Annual Report 24-25 Digital - Flipbook - Page 3
The Annual Report 2024-2025 | FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
To Our JCC Members & Supporters,
This year, we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the formation of the
Settlement House by Lizzie Black Kander, of blessed memory. Located
at 507 Fifth Street, the 昀椀rst Settlement House quickly made its mark on
Milwaukee’s Haymarket neighborhood and was sustained by the proceeds
of the now-famous Settlement Cookbook.
Throughout our history, this agency has continually evolved to meet
the needs of a growing and changing community. In its early days, the
Settlement House served as a lifeline for Jewish immigrants, o昀昀ering
language classes, job training, and a sense of belonging. As Jewish families
became more established, the agency became known as the Jewish Center,
responding to a di昀昀erent kind of need — creating recreational and social
opportunities at a time when many clubs and institutions excluded Jewish
participation.
Today, the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center
stands as a vibrant, inclusive hub where people of all faiths, abilities, and
backgrounds are welcome. It is a place where Jewish values are lived,
celebrated, and shared — building bridges of understanding, fostering
meaningful connections, and strengthening the fabric of our broader
Milwaukee community.
Our annual theme, From Strength to Strength, re昀氀ects the essence of who
we are: a social enterprise rooted in Jewish values, committed to caring
for the families who rely on us, and continually adapting to meet the everchanging needs of our community.
Thank you for making the JCC a part of your lives. Your support is the
foundation of our community’s continued success — and together, we will
go from strength to strength.
B’Shalom,
Sheryl Rubin
Chair of the Board
Mark Shapiro
President & Chief Executive O昀케cer
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