Annual Report 2026 - Digital - Flipbook - Page 12
The Annual Report 2025-2026 | THE POWER OF BELONGING
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
At the JCC, we believe deeply in the power
of belonging — creating spaces where
every individual feels welcome, valued,
and connected. WJSN helps make that
possible each day. Their visible presence and
relationship-centered approach allow our
community to focus on learning, gathering,
celebrating, and building Jewish life together.
This year, the Harry & Rose Samson Family
JCC is proud to recognize the Wisconsin
Jewish Security Network with the 2026
Yachad Award for Community Partnership.
This recognition is in gratitude for their
unwavering commitment to the safety and
security of our Jewish community.
In addition to providing highly trained
o昀케cers, WJSN o昀昀ers safety and situational
awareness training for our sta昀昀, threat
monitoring, and coordination with law
enforcement partners. Their leadership has
emphasized the importance of proactive
security measures at a time when antisemitic
incidents have risen signi昀椀cantly nationwide.
Supported by the Milwaukee Jewish
Federation, the Wisconsin Jewish Security
Network (WJSN) was created to safeguard
Jewish institutions across Wisconsin through
professional security personnel, intelligence
sharing, training, emergency preparedness,
and partnerships with law enforcement
agencies. WJSN serves more than 60 Jewish
organizations statewide and helps secure
schools, synagogues, community centers,
camps, and communal events.
“A strong community is built on people
who show up for one another every day,”
said JCC President and CEO Mark Shapiro.
“The Wisconsin Jewish Security Network has
become an invaluable partner to the JCC
and to the broader Jewish community. Their
professionalism, visibility, and compassionate approach help create the welcoming
environment our members expect and
deserve.”
Since October 7, 2023, the JCC has remained
committed to providing armed security
coverage during all programs and activities,
and WJSN has been instrumental in helping us
uphold that commitment. Their o昀케cers are a
constant and reassuring presence throughout our community, helping members, guests,
students, campers, sta昀昀, and visitors feel
both safe and welcomed every day.
A true partner is one who adapts to changing
needs, works collaboratively, and shares
in the mission of the organization they
support. WJSN exempli昀椀es those qualities
every day, strengthening our ability to
provide meaningful Jewish experiences while
ensuring the wellbeing of everyone who
walks through our doors.
But what makes WJSN such a valued partner
goes far beyond security protocols. Their
o昀케cers have become part of the fabric of
the JCC community. They greet families each
morning, high 昀椀ve preschool students as
they enter the building, engage warmly with
community members at special events, and
support members, sta昀昀 and visitors with
professionalism, kindness, and care.
We are deeply grateful for the dedication,
partnership, and care the Wisconsin Jewish
Security Network brings to our community,
and we are honored to recognize them with
the 2026 Yachad Award for Community
Partnership.
12
