Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

5776 was a year of positive change for the Rosen JCC in Southwest Orlando. In our first full year as an independent agency, we experienced tremendous growth in our programs and services, as well as our physical facility. Here are a few of the exciting things that happened at the Rosen JCC this past year:

• With the generous support of the Rosen Foundation, we completed the campus' second growth phase: construction of our facility expansion. The expansion included a 500-seat Rosen Event Center, seven additional classrooms for early childhood and youth programs, as well as new spaces for fitness activities.

• The Early Childhood Learning Center saw a significant increase in registration to accompany the additional spaces in our new classrooms. As a result, we started this school year with more students than in the past. We also achieved record enrollment in the Camp J summer camp program, J University after-school program, and memberships for our fitness center.

• We launched a series of new afternoon programs for senior adults, adding activities available every day of the week. Our first Film Festival was held in September, which will become an annual event.

• We held the first ever Israel Independence Day Celebration in Southwest Orlando--a collaborative effort with JFGO and SOJC. The event attracted over 300 people.

• Our Board of Directors welcomed nine new members, expanding to reflect our growing and diverse community.

Eric Lightman, Interim Executive Director

The past year also saw the departure of two longtime Rosen JCC staff members: Bonnie Rayman, our branch director and first executive director, took a position in South Florida to be closer to her family. Brenda Sher, our longtime early childhood director who oversaw the JCC's first satellite programs in Southwest Orlando, retired after a distinguished career of over 25 years with the JCC. We wish both well in their new endeavors and are grateful for the indelible impact they have had on our community.

While we take time during the holidays to reflect on the past year we also begin to look forward to the coming one. Rosh Hashanah is a time for both individual and organizational renewal. Our growth over the past seven years-from trailers parked behind the neighboring synagogue, to a flourishing and growing independent agency-is a reflection of our community and its dedication to our mission and values.

We thank you for your support of the Rosen JCC as we celebrate 5776 and look forward to 5777. We wish you and your family health, happiness and a sweet New Year.

L'shana tova u'metukah,

Jeff Imber, President

Eric Lightman, Interim Executive Director