IMPACT REPORT
Mission
The Mayerson JCC connects people so that they can live happier and fuller lives, creating a more vibrant Jewish community.
Values
Connections
Service
Respect
Kindness
Innovation
Collaboration
Attentiveness
Mayerson JCC Board of Directors
Bob Oestreicher | President
Jody Brant | Treasurer
Steve Baron | Vice President
Sarah Weiss | Vice President
Julien Teitelbaum | Vice President
Jon Chaiken | Secretary
Jen Stein | Immediate Past President
Marc Fisher | Retiring CEO
Holly Wolfson | Incoming CEO
Marc Brafman
Aliza Frankel
Stephanie Fries
Roger Heldman
Michael Jarnicki
Michael Kadetz
Yael Newman
Aaron Weiner
Ariel Weiss
Dear Community Members,
This is a year marked by transition. Longtime CEO Marc Fisher is retiring after 13 years in the role. Under his leadership, the JCC thrived, significantly growing its membership and program offerings, Early Childhood School enrollment, and services to the community – all in service of the mission of connecting people so they can live happier and fuller lives, creating a more vibrant Jewish community.
One of his most significant achievements is building a talented and committed staff that will continue to carry on that mission. That can be seen in his mentorship of Holly Wolfson, who will become the next CEO this fall after proving to be the top candidate for the role during a national search, conducted by the Board of Directors. Holly brings an intimate understanding of the JCC and this community and will build upon the J’s strong foundation while forging her own compelling vision for the future.
It’s not just the leadership team that is seeing transitions. The JCC is putting a renewed focus on weaving elements of Jewish Life into all our programming. And we are making deliberate efforts to increase accessibility to make sure everyone can participate fully in JCC programs.
We are proud to share this impact report, which outlines the important work of the JCC over the last year. From youth sports to young adult events, and from senior day trips to arts & cultural programs, the J is the hub of Jewish life in Cincinnati. On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your support. You make this organization, and our community, extraordinary.
Sincerely,
Bob Oestreicher | President
ARTS, IDEAS & JEWISH LIFE
A Vibrant Jewish Community
Through Arts & Ideas and Jewish Life programs, people engaged with the richness of Jewish culture in ways that were both rooted in tradition and newly inspiring, building a vibrant and dynamic Jewish community.
▲ Our Jewish & Israeli Film Festival celebrated the magic of cinema, bringing the community together to enjoy 12 award-winning films.
▲ Through the Under One Roof Sukkah Art Exhibit, community artists and organizations shared their work around the central theme, Luminosity.
▲ The Fall Market featured a festive array of vendors offering baked goods, handcrafted jewelry, stylish clothing, and seasonal favorites, like apples and honey.
▲ We celebrated Pride Month with vibrant, meaningful events, including the Rainbow Challah Bake and marching in Cincinnati’s annual Pride Parade, reflecting our commitment to inclusion and community. We collected 439 personal care items for Caracole, a nonprofit that supports people living with HIV/AIDS.
▲ In partnership with the Jewish Book Council, we hosted engaging virtual discussions with five authors over the course of several months.
▲ J Prime, our new initiative for adults 45 and over, launched successfully with six programs in its first year.
“ J Prime is exactly what the Jewish community needs. I felt attracted to the scavenger hunt event because it included an engaging activity. I also appreciate that the group started together at the opening, worked with a team, and then was able to connect with everyone again at the end.”
— Christine Katzman
2,330+ tickets were issued to the Jewish & Israeli Film Festival
50 art pieces were created for the Under One Roof Sukkah Art Exhibit
20 individuals created pressed flower artwork in celebration of Sukkot
109 individuals made challah together at the Rainbow Challah Bake
15+ individuals painted tambourines in celebration of Passover
ISRAEL ENGAGEMENT
Connecting with Israel and One Another
Fostering meaningful connections with Israel is an essential part of cultivating a strong and enduring Jewish identity. Through educational programs, cultural experiences, and community events, the JCC provides opportunities for individuals of all ages to engage with the people, history, and culture of Israel.
▲ On Yom HaZikaron, we honored fallen soldiers and welcomed the Tamari Project musicians, who performed in honor of their friends and colleagues killed in the Iron Swords War.
▲ At the Yom HaAtzmaut celebration, participants built our Wings of Hope, an exhibit created out of broken toys that symbolizes community and resilience.
▲ As the hostages were being released, JCC members and staff gathered in the lobby to pray for their safe return and to honor the memory of those who were lost. As each person returned, we removed their corresponding shirt from our hostage display.
▲ To mark the one-year anniversary of October 7, we gathered with Jewish congregations in Cincinnati to commemorate the day and hope for a peaceful resolution to the war.
▲ For the first time since 2023, Cincinnati sent a delegation of high school seniors to Poland to participate in the international March of the Living.
“ March of the Living provided a sense of community. In just ten days, I formed bonds stronger than I ever expected. I found people with whom I now share a deep, unspoken connection. Looking back, I realize how ignorant I was when I used to say I hated something or someone. Those sites are hate personified. The depths of hate go far deeper than anyone could truly grasp. As one of the survivors said, ‘We get to leave.’ I will forever be grateful for everything I have.”
— Alex Tasner
1,200+ gathered in solidarity to mark one year after October 7
150+ gathered to remember fallen soldiers and victims of terror during our Yom HaZikaron ceremony
500+
gathered at the J to celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut, Israeli Independence Day, alongside 20 partner agencies
13 teens participated in March of the Living
CHILDREN, TEENS & FAMILY
Roots of Jewish Life
Connecting people is at the heart of the JCC’s mission, and there is no more vital starting point than engaging young children and families, cultivating a Jewish community that will thrive for generations to come.
▲ The Early Childhood School welcomed 58 new families, joining 85 returning families, to a nurturing environment where children grow through play-based learning and Jewish values.
▲ Theatre at the J continues to thrive, providing a safe, supportive space where kids connect, grow, and build self-esteem. We started with 16 kids in 2022 and have grown to see 101 budding artists participate in the program.
▲ J Baby provided 22 sets of soon-to-be parents with essential classes on childbirth and infant care,
all through a meaningful Jewish lens. Over two years, 55 J Babies have been born as part of the program.
▲ We celebrated a successful year of the Jewish Postpartum Circle, a partnership with Cincy Postpartum and YoFi at Wise Temple. This program offers mothers a supportive space to connect and share openly about the journey of postpartum and early parenting.
▲ In collaboration with the Cincinnati Ballet’s Otto M. Budig Academy, we provided ballet classes for 27 aspiring young dancers.
▲ Through PJ Library, the J provides free, high-quality Jewish books to children and hosts family-friendly events that help young families connect, celebrate, and build community.
“ Participating in the Jewish Postpartum Circle after the birth of my son was an incredibly meaningful experience. It provided a safe and supportive space to process my emotions and share my journey with other new moms who truly understood what I was going through. I didn’t realize how much I needed the circle until I was in it; it became a support system during those early months. It gave me the chance to get out of the house, rebuild a sense of social connection, and most importantly, grow more confident in navigating experiences with my baby on my own.”
— Devra Sadler
11,448
PJ library books were mailed out to Jewish households
376 people enjoyed Friday Night Shabbat dinners at the J
800+
audience members attended Frozen Jr.
219 unique campers made memories at Camp at the J
81 new students joined the Early Childhood School
YOUNG ADULTS
Finding Community
The JCC’s 20s & 30s program offers monthly social and educational events for young adults and encourages engagement in Jewish Cincinnati.
▲ The 20s and 30s embraced camp magic and lived their best summer lives at Camp Livingston.
▲ Young adults brought energy and excitement to the J Classic’s 30th anniversary Par-Tee, making it a night to remember.
▲ The 20s and 30s crowd brought the ruach, singing their hearts out at the lively Karaoke Purim Party.
▲ Latkapalooza was a huge success, drawing the largest crowd of any young adult event this year.
▲ Young adults attended events in six unique locations around Cincinnati.
“ The 20s and 30s programming at the JCC is something I hold close to my heart. I came to Cincinnati not knowing anyone and looking for community and connection – and immediately found it within the JCC’s 20s and 30s group. I had the best time at the events, from Latkapalooza to Purim karaoke. I’m so grateful for the memories I have and all the friends I made within the community!”
— Kayla Berenson
175+
80+
75+
people dressed up for the Purim Party
young adults celebrated Hanukkah at Somerhaus for Latkapalooza
participants attended Camp for Adults
75+ young adults spent the evening at the J Classic Par-Tee
60 & BETTER CENTER
Fit and Fun at Every Age
Each day at the J, seniors come together to engage in community life – whether playing mah-jongg, participating in fitness or line dance classes, practicing yoga, or sharing a meal at the J Cafe. These activities support not only physical and mental well-being but also foster meaningful social connections.
▲ 60 & Better participants went on their first overnight trip in many years to French Lick, Indiana.
▲ Line Dancing and Belly Dancing remain favorite programs among the 60 & Better community.
▲ Through the Empowering Your Relationships groups, our social worker provides tools and guidance to help participants and their families handle life transitions.
▲ Mishpacha & Friends continues to be a wellattended partnership program between the 60 & Better Center and the Early Childhood School, where seniors volunteer by reading, crafting, or gardening with ECS students.
▲ In 2024, Meals on Wheels delivered 186,146 meals to 1,183 unique clients, setting a record number of deliveries.
“I’m so grateful for the community that the JCC 60 & Better Center provides. I can’t imagine being anywhere else. It’s a place where I feel supported, encouraged, and truly at home.”
— Elaine Trabout
62 volunteers delivered meals, assisted in the office, and facilitated discussion groups
3,015 unique individuals engaged with the 60 & Better Center
1,460 individuals engaged with our social worker
1,300 programs were held for people 60 & Better
112 hours of popular films were enjoyed during Friday Flicks
IN THE COMMUNITY
JCC on Location
Although rooted in Amberley Village, the J’s impact reaches across Greater Cincinnati, connecting hundreds of people throughout the year beyond its walls.
▲ Back by popular demand, Jewish Community Night at FC Cincinnati is becoming one of the most fun nights of the year.
▲ More than 500 people attended Jewish Community Night at the Reds and enjoyed a kosher grill-out at the ballpark, in partnership with Congregation Zichron Eliezer, BBYO, and The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati.
▲ We kicked off our new partnership with the Cincinnati Ballet as 29 attendees enjoyed a powerful community matinee of No Boundaries: Director’s Vision.
▲ From cultural programs to holiday celebrations, 52 organizations are now active on Jlive, making it easier than ever to engage with Jewish life in Cincinnati.
“For the past couple of years, the Rockdale Temple Brotherhood has made it a point to attend Reds Jewish Community Night together. We do a happy hour beforehand and then get to the game early for pregame festivities and the fantastic kosher dinner provided. We also really appreciate the Jewish Cincinnati themed giveaway. Most importantly, the evening provides the group a fun and engaging way to build community and comradery with each other in our diverse cohort of ages and life stages.”
— David Solomon
500+ people attended Jewish Community Night at the Reds
150+ people attended our first Jewish Community Day at the Cincinnati Cyclones
30+ individuals learned together and created community through two Judaism Inbound cohorts
56 attendees enjoyed a night out at Broadway in Cincinnati for Jewish Community Night at Funny Girl
12,030+ active users engage regularly on the Jlive event platform
Making Space for Everyone
The J’s inclusion programs ensure individuals of all abilities feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to fully participate in community life.
▲ We launched the JCC Disabilities and Accessibility Inclusion Committee to further our commitment to creating an inclusive community.
▲ Camp at the J welcomed 19 unique campers from 17 different families through our advocate program.
▲ We introduced our new sensory kits and social narratives that support programs across the JCC, including Theatre at the J, Camp, and ECS.
▲ We partnered with Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired on a digital audit of our website, accessible business cards, accessible cafe menus, and sensory kit info cards.
▲ We hosted six Special Olympics powerlifting athletes for training in our facilities, with one earning first place at the regional competition!
“We return to Camp at the J each summer because we know our kids will be taken care of. Our children feel safe and comfortable, and we don’t have to spend the day wondering if they’re having fun because we know they are. From the research I’ve conducted, I haven’t been able to find any programs that compare to the advocate program at Camp at the J. They have typical and non-typical kids who all play together but also can interact where everyone is an equal and can learn from each other. The advocates matched up with our boys are wonderful and well trained in dealing with emotions and behaviors.”
— Jill Illenberger
45 participants were supported through our inclusion affinity programming each season
20 runners joined the JCC team at the Flying Pig PigAbilities race
8 accessibility features were introduced
5 Sensory Kits are available to help members fully participate in programs
FITNESS & WELLNESS
Stronger You
No matter where you are on your fitness journey, the J is here to support you every step of the way. Whether it’s an energizing personal training session or a soothing massage at the J Spa, our expert staff, top-notch equipment, and diverse classes provide everything you need to feel strong, confident, and empowered.
▲ With the addition of new studios, the J’s growing Pilates program now offers even more classes and small group training sessions for participants at every level.
▲ We’ve introduced a variety of new group exercise formats, including Les Mills BODYPUMP™, a full-body barbell workout that helps participants burn calories, tone their bodies, strengthen their core, and support bone health.
▲ Stronger You empowers participants to become the best versions of themselves, building strength and confidence through focused, small-group training.
▲ This year, we launched our Sports Performance Training Program, combining high-speed treadmill work, laser-measured drills, and turf training to enhance speed, agility, and explosive power.
▲ The JCC is the first fitness center in Cincinnati to feature the Keiser A400 technology, putting it in a league with professional sports teams and Division I college programs across the country.
▲ We launched a new swim team, the Grown Up Swimming league, where 39 adult athletes competed in a fun, supportive environment and made new friends. They won the championship meet, too!
“ Pilates at the JCC is absolutely wonderful. We have amazing teachers, like Erin and Stacey, each with their own style, but all extremely encouraging and highly qualified. They set the tone for getting an effective, challenging workout, while having fun. I have met many people in Pilates class that I now consider friends.”
— Cathy Bowers
2,457 hours of Pilates training were completed
2,288 services were provided at the J Spa
31,763 signups were made for group exercise classes
6,132 hours of personal training were delivered
8,509 individuals are members of the J
5,569 swim lessons were delivered through our Aquatics Center
SPORTS & RECREATION
Teamwork Builds Community
Sports at the J foster community, promote wellness, and build confidence for people of all ages and abilities.
▲ This year, 126 players competed across three fully enrolled Men’s Basketball Leagues, offering a competitive and community-driven outlet for adult athletes.
▲ Blue Jays Youth Sports continues to offer a dynamic range of programs in baseball, basketball, and soccer, fostering teamwork and skill development for children of all ages.
▲ Our Adult Pickleball program offers a welcoming environment for players of all skill levels, featuring pick-up games, instructional courses, and tournaments.
▲ The Men’s Softball League continues to be a popular and spirited way for community members to stay active and connected.
“ We have been part of the JCC Blue Jays family for over eight years, with three of our boys playing on Blue Jays teams. Our boys have had the opportunity to compete at a high level and learned the value of good teamwork and sportsmanship. Coach Mike Creemer and his team of coaches care a lot about the boys and foster an environment where they can grow in both skill and confidence. Being a Blue Jays family has also given us the opportunity to meet others from the around the community and make new friends. It’s a privilege to be part of the broader Blue Jays family!”
— Rachel Bachrach
56 participants competed in Pickleball Tournaments
108 players competed in the Men’s Softball League
126 players participated in the Men’s Basketball Leagues
175 kids played on Blue Jays Youth
Sports teams
SUPPORT THE J
You Make this Community Vibrant
Thanks to your support, the J brings people together through arts and culture programs, Shabbat dinners, youth programs, and even a round of golf. This is made possible by your support, and the support of the generous organizations that fund our work.
In 2024, our generous donors, sponsors, funders, and supporters contributed $7,094,675!
Membership revenue and program fees do not cover all our costs. Donations, grants, and other charitable contributions help cover more than 35% of our operating budget. Your generous donations allow us to continue to connect people so that they can live happier and fuller lives, creating a more vibrant Jewish community.
Lead Funding Partners
The Mayerson JCC is generously funded by The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, and other generous donors. Certain programs also receive funds administered by the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio.
“ The J is that unique Jewish agency that is there to serve the entire Cincinnati Jewish community. Regardless of ‘how one Jews’ – the J is there. A place to meet, to see and be seen. To have a meal, work out, or just hang out. A place where our children and grandchildren can make friends that hopefully, like Sally and I, will last our entire lives. To our way of thinking, the J is simply central to Jewish Cincinnati!”
— Marty Hiudt
$330,000+ raised at the 30th annual J Classic $84,600 raised to support the Jewish & Israeli Film Festival
$24,067 raised at the JCC Oy Vey 5K
$86,200 raised through the Friends of the J Campaign
2024 Financial Report
Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2024
2024 Expenses
Alyce & Joel Ellison
Ross & Jan Evans
Arna & Robert Fisher Evelyn & Marc Fisher Mel* & Roberta Fisher
Our legacy donors are people just like you who want to see their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren enjoy all the benefits of a strong and vibrant Jewish community center. By making a legacy gift, you invest in your values and make a difference in Jewish lives, year after year. To date, we have secured 133 legacy gifts with an estimated future value of $6.5 million.
Goldblatt*
Betsy Goldfarb
Carrie & Ken Goldhoff
Dr. Richard & Karen Goodman
Dr. James & Mrs. Jann Greenberg
Beth & Louis Guttman
Cynthia & Harold Guttman
Lauren & Seth Guttman
Josh & Ari Handel
David C. Harris & Rabbi Miriam Terlinchamp
Joseph Hiudt
Ken & Teri Hiudt
Marty & Sally Hiudt
Sanford & Cindy Hiudt
Zac & Shari Hiudt Ronnen Isakov & Dr. Lara Danzinger-Isakov
Rabbi Shena & Brian Jaffee
Scott & Patricia Joseph
Sigmund M. Cohen Memorial Award
1992 Mildred Schwartz
1993 Ron Rose
1994 David L. Kaplan
1995 Gerald M. Lerer
1996 Albert R. Fingerman
1997 Tom H. Ohren
1998 Joel S. Moskowitz
1999 Kenneth M. Hiudt
2000 Harry S. Sudman
2001 Richard L. Katz
2002 Stanley I. Grad
2003 Jeffrey L. Lazarus
2004 Bernard L. Dave
2005 Scott A. Wolf
2006 David Fox
2007 Mark Weisser
2008 Leonard Eppel
JCC Past Presidents
David J. Alex
Debbie Brant
Marc Fisher
Jack Goodwin
Marty Hiudt
Ronnen Isakov
Bill E. Katz
Richard Katz
Scott Mattis
Joel S. Moskowitz
Todd Schild
Howard Schwartz
Steve Shifman
John Silverman
Harry S. Sudman
Jen Stein
Scott Wolf
Deceased past presidents are not listed.
2009 Bill E. Katz
2010 Manuel D. Mayerson
2011 Howard Schwartz
2012 Robert Brant
2013 Debbie Brant
2014 Anne Heldman
2015 Gary Heiman
2016 Frances Schloss
2017 Todd Schild
2018 Suzi Brant & Judi Roth
2019 John Silverman
2020 Jimmy Miller
2021 Marty Hiudt
2022 Jim Friedman
2023 Ronnen Isakov
2024 Nancy & David Wolf
2025 Jen Stein
Nadiv Award
2008 David Fisher
Robert Kanter
Dianne Rosenberg
Scott Wolf
2015 Ron Rose
2018 Bob Brant
2023 Jeff Elkus
Kovod Award
1942 Lester Jaffe
Herbert J. Kahn
Bernard Pepinsky
Max Schiff
1943 Julia Bamberger
Sigmund M. Cohen
Harris Ginberg
Troy Kaichen
Irene Lowenthal
I. Schifrin
Henry C. Segal
Blanche Stillpass
1944 Herbert R. Bloch
Philip A. Cohen
C.E. Israel
Philip M. Meyers
Florence Semmons
Aaron M. Wiesen
1945 Selma Thurman
1946 Charles Stuhlbarg
1949 Esther Rinsky
Sol Schaengold
1950 Hyman A. Goldberg
Theodore L. Hoffman
Kartan Mailender
Nathaniel Nathan
Esther Schreibman
1951 Regine Collier Lustberg
Harold Raab
1952 Martin Abraham
Emil Hirschfeld
1953 Morris Effron
Herman Lass
Herman Petricoff
Bea Russotto
1954 Elise Kuppin
Robert Westheimer
1955 Ann Bernstein
Isabelle Grayman
1956 Albert J. Butchkes
Isaac Kamenetsky
Samuel A. Rubenstein
Mabel Shure
Marvin L. Warner
Edward J. Weisbaum
1957 Harry O. Hyatt
Peggy Kapp
Rose Schuman
1958 Joseph Dave
Charles B. Levinson
William E. Sirkin
Mildred Tieger
1959 Jean Deutsch
Fred Korros
Ollie Tunick
Ruth Zeligs
1960 Edith Lipsky
Randolph Trager
1961 Narvin Emden
Frances Katz
1962 Stanley Berman
Charles Stix
Thalma Tash
Philip S. Wise
1963 Robert B. Barnett
Ann Braverman
Joseph Davidson
1964 David Berliner
Leah Gerber
Bertie Hyatt
1965 Bernie Dave
Ruth Emden
1966 Stan Grad
Lee Levine
Fred Raboff
1967 Stephen L. Davidson
Jeff Lazarus
1968 Mitchell Meyers
1969 David S. Kahn
1970 Hyman S. Hiudt
Ronald Rose
Justine Weintraub
1971 Julian Adams
Stanley Fisher
Melvin L. Schulman
1972 Bryna Liebowitz
Joel S. Moskowitz
A.J. Randman
Sylvan P. Reisenfeld
1973 Robert V. Goldstein
Morris H. Passer
Paul L. Silverglade
Milton Thurman, Jr.
David J. Young
1975 Karline Brown
Eugene Klein
Fischel B. Share
1976 Evelyn Fisher
Marilyn Hornstein
Carl B. Schwartz
Mildred Schwartz
Ivan J. Silverman
1977 Richard L. Katz
David Keen
Jack P. Kirschner
1978 Gerald M. Lerer
Stuart Silverman
Harry S. Sudman
Morris Wiener
1979 Alan Hornstein
Sanford Franklin
David L. Kaplan
Florence Kaufman
1980 Deborah Fox
Corky Steiner
1981 Steven M. Adams
Mike Youkilis
1982 David J. Alex
Renee Lemberg
Jay V. Wittenbaum
1983
Stanley L. Better
Paul Solomon 1984 Tom H. Ohren
Suzanne Schreiber
Carolyn Schulzinger
Albert R. Fingerman Bertha Graller
Rodney A. McKinley Bette Parente
William A. Finkelman
Michael Kadetz
Herman L. Krieger
Bert Menachof
Gittee Bortz
Kenneth M. Hiudt
James A. Markley Jr.
Robert S. Clayton
Charles Naparstek
Arlene Solomon
1974
Carl Bear
Bill E. Katz
Ralph A. Weil
1991
Berg 1992 Stuart Ackerman
B. Weisser
Eppel
