Annual Report Digital - Flipbook - Page 14
The Annual Report 2023-2024 | OUR FAMILIES
ROOTED IN FAMILIES
The Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC has
been a destination for families to engage
with the Jewish community since its earliest
years at the Settlement House. Today’s
families are 昀椀nding new ways to connect
with one another through education, camp,
and family programs, and their stories are
a testament to the power of community
across generations.
take advantage of its many programs for
families. Her oldest daughter, Lilah, now
attends JCC Kids Center After School Care
and participates in various programs,
including JCC Rainbow Day Camp, still led
by Lenny Kass, who ran the camp when
Samantha was Lilah’s age.
“I was so excited to be back in the strong,
vibrant, tight-knit Jewish community where
I grew up.” shared Samantha. “It’s really
amazing to see everything come full circle.”
Patti Gutglass began her family’s JCC journey
when she was a young mom who enrolled
her children in preschool at the JCC. The
nurturing environment and exceptional
teachers had a lasting impact on her
children, paving the way for Patti’s deeper
involvement.
The family’s involvement with PJ Library has
further enriched their lives, o昀昀ering a range of
programs that engage all three generations.
This past year, PJ Library Milwaukee hosted
19 family programs, and 7 of these had an
intergenerational component. For Patti,
these events o昀昀er precious moments of
bonding with her grandchildren.
“As my children got older, I found that I had
time to do things outside the home, so when
I was asked to chair a JCC Fashion Show, I
said yes,” remembers Patti.
“I think the programs are fantastic, and it is
wonderful that the whole family is included,
from the kids to the grandparents,” shared
Patti.
That 昀椀rst step led to an opportunity to chair
the JCC Gala (predecessor to KidShare)
and eventually serve on the JCC Board of
Directors. Patti enjoyed working with a
dedicated group of individuals, learning more
about the community, and contributing to
its growth. The time she spent volunteering
at the JCC remained a cherished chapter in
her life, even as her path took her in new
directions.
Samantha appreciates the creative and
thoughtful programming that includes
Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations,
and themed parties. These events provide
her daughters, ages 3 and 7, with a deep
connection to Jewish traditions and values.
Years later, the circle of life brought Patti’s
daughter, Samantha Gutglass Gorelik, back
to Milwaukee with her own family. Samantha
had fond memories of her childhood at
the JCC—from preschool to summers at
the Albert & Ann Deshur JCC Rainbow Day
Camp—and was eager to join the JCC and
“I think what PJ Library is doing is so
important because we are creating the
Jewish Milwaukee childhood memories
that our kids will have someday at our
age. I feel so grateful for these meaningful
experiences,” commented Samantha.
The JCC has been more than just a
community center for the Gutglass and
Gorelik family—it has been a place where
family roots deepen and 昀氀ourish. Their story
is just one story among thousands of other
stories that showcase the JCC’s commitment
to families. From early childhood, to after
school, to day and overnight camp, the JCC
continues to create a legacy of connection,
tradition, and growth for families that spans
generations.
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