above: The Stamford Jewish Community Center (The JCC) offers engaging activities for children.
Photography by Jason Lee
Originally founded in 1916 as The Hebrew Institute, The Stamford Jewish Community Center (also known as “The JCC” or “The J”) has long served as a gathering place for Stamford residents. The JCC officially planted its roots at 1035 Newfield Avenue in 1978, which “allowed for significant growth and modernization while continuing a long-standing tradition of serving diverse community needs,” says CEO Marshall Kurland. More than one hundred years later, the JCC continues to provide a wide variety of cultural, educational and recreational activities, designed to meet the diverse needs of Stamford area residents of all ages and stages in life. “We try to meet each person, each family, where they are and as they are. Our doors are open to anyone, and we try to create a safe, inclusive and accessible community for all who choose to affiliate with our community,” says Kurland.
After a recent and comprehensive transformation, the JCC has taken on significant capital building projects to provide its community with the best-in-class programs and amenities in high-quality spaces. Each project has been made possible by the philanthropic support and investments of the Stamford JCC members, its community, and through grants and foundation gifts. Among the many improvements, the JCC upgraded its locker rooms, transformed its KidZone play space and turned its Kuriansky Fitness Center into a high-end, modern athletic facility. “Member feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing excitement about the renovations and new offerings,” says Kurland.
The fitness center and locker rooms have been renovated as a more modern facility.
On deck are plans for a Climbing and Training Studio, partially funded by a grant from JCamp 180, that will be utilized by summer camps and after-school and fitness programs for both children and adults. “The new center will provide physical, mental and social benefits, including improved fitness, confidence building and teamwork skills. The climbing wall will be fully inclusive and accessible to all ages and abilities and was designed to complement our Outdoor Adventure Course, further enriching our offerings. Completion is anticipated by June 2025,” says Kurland.
While membership declined during the depths of COVID, The J has since experienced strong growth surpassing its pre-pandemic levels. The JCC welcomes thousands of daily users who come to learn, work and connect with one another every day. The recent addition of six outdoor pickleball courts, which complement five indoor courts, has helped further drive membership and involvement. “Dozens have come for pickleball and now stay for the community; it’s a whole new layer of adult engagement for The J,” explains Kurland. While the facility itself may initially draw people in, what matters the most at the JCC is connection. “It’s a place to bring people together, meet them wherever they are on life’s journey, and help them flourish through our programs, services and experiences,” adds Kurland.
Always looking for innovative ways to expand beyond the walls of its Newfield Avenue campus and reach as many members of the local community as possible, Kurland and his dedicated staff and volunteers consistently ask themselves, “What can we do that will positively impact people the most?” Whether it’s providing programming focused on enriching lives, like basketball summer clinics, parent-infant classes and senior activities, or holding cultural Jewish events open to the entire community, these offerings “demonstrate a commitment to providing opportunities for growth, connection and education across all life stages,” says Kurland
For more information about programming or gaining access to The J’s state-of-the-art facilities and its community, visit stamfordjcc.org.