irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $403KSUMMER CAMPS FOR 115 CHILDREN AGES 2-7. SUMMER DAYS AT THE J IS A TRADITIONAL DAY CAMP WITH SPORTS, ARTS, MUSIC, NATURE, SWIMMING AND SPECIAL EVENTS. CAMPERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ARE INTEGRATED WITH TRAINED STAFF AND DANCE INTENSIVE IS FOR ADVANCED DANCE STUDENTS. OUR GYMNASTICS SUMMER PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE TO BOYS AND GIRLS 2-7. OPEN TO ALL REGARDLESS OF RACE, GENDER IDENTIFICATION OR RELIGION.
- #2 $771KIN THE ARTS, OUR DANCE SCHOOL PROGRAMS HAVE OVER 125 PEOPLE AGED 3 YEARS TO SENIORS. WE OFFER BEGINNERS TO ADVANCED DANCE CLASSES ALL YEAR ROUND AND WE OFFER A COMMUNITY THEATRE FOR 4 WEEKS FOR AGES 5-17 AT THE BENDHEIM THEATRE WHICH INCLUDES PERFORMANCES.
named programs · 8 · from sources
What they call their work
Challah Club
Monthly program where participants learn to make challah from scratch, including shaping and braiding, with all ingredients provided (kosher, nut-free, but containing gluten and egg).
Community NARCAN Training
Free training program that educates participants about substance use, certifies them in administering NARCAN to reverse opioid overdoses, and provides a take-home NARCAN kit, rooted in the Jewish value of v’ahavta.
Figure Drawing Workshop
Evening workshop offering participants the opportunity to sketch a live (clothed) model, explore movement and expression, and improve artistic skills in a group setting.
HaZamir Jewish Teen Choir
Weekly choir program for high school–age teens that involves learning Jewish choral music, studying Jewish text and history, cultivating connections to Israel, and building leadership and friendships.
J-Singers: Open Singing Sessions
Drop-in singing sessions guided by vocalist Beth Styles, requiring no auditions or experience, aimed at building confidence, connecting with others, and enjoying music together.
J-Walk
Relaxed group walking program on Friday mornings during summer, designed to help participants move more and meet new people, with locations including SUNY Purchase, Valhalla, Larchmont, Yonkers, Rye, White Plains, and Mamaroneck.
Jewish Heritage Journey to Poland
Immersive heritage trip planned for spring 2027, offering participants the opportunity to explore Jewish history, culture, and resilience in Poland, with virtual info sessions offered in advance.
Verve Fall Retreat
Annual three-day retreat for adults aged 55+ during the High Holiday season, featuring kosher meals and activities at Berkshire Hills Eisenberg Camp in Copake, NY.
activities · 11 groups
What they do
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Organized Member Social Events 2 activities
- J-Walk Group Walking EventsOrganizes relaxed group walks on Friday mornings during summer months to promote physical activity and social connection.
- Jukebox Bingo NightHosts music-themed bingo events with DJ entertainment, wine, snacks, and interactive elements including singing and music knowledge challenges.
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Jewish Holiday and Shabbat Community Events 1 activity
- Challah-Making WorkshopsHosts monthly workshops where participants learn to make challah from scratch, including dough preparation and braiding techniques, and take home unbaked loaves.
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Opioid Harm Reduction Services 1 activity
- Community NARCAN Training and DistributionOffers free training to certify participants in administering NARCAN and equips them with take-home kits to prevent opioid overdoses.
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Community Art Education Workshops 1 activity
- Figure Drawing WorkshopsHosts hands-on figure drawing workshops featuring live clothed models to help participants develop skills in movement, expression, and form.
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Film Festival and Screening Programming 1 activity
- Film Screening and Talkback EventsHosts film screenings, such as "Ethan Bloom," followed by facilitated talkback discussions with creators to explore themes of faith, grief, and cultural identity.
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Horticultural Education and Community Gardening 1 activity
- Floral Design and Ikebana WorkshopsHosts hands-on workshops in floral design and Ikebana flower arranging, where participants create fresh flower arrangements and take home their creations.
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Music Education and Training Programs 1 activity
- HaZamir Jewish Teen Choir ProgramRuns a program for high school students that includes weekly rehearsals to study Jewish choral music, text, and history, while building leadership skills and fostering connections to Israel and community.
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Community Choral Rehearsals & Performances 1 activity
- J-Singers Open Singing SessionsHosts recurring open singing events for adults of all skill levels, focusing on music from Broadway, films, pop, and classic genres to build confidence and social connection.
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Holocaust and Genocide Remembrance Education 1 activity
- Jewish Heritage Journey to PolandOrganizes a planned heritage trip to Poland in spring 2027 focused on history, culture, and remembrance, with virtual information sessions for prospective participants.
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Spiritual Development & Meditation Programs 1 activity
- Meditative Drawing WorkshopsOffers meditative drawing sessions designed to help participants quiet the mind and reconnect with the present moment through artistic practice.
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Recreational Game Programming 1 activity
- Themed Dungeons & Dragons Campaign for YouthHosts a monthly Dungeons & Dragons campaign for children ages 9–14 that integrates Jewish themes and characters into the gameplay experience.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$6.34M
Contributions & grants$2.43M38%
Program service revenue$3.46M55%
Investment income$23K0%
Other revenue$428K
expenses
Total expenses$5.96M
Program expenses81%
Admin / overhead13%
Fundraising6%
Salaries & benefits$3.50M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$13.56M
Cash$466K
Investments$535K
Liabilities$3.69M
Net assets$9.87M
Liquid reserves2.0 mo
5 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +14.9%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 2
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELISE DOWELL | CEO | 25 | $329K |
| CLAIRE HOFFMAN | CDO | 40 | $151K |
board members · 20
- AARON FLEISHAKER — BOARD MEMBER
- ALISON SINGER — BOARD MEMBER
- DEBORAH YANKWITT — BOARD MEMBER
- ELLEN REINHEIMER — EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT CHAI
- GINA WALDMAN — BOARD MEMBER
- GISELLE WEISSMAN — BOARD MEMBER
- HARRIS SOKOLOFF — BOARD MEMBER
- JENNIFER KLEIN — BOARD MEMBER
- JOANNA LIEBMAN — BOARD MEMBER
- KATE EICHEL — BOARD MEMBER
- LEE MAUDE — BOARD TREASURER
- LESLIE LICHTER — BOARD MEMBER
- MARC GARY — BOARD MEMBER
- MICHAEL COLEN — BOARD MEMBER
- NEAL ATTERMANN — BOARD MEMBER
- RACHEL MOSELEY — BOARD PRESIDENT
- SANDRA COSTIN — BOARD MEMBER
- SETH SCHAFLER — BOARD MEMBER
- SHEILA FRIEDLAND — BOARD MEMBER
- STEPHANIE WECHSLER — BOARD SECRETARY
relationships · 8
Who they work with
- 14Y Selah Partner — Sponsored and led the NARCAN training program in partnership with JCC of Mid-Westchester.
- Beth Styles Partner — Contracted vocalist guiding open singing sessions.
- Beth Styles Partner — Contracted vocalist guiding the open singing sessions.
- HaZamir Partner — Partner organization collaborating with JCC Mid-Westchester to provide a Jewish teen choir program.
- J2 Adventures Partner — Travel partner for the Jewish Heritage Journey to Poland
- J2 Adventures Partner — Travel partner for the Jewish heritage journey to Poland.
- Julie Musicus Partner — Expert instructor leading the floral design workshop.
- Manischewitz Partner — Partnered to provide kosher food options during the event via the Manischewitz food truck.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Experiential and Creative Engagement for Cultural Connectionmethodology: experiential_jewish_educationBy using hands-on arts, culinary, and role-playing activities as entry points, the organization cultivates Jewish identity and communal belonging, because experiential learning creates emotionally resonant and accessible pathways to cultural and spiritual engagement—especially for youth and those with varying levels of prior connection.
- Inclusive Participation as a Mechanism for Belongingmethodology: inclusive_participationBy removing barriers such as auditions or skill requirements in arts and group activities, the organization increases participation and fosters belonging, because inclusivity signals that all individuals are welcome and valued, which strengthens community cohesion and personal connection to Jewish life.
- Jewish Values as Framework for Community Caremethodology: jewish_values_integrationBy grounding programs in Jewish values such as v’ahavta (love), the organization fosters empathy, communal responsibility, and harm reduction, because these values provide a moral and cultural foundation that deepens engagement and strengthens community cohesion.