Finding Our Place: Building Belonging at JCC Brooklyn

February. For many of us, it’s a month that truly tests our resilience against the cold. But for me, as a mom of three little ones and as your Director of Family Engagement and Partnerships here at JCC Brooklyn, it’s also a powerful reminder of what truly warms us from the inside out: connection, community, and that beautiful feeling of belonging. Also, has anyone finished the laundry or found that one sock that’s been missing for months? Yeah, me neither. I’m never done with the laundry! Or the sock searching for that matter.

Gazing at my to-do list while eating a whole bag of Doritos judging my busy life… lives? It’s so easy to fall into the trap of asking, "What can this organization do for me?" But here at JCC Brooklyn, we dream bigger. We're building something different. We're asking, "Where am I truly known? How can *I* belong? And how can *we* all build that sense of belonging together?" It’s a shift from simply receiving the Doritos to actively participating in a vibrant, loving community. Maybe we’re making Doritos? You know what I mean.

So, how can I shift my own perspective on the hard days. Well, I’m inspired every day, in the hallways, in the classrooms, and in the eyes of our families. JCC Brooklyn isn't just a place; it's a living, breathing ecosystem. It’s the dedicated smiles of our directors and staff, the boundless energy of our teachers, the laughter of our children, and the comforting presence of our grandparents. Each person, each family, weaves into the rich tapestry of who we are. They all remind me of my favorite children’s books where everything always turns out alright.

This deep sense of community isn't just a nice idea; it's rooted in Jewish values that teach us to move beyond just taking, towards truly belonging, and ultimately, to giving back. It’s a journey we embark on together, knowing that belonging isn't a given, but a beautiful garden we tend to, hand-in-hand.

And oh, how beautifully this blossoms during our Grandparents Day! As a mom, watching my own children interact with their grandma and older mentors, or seeing the pure joy on the faces of other families as their elders share stories and cuddles, it just melts my heart and makes me go back in time to my own memories with my grandma. These aren't just events our staff create, they are precious moments where generations connect, where stories are shared, and where the warmth of family truly shines, chasing away any winter chill.

At JCC Brooklyn, we're not just offering programs, we're cultivating a home. A place where relationships flourish, where every identity is cherished, and where warmth is felt in every hug, every shared laugh, and every helping hand. Come, join us in building this incredible community, where you and your family are not just members, but truly belong.

With Deep Care and Community- in partnership always, your mom on the run;
Anna Castañeda Rojas Keller
Director of Family Engagement and Partnerships