summer. There were equal measures of fun and focus in the kids – the young students along with their teen leaders – and the results were fun to watch. Usually, a pool full of kids is anathema to lap swimmers, but in this case it was a joy to share the pool with them. Whether seniors, swim teams, special needs groups, water aerobics or other classes, the pool is a happy, inclusive place … and in my mind I extend that feeling to the entire facility.” - Rick Chatenever, J Member • For the second year in a row, we were awarded a USA Learn to Swim Grant that facilitated free or reduced cost swim lessons, this year to 19 members of our community. Age Group State Championships, sending six swimmers to compete (two more than in 2023), and 12 athletes attended the Long Course Regional Championship with four Stingrays qualifying for the Long Course State Championship. • With continued growth for the Stingrays Swim Team, we created the Stingrays Pups Prep Program to bridge swimmers from lessons to swim team, with 19 swimmers participating. • Families from across Tucson joined us for the 4th Annual Water Safety Day in partnership with Tucson Medical Center. • To keep up with growing demand for JRays Swim School Swim, we hired 10 new swim instructors in 2024. • We increased Adult Aquatics programming with the return of American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification and the introduction of monthly Adult Stroke Clinics. • In February, we had a relationship-building moment with a Swim & Sip event where community members could meet the Aquatics staff, learn about our programs, and participate in assessments and mini-clinics. • The Stingrays made a splash at Short Course
Masters Swim $8,853
Stingrays Swim Team $140,982 JRays Swim School $137,480
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
Adult Stroke Clinics 13
Private/Semi-Private Swim Lessons 242 Group Swim Lessons 294 Stingrays Swim Team Swimmers 111 Pups: Stingrays Prep Program 19 USA Learn to Swim Grant Recipients 19
Masters Swimmers 31 Swim + Sip: Assessment + Clinic 25 American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certifications 16
Healthy Aging Revenue $154,266 Program Income $63,182 Grants, Donations, + Other Income $91,083
HEALTHY AGING Some highlights from the year include:
• Healthy Aging Programs nearly tripled in grant support and private donations over last year with $91,083 in 2024 compared to $27,220 in 2023, which facilitated growth and ensured that our programs remained financially accessible for those who need them most. • Taking a relationship-based approach and recognizing the need to offer more support for caregivers, in March, April, and October, we welcomed 55 community members across three sessions of the Aging and Social Connections Lecture Series. • We introduced Aquatics for People with Dementia in October and due to its success, will repeat the class in Spring 2025. • Dr. Linda Travis, Psy.D., Director of Healthy Aging, was the recipient of the Trailblazer Award from Banner Alzheimer’s Institute-Most Innovative Programming in Arizona and Personal Trainer Jamie High was certified July 2024 PWR!Moves for Parkinson’s Wellness. • 133 Tucson J team members, instructors, volunteers and community members across 9 sessions participated in “Dementia Friendly Training” with support from Sephardic Grant. Led by Dr. Linda Travis, Psy.D,, the outcome objectives for the first half of project were reached: 1) over 90% of those attending each of the nine sessions reported an increased awareness of dementia, as measured by the Dementia Friends pre-post survey administered to participants; and 2) over 90% of those attending each of the nine sessions reported feeling more confident/equipped to recognize the signs and offer support to the needs of a person living with dementia trying to navigate in the community, as measured by the Dementia Friends Arizona Evaluation survey administered to participants.
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
Parkinson’s Wellness Exercise Classes 22 Aging + Social Connection Lectures 55 Balance, Mobility + Fall Prevention 19
BEST Protocol for Osteoporosis 57 Parkinson’s Support Group 28
Movement Arts Immersion 19
Tucson J Staff and Volunteers Participated in Dementia Friendly Training 133
“Nice facilities, good location, nice members, great staff. Clean, updated. eight years old, eighteen years old, eighty years old will feel at home and receive many benefits.” - Richard Hibner, J Member
ARTS, CULTURE + COMMUNITY
In 2024, the Tucson J continued to harness the power of arts and culture to build community, foster connection, and support meaningful Jewish journeys. Our programs served as pathways for individuals to explore their Jewish identity while connecting meaningfully with others across diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Through vibrant programs that celebrate creativity and cultural expression, we continued to offer opportunities for people to reflect on their own stories and be inspired by those of others. PJ Library saw remarkable growth this year, becoming a central way to engage young families and spark Jewish identity from an early age. Through Storytimes, holiday events, and parent-focused gatherings, PJ Library created accessible, joyful entry points into Jewish life and helped families feel more connected to one another and to the broader community. The Beth and Mike Kasser Patron of Arts Signature Event Series kicked off the first three of five musical and speaking events with Saul Kaye, Dr. Keren McGinnity, and Hen Mazzig, allowing us to reach new audiences, deepen community ties, and connect to Jewish Peoplehood. To support this work, we launched the Relationship- Based Engagement Committee—a dedicated group of lay leaders serving as ambassadors throughout the community. These individuals took an active role in getting to know members personally, connecting them with programs, organizations, and people that align with their interests and values. Together, in 2024 we created a more interconnected and responsive community that celebrates the joy of Jewish living, together. Some highlights from the year include: • We hosted community learning with Gather, Inc. to deepen our constituents understanding of relationship-based engagement and how to animate the philosophy of “we don’t need more programs, we need more people to go with.” Sessions were facilitated for our program leadership staff, the Tucson J Board of Directors and executives of the Jewish agencies. • The J partnered with the Weintraub Israel to host Israel at 77, including a Gili Yalo concert and PJ Library Storywalk ® with ice cream for kids and their grown-ups. • Over 200 people gathered for the kick-off PJ Library program, ABCs of Rosh Hashanah. • Jennifer Lorch Selco, Sr. Director of Jewish Life + Engagement, was selected to be part of the Shomer Collective Fellowship, giving her tools to support our community, primarily through
“The J is an excellent way to stay in touch with the Jewish community beyond your own synagogue and neighborhood.” - Ole Thienhaus, J Member connections to one another. The team presented on the Grandparents’ Circle and on how it is used to intentionally plan, reflect on and evaluate the J’s family engagement strategy and activities. educational gatherings, around the topics of death and dying. • We sent a delegation of three from the PJ Library team to the PJ Library International Conference where they learned about strengthening the PJ Library brand and deepening families’
The PJ Library ® program in Southern Arizona is made possible by the Tucson J, with the generous support of the Einstein-Sim, Hazan, Kippur, Langer, Loebl, Margolis, Rosenzweig, and Sharpe families, the Grandparents’ Circle, JPSA, and in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
Arts, Culture, + Community Revenue $97,652 Tucson J International Film Festival Revenue with 3,695 Tickets $17,198
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
Unique Mahj Jong Participants 19
Spanish Class enrollments with 198 unique Participants 377 People per week engaged in clubs 36 PJ Library Southern AZ Events 18 PJ Library families in Southern Arizona attended PJ Library events, compared to the 25% national survey average 43%
Children Enrolled in PJ Library Southern AZ from 472 Families 645
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
“We feel so confident growing our family with the super local, accessible, ongoing support of the JCC ECE. I love how it feels; our experience keeps getting better and better as we navigate from teacher to teacher as Maya grows and is able to learn more and more. Maya looks forward to school every day; she has already built lifelong friendships for herself (and for us!)” -Jordan Levy, ECE Parent • Jasmine Cota and Jessica Kuehl were awarded their Childhood Development Associate (CDA) credentials. • A “Free Library” was started in the ECE open space thanks to a non-profit out of Green Valley that provides diverse and inclusive free books to families. • Joline Riddle, Sr. Director of Early Childhood Education, and Tiffany Horton-Mills, Assistant Director of Early Childhood Education, attended the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Conference in November, and 12 ECE teachers attended the Southern Arizona regional NAEYC Conference in December. Some highlights from the year include: • Special events in the Tucson J ECE form core memories that stay with children for a lifetime; some cherished moments from the year were the Love of Reading Parade and Book Fair, the Annual Purim Parade and Story, Passover Storytelling, Shabbat Family Picnic, Pre-K End of the Year Celebration, Matzah Bake, Rosh Hashanah Honey Bowls, Guest Rabbi’s for Shabbat, and cookie decorating for Hanukkah. • Our Early Childhood Education department shared their expertise, partnering with NAU PhD students conducting research in the field of occupational therapy, UA student teachers from the college of education, and Pima Community College for student observations.
At the core of our work in Early Childhood at the J is a deep commitment to building strong relationships—with each child, their family, and our team of dedicated educators. These connections are the foundation of a vibrant learning community rooted in Jewish values and responsive to the needs of today’s families. This year, we placed a strong emphasis on staff development, recognizing that investing in our educators directly enriches the experience of our students. The addition of Jennifer Greenberg, Jewish Culture and Curriculum Coordinator, played a key role in this growth, helping us more deeply integrate the Sheva Lenses and Jewish learning into daily practice. These principles shape how we teach, how we connect with children and families, and how we foster a sense of wonder, responsibility, and belonging in every classroom. From daily routines to holiday celebrations, this intentional approach enriched the learning experience for children and provided educators with the tools to weave Jewish culture seamlessly into everyday moments. With strong partnerships between educators and families, and ties strengthened outside the walls of our classrooms and into the J community, our ECE program continues to be a beloved and trusted choice for early learning in Tucson.
Early Childhood Education Revenue $3,492,011
Students Enrolled 278
Students provided with Scholarships 52 JCC 28 Quality First 11 DES 12
CHILDREN, YOUTH, + TEEN
In 2024, our programs for children and teens continued to grow in both reach and impact, reinforcing the J as a second home where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered to explore who they are. Whether through Camp J, our JCare Afterschool Program, School Days Out and Parents Night Out, or BBYO, we remained focused on creating experiences rooted in joy, community, and Jewish values. This year, we fine-tuned what was already working, added more intentional Jewish programming, and stayed focused on what matters most: building confidence, community, and connection through a Jewish lens. Camp J brought in more opportunities to engage with Israeli culture, and with the continuation of Learning Lab and an increased focus on the arts, our afterschool programming continued to offer more than just childcare—it provided a space where kids could get extra support, explore creativity, build independence, and connect with peers. As we look ahead, we remain committed to strengthening the foundation our programs provide—one that supports each child’s growth, identity, and sense of belonging throughout their journey at the J and beyond.
“We love the program and all the staff. The JCC is the best childcare program in Tucson.” - Anonymous, JCare Parent
Camp Programs Revenue $451,135
Winter Inclusion Campers 12 Winter Campers 187
Summer Campers 446 Summer Inclusion Campers 32
JCare, SDO, + Enrichment Programs Revenue $492,054
CAMP, JCARE + YOUTH ENRICHMENT Some highlights from the year include:
JCare Scholarship Participants 11 SDO Participants 151
• Camp J continued partnerships with Science of Sport, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and the Federation of Jewish Camps to provide staff and parent camp surveys. • Summer 2024 brought the long-awaited return of the Tzofim Friendship Caravan (and not just for campers – their parents, too!) for the first time since 2020, bringing all of the Israeli spirit with them! • Seven teens who participated in the new Nisayon Leadership Training Program in 2024 applied to be staff for the summer of 2025, putting the skills they learned to use and paving the way for more teen leaders at the J. • The end of the year JCare art show returned for the third year, celebrating the hard work and creative expression of the children in the program, as well as Ms. Janet’s commitment to infusing JCare with a high-quality arts education. Not only were art concepts, vocabulary, and techniques learned, the students also develop social-emotional skills such as working in a group situation and learning to respect their neighbors and their artwork.
JCare Participants 125 Enrichment Program Participants 80
“This was my first time at the JCC Maccabi Games, and it was a very memorable experience. I not only got to compete in the sport that I love playing, but also met Jewish teens from all over the US, Canada, and the world. I liked that the week was packed with activities, and I was still able to get to know my host family and explore a city I had never been to before.” - 2024 Team Tucson JCC Maccabi Participant • Both Mountain Region BBYO Presidents (AZA & BBG) were elected from our Tucson chapters and a JCC Maccabi Team Tucson alum was selected to serve on the JCC Maccabi International Leadership Board. • Davis Hubbell, Director of Teen Engagement was awarded the JCCA Merrin Teen Fellowship. an innovative “mifgash” experience that has engaged over 7,400 Israeli and North American teens in the past three years, making it one of the largest global Jewry dialogue initiatives. The teens took part in five half-hour sessions with Israeli teens they were matched with based on shared interests. Through the experience, our American teens gained a connection and friend in Israel, while the Israeli teens not only made a friend in America but also earned a high school English credit. • As an extension of Better Together programming, a Tucson BBYO-er won the Better2Write essay contest and received a $3,700 scholarship toward a Jewish summer experience. TEEN ENGAGEMENT Some highlights from the year include: • Partnerships were the cornerstone of connection for BBYO teens in 2024, with notable ones including: Handmaker Senior Living for Better Together intergenerational learning, the Tucson Jewish Museum + Holocaust Center for Annual Teen Shabbat, and the Primavera Foundation where teens collaborated to provide 180 hygiene care packages for the unhoused. • In preparation for the Tucson J’s hosting of JCC Maccabi in 2025, Zoom to The Games began in 2024 with the goal of connecting Jewish teens from Tucson with Jewish teens from Chi ș inău, the capital of Moldova, in order to build a bridge through relationship-based engagement and ultimately bringing Moldovan teens to Tucson for The Games. • Two Tucson BBYO teens participated in One2One,
Teen Engagement Programs Revenue $156,478 Tiyul $120,155 Maccabi $10,000 Birthdays $26,323
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
Tiyul Campers 64
BBYO Participants 90 Teens Attended BBYO Convention 16
Maccabi Participants 10
DISABILITY PROGRAM SERVICES
In 2024, our Disability Program Services continued to evolve with a focus on strengthening the core of what makes our programs impactful: high-quality support, the development of social and life skills, and inclusive community. With a steady commitment to excellence and an increase in grant funding from organizations who believe in the value of our work, we continued to enhance participant experience through intentional program development and consistent staff training. This year, we further deepened the connection between Arts for All and Taglit, expanding opportunities and broadening our community with more cross-program participation. Our dedicated team remains at the heart of this work. Ongoing staff development and training have ensured that participants receive person-centered support so that each individual receives the care, attention, and opportunities they need to thrive. Some highlights from the year include: • The Lapan Sunshine Foundation continued to be a valuable partner bringing therapy dogs (and joy) to visit the Arts for All and Taglit programs once a week. • Taglit engaged with the value of Tikkun Olam through monthly sandwich-making events with Congregation Bet Shalom to provide food for houseless people living in Tucson. • Invisible Theatre’s Pastime Players provided weekly “innovative art education” for Taglit participants that focused on ability rather than disability. • To foster more creativity and cross-program participation, Taglit visited Arts for All weekly to participate in art and ceramics classes led by AFA teaching artists. • Arts for All’s programming incorporated new mindfulness and wellness classes to supplement their core art classes. • Board certified musical therapist, Sierra Norris, provided weekly musical therapy classes and performances to Taglit and AFA participants. For summer camp, Sierra coordinated a summer concert series where local bands played live concerts for Taglit, AFA, and summer campers. • Alba Montalvo Canez, Arts for All Direct Support Professional and Wendy Nevarez, Taglit Direct Support Professional, were awarded DPS Professional Excellence Awards. • Charlie Paige, Sr. Director of Disability Program
“Our 34-year-old daughter has been a member of the Taglit Day Program for approximately 13 years, and rightly considers it her ‘home away from home’. She has a significant intellectual disability and has been unemployable since graduating high school. Taglit has been a truly important part of her life in contributing to her and her family’s well-being. We chose the JCC/Taglit program for our child after looking originally for volunteer opportunities for our child. We were particularly impressed with the uniqueness and breadth of activities provided, and the staff’s willingness to include input from the families. The program’s proximity/inclusion in the JCC has provided multiple opportunities for enrichment, especially with respect to physical activity, which she needs (yoga, Zumba, gym activities, etc.). She especially likes day trips to the various events connected to the University and throughout the community. I (her father) am Jewish and appreciate the exposure to Jewish culture and traditions. Our family is particularly thankful for the care and thought put into the day-to-day schedules of our children by Taglit leadership.” - Anonymous Taglit Parent conference in Charlotte, NC and Missi Alston, who was promoted in 2024 to Assistant Director of Disability Program Services, took Spanish classes for professional development. Services, attended a national APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First)
Disability Program Services Revenue from DDD $2,449,944 Taglit Day Program $1,492,501 Arts for All $828,661
DPS Summer Camp $128,782
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
DPS Summer Campers 24
Taglit Participants 44
Arts for All Participants 35
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
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