Growth + Progress at the J: Summer Development Update

Dear Chevre (Friends),

It is hard to believe we are already halfway through another extraordinary year of learning, playing, and growing together here at the Tucson J. What a year it has been—and there is so much more that lies ahead! 

 

In 19 days, we will make history as we welcome thousands of athletes, coaches, families, and visitors from around the world to Tucson for the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games + Access. This is far more than an event—it is a celebration of Jewish Peoplehood, resilience, and unity. It is a reflection of what we can accomplish together as a community bound by shared values and purpose. 

 

Thanks to the incredible generosity and dedication of so many—volunteers, donors, partners, and friends—we have already surpassed our ambitious fundraising goal for the Games, raising nearly $1.52 million. These dollars represent so much more than financial support—they embody belief in our mission, love for our community, and a shared commitment to creating an unforgettable experience for our athletes and for Tucson as a whole. We are filled with gratitude and deeply inspired by the power of what can be achieved when a community unites in purpose. 

 

Every day, I witness the heart and strength of the Tucson J come to life—in the passion of our staff, in the dedication of our volunteers, and in the everyday moments of connection between our members and guests. Whether you are participating in a program, attending an event, cheering on an athlete, or simply enjoying time in our spaces, you are the reason the J is so special. 

 

Beyond JCC Maccabi, we are reaching new heights across all areas of our work. More community members than ever are stepping forward—giving their time, energy, and resources through volunteerism, participation, and gifts to initiatives like the Arizona State Tax Credit, Stars of Giving, Corporate Partnerships, Patrons of the Arts, and more. With your engagement and support, we are building a future where the J remains a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive home for all. 

 

Your gifts make an immediate and lasting impact—providing scholarships for families in need, enriching programs for people of all ages and abilities, and funding essential improvements that keep our campus safe, dynamic, and accessible to all. If you haven’t yet explored the many stories of impact, I invite you to visit our beautifully redesigned website, launched this May, and see how your support is changing lives. 

 

As we step into the second half of this incredible year, our focus remains on growing this momentum—reaching even more individuals and families and continuing to meet the evolving needs of our diverse community while staying deeply rooted in Jewish values. 

 

I invite you to read on and celebrate the progress we’ve made so far—and to dream with us about what is still possible. Together, we are writing a beautiful story of community, belonging, and purpose. Thank you for being an essential part of it. We are so very grateful you are here. 

With heartfelt gratitude,

Fran Katz,
Chief Development Officer

Step onto our campus and you’ll feel it—the buzz of activity, the warmth of community, and the spark of inspiration. The Tucson J isn’t just where programs take place; it’s where people come to feel connection and belonging. Whether you’re here for a swim or the gym, an arts event or a summer at camp, the J is your home for holistic wellness. From beautiful spaces to our welcoming and knowledgeable staff, every element of our work is designed to support the varied and unique needs of our community.  

 

In this quarter of 2025, we’ve made exciting progress in enriching the J experience for everyone who walks through our doors, with highlights including:  

  • growing to serve 2,044 member units, accounting for 4,466 individuals, with an additional 3,874 insurance-based member units accounting for 4,557 individuals.  
     
  • completing the court resurfacing project at Sarver Tennis Center for the six Laykold tennis courts in early June, with support from USTA Tennis Venue Service grant funds. 
     
  • training dedicated staffers of our Member Relations team to lead facility tours for a more specialized, service-orientated experience. 
     
  • implementing a new sign-in policy for guests of the J to enhance security and increase outreach opportunities.  
     
  • welcoming over 100 guests to the Paul + Alice Baker Ballroom for this year’s Annual Meeting, where we reflected on the work and progress of 2024, celebrated exemplary employees with Staff Excellence Awards, and nominated new members of the Board.  
     
  • launching a brand-new website and upgraded app to improve user experience and better showcase all the J has to offer.  
newsletter graphic with the words Fitness and wellness on a teal background

At the Tucson J, wellness looks different for everyone—and that’s exactly the point, we’re here for YOU! For some, it’s a sunrise Masters Swim practice or friendly competition on the Sarver Tennis Center courts. For others, it’s a group fitness class that boosts confidence, a personal training session that builds resilience, or a Healthy Aging program that fosters connection. Across generations and goals, our Fitness + Wellness programs are designed to be welcoming, inspiring, and to meet our community where they are at.  

 

Driven by passionate staff and energized by an engaged community, we’ve made great strides in Fitness + Wellness including:  

  • continuing to invest in the growth and development in our Healthy Aging Programs, fueled by grants and private donors who believe in the impact of serving this distinguished population and the importance of maintaining accessible pricing. This quarter, we increased Parkinson’s weekly classes from four to seven; added new resources on our website for LGBTQ+ older adults; and began designing two surveys to further improve these programs.  
     
  • receiving a grant from USA Swimming Foundation for the third year in a row to fund free and/or reduced-cost swim lessons for 30 young people in our community.
     
  • doubling participation in our co-ed Adult Volleyball League for the summer season with 63 players, adding an additional Masters Swim group on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and in June launching new men’s and women’s 3v3 Basketball leagues for young adults.  
     
  • increasing participation in the Stingrays Swim Team and Stingrays Prep program to 59 swimmers.  
     
  • hiring a new Pickleball + Tennis Pro, Toni-Shea Sinclair; and promoting Stingrays Head Coach, Evan Holt, to Summer Aquatics Specialist.  

Art and culture bring us together in powerful ways—inviting us to listen, reflect, create, and connect. At the Tucson J, Arts, Culture + Community programs are more than events; they are shared experiences that deepen understanding, celebrate identity, spark creativity, and build bridges across differences. From holiday commemorations and concerts to lectures, language classes, and PJ Library gatherings, people come together across ages and stages to make meaning and connect with one another and themselves at the Tucson J.  

With creativity as our guide and community as our catalyst, we’re proud of how the year is unfolding, including: 

  • welcoming over 800 people of all ages to participate in Yamim observances for Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron, and Yom HaAtzmaut in partnership with a variety of community partners including Tucson Jewish History Museum, Jewish Family and Children’s Services, the Weintraub Israel Center, and Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona. Programming for Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut was supported by the Mithabrim – Israel Engagement Fund: A JCC Association of North America Program Accelerator and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. 

  • presenting the renowned and relevant Peter Boyer’s Ellis Island: The Dream of America, presented in partnership with Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra to 600 ticket holders over two performances Mother’s Day weekend as the final program of the 2024-2025 Beth and Mike Kasser Patron of the Arts Signature Series. 

  • hosting a panel discussion and Taiko drumming performance in celebration of Pacific Asian American Month and Jewish American Heritage Month with over 100 people participating in the experience and engaged with a travelling exhibit from the Smithsonian. This program was presented in partnership between the Tucson J and Tucson Jewish Museum.  

  • engaging 170 community members of all ages in this year’s Proudly Together at Sinai: A Community Shavuot Experience in partnership with Kol Ami Synagogue and Congregation Anshei Israel and made possible by the Yale and Elinor Palchick Family Foundation held at the Jewish Community Foundation. This year’s program was retitled to reflect our community’s expressed needs and desires to find opportunities to gather in Jewish joy since October 7, 2023. This year, we intentionally built in time after the evening services for people to choose their sessions and connect with each other. Also new this year, we introduced special programming designed to encourage teens (especially the Team Tucson Maccabi athletes) and young adults in their 20s and 30s to participate, and those demographics were well represented throughout the evening. 

  • sending Chloe Loos, Director of Arts and Culture, to the JCC Association Western Regional Conference in April to get to know colleagues across the movement and bring home new ideas and insights to inform our work. 

  • traveling to Springfield, Massachusetts for the annual PJ Library conference where Jennifer Lorch Selco, Senior Director of Jewish Life and Engagement and Suzette Joffroy, PJ Parent Connector, had an opportunity to connect with colleagues and deepen their learning around Jewish family engagement.  

  • continuing to grow PJ Library enrollment, with 653 children, birth through eight years old this quarter.

  • celebrating Passover, Yom HaAtzmaut, and Shavuot with PJ Library families, including a special gathering just for parents.  

PJ Library is a gift from the Tucson J, and is made possible by the Einstein-Sim, Hazan, Kippur, Langer, Loebl, Margolis, Rosenzweig, and Sharpe families, with support from Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona, in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. 

At the Tucson J, we believe children are the future and supporting them means showing up for them at every stage—with empathy, encouragement, and a solid foundation to become their best selves. From early childhood through the teen years, our Children + Youth programs create safe, engaging spaces where kids can explore who they are, build lasting friendships, and grow into confident, compassionate individuals. Grounded in Jewish values and open to all, these programs are a crucial support for families across Tucson. 

In just the first half of 2025, we’ve reached new heights together, including:  

  • ending the school year with 128 children K-5th grade enrolled in our J-Care Afterschool Program.  

  • beginning Camp J with 502 individual campers registered and an average of 319 campers per week and new activities including Wilderness, Magic, and Taekwondo! 

  • growing our legacy of leadership with over 11 past Camp J campers working as counselors at camp for the first time!  
     
  • continuing our year-round Early Childhood Education (ECE) program with 223 children registered across 18 classrooms, 42 additional kids joining us for Early Childhood Camp, and 51 pre-k students attending Camp J in the Noar unit. 
     
  • creating connections, fostering family friendships, and honoring tradition with our annual end-of-year ECE Shabbat Family Dinner in the Jill Rosenzweig Memorial Sculpture Garden. 
     
  • installing new security gates at the ECE main entrance with support from a Homeland Security Grant and planning Phase 2 of the Accessible Pool Playground, which will break ground in September with support from the O’leary Foundation. 
     
  • enhancing ECE Shabbat experiences with the addition of local musicians and rabbis, bringing live guitar, piano, and drums to our treasured Friday mornings. 
     
  • retaining 100% of lead teachers and 82% of assistant teachers for the 2025-2026 school year.  
     
  • bidding a fond and grateful farewell to ECE office manager, Debbie Hood, who retired after 19 years of service, and welcoming Jessie Roth to the team in that role. Jessie has a background in administrative support and behavioral health and we are looking forward to utilizing the skills she brings to our community. 

Inclusion is at the heart of the Tucson J. Across program areas, we are dedicated to creating a space where everyone is seen, valued and supported—but we are especially proud of the work we do in our Disability Program Services (DPS) department. The J’s Taglit and Arts for All Day Programs go beyond traditional support to offer creative opportunities, foster independence and social skills, and now, with more focus on vocational training, empowering participants to discover and develop their unique strengths. DPS participants are celebrated as equal and valued members of our community, shaping not only their own futures, but the future of the J.  

With 2025 already off to an incredible start, we are proud to share the impact we’ve made so far, including: 

  • welcoming 29 DPS campers across our Gesher and Summer Taglit programs for middle and high school-aged youth and young adults, in addition to the 76 participants in our year-round Taglit and Arts for All programs.  
     
  • taking a summer camp field trip to OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale—DPS’ first trip out of Tucson since 2019. 
     
  • putting on the Arts for All Spring Art Showcase titled “Stretching the Imagination,” for an audience of over 100 family and friends. The showcase opened with mingling, snacks, and art of all mediums, followed by dance and improv performances, and collaborative storytelling. The show ended with music performances that won’t soon be forgotten, and the whole evening was a welcome reminder that the impact of our work extends beyond our participants and into the broader communities they are part of. 
     
  • learning together with staff in-service training days ahead of Camp season, and a special glass plate design activity led by our friends at the Sonoran Glass School. 
     
  • increasing funding to deepen our work, with the addition of new grants from the Halle Foundation, City of Tucson, and Molly Lawson for vocational and health and wellness programming.  
     
  • continuing to build out vocational and volunteer programming fully funded by grants, including launching the new JShop coming this fall run by Taglit participants, and hiring a new DPS Vocational Program Coordinator, Bianca Caruso, to support this work and to assist with a new Division of Developmental Disabilities job readiness program, “Pathways to Employment.”

5 Ways to Keep Learning All Summer Long in Tucson, Arizona!

From the desk of Joline Riddle, Senior Director of Early Childhood Education

Joline Riddle

We understand – after a full school year of learning and playing, preschoolers and parents alike are ready for some relaxing summer fun. But even though structured learning has paused, ages zero through five are when a child’s brain is at its most flexible, making the summer an important time to keep the learning going.  

 

Summertime learning can be fun and requires less planning and structure than you’d think. Read on to discover five ways you can seamlessly integrate educational opportunities into the summer so that when your child returns to school in the fall, they will be off to a fantastic start.  

Take fun-filled, educational field trips as a family

Tucson is filled with free or low-cost parks, libraries, museums, and so much more! Planning an occasional afternoon field trip allows children to explore the community, build social skills, and learn new information.  

 

Some ideas include: 

Explore STEAM activities at home 

STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) education is particularly important for preschool-aged children because it encourages creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, and communication. Especially engaging, STEAM activities are hands-on, allowing children to play as they learn and teaching them to ask questions, try new things, and question the world around them.  

 

Here are a few ideas to get started, but the internet is full of ideas! 

  • collect materials from your home and build small boats (have a competition to see whose can hold the most pennies, marbles, or other small objects) 

Create fun sensory activities to help you child with their big emotions 

Toddlerhood is full of, if not defined by, big feelings. And no matter how big, as educators and caretakers, our job is to ensure that children can develop the skills necessary to understand and healthily express these feelings.  

 

One way to support emotional development is through the use of sensory toys. While you can purchase them, you can also easily find tutorials on how to make these toys at home, such as homemade stress balls or dough and sensory bins or bottles. 

 

Sensory play empowers children to self-regulate their emotions, knowing that they are in control of their sensory experience. Just as with adults, sensory toys can have a calming effect on children, providing them with a safe outlet to manage anxiety or stress.  

Go for a nature walk to spot the unique desert life native to Tucson 

Desert summers are not the best for enjoying nature, but an early morning or after-dinner walk or hike is the best way to beat the heat and enjoy the outdoors.  

 

On your walk, keep track of all the nature you see, like birds, lizards, bugs, squirrels, coyotes, javelinas, or plants such as saguaros, ocotillos, cholla, wildflowers… the list is endless!  

 

See who can spot the most variety of wildlife, or track if you can spot a plant or animal for every letter of the alphabet.  

Engage with loose parts play, making something completely new from something old or used!  

In line with STEAM activities, gather items from around the house (empty cereal boxes, milk cartons, paper towel rolls, scraps of paper, tinfoil, yarn, large cardboard boxes, etc.) and let your imagination run wild!  

 

Have each family member create something individually or create something as a family. Maybe you build a rocket ship to take you on a space adventure, or you open Tucson’s hottest new ice cream parlor, or you create “fairy houses” for the critters in your backyard. The sky is the limit! 

No matter where your summer takes you, finding time for learning will not only set your child up for a successful school year, but will also allow your family quality time to try new things together – a summertime win-win!  
 
For more summer learning ideas or to learn more about our Early Childhood Education program, please contact Joline Riddle, Senior Director of Early Childhood Education at the Tucson J.  

Community Invited to Celebrate With the J at Annual Meeting

Previously published in the Arizona Jewish Post

Community Invited to Celebrate With the J at Annual Meeting

Posted April 23, 2025 / Rachael Mitchell, Sr. Director of Marketing, Communications + PR, Tucson J

The Tucson Jewish Community Center (the J) will honor volunteers and staff, elect new board members, and celebrate the organization’s 2024 accomplishments in the Alice and Paul Baker Ballroom on Thursday, May 15 from 5:30-7:30pm.

The entire community is invited to join for a celebratory evening. Honorees include Amy Dowe, Senior Director of Wellness and Experience, and Devin Johnson,  Applications Administrator and Data Manager, as recipients of the Beth Stern Award for Staff Excellence; Matt Katz, Arts for All Instructor, and Devonte Berthea, Taglit Direct Support Professional, as recipients of the Disability Program Services Award; Emylee Mann, Lead Teacher and Arezo Faqiri, Assistant Teacher, as recipients of the Early Childhood Education Award; Todd Wiener as Leader of the Year; and Paula Jacobi as Volunteer of the Year.

“As my first year as board chair comes to a close, I am thrilled to begin year two with the 2025 Tucson J Annual Meeting,” said Caron Mitchell, Board Chair of the Tucson J. “In addition to welcoming this year’s board, we have the opportunity to celebrate our community leaders and amazing staff, as well as share our successes and upcoming priorities with the greater community. I look forward to sharing a delicious meal with the Tucson J community on May 15.”

A kosher meal, including a vegan option, and dessert will be served. Complimentary childcare is available upon registration.

“It is my honor to welcome everyone to the Tucson J’s 2025 Annual Meeting, an evening to reflect on our achievements, look forward to what is still to come in 2025 – including the JCC Maccabi Games – honor our dedicated leaders, and celebrate the spirit that makes the J such a vibrant town square for our community,” said Todd Rockoff, President and CEO of the Tucson J. “This gathering is a testament to all of those whose incredible work, passion, and commitment throughout the year allow us to grow and thrive together.”

Learn more and register at https://tucsonjcc.org/event/annual-meeting-2025/

Growth + Progress at the J: Spring 2025 Development Newsletter

Dear Chevre (Friends),

Welcome to the Spring Quarterly Development Newsletter! With big goals for 2025 including hosting the JCC Maccabi Games + Access this summer, the Tucson J hit the ground running and has already accomplished so much together in the first quarter of the year. In my daily interactions with members, guests and our outstanding staff, I am reminded that each of us plays a role in the success of the Tucson J – and that success would not be possible without the generous support of our donors.  


We cannot say thank you enough! Your support is essential in helping us fulfill our mission and uphold our commitment to building a vibrant community rooted in Jewish values. With your contributions, we can continue offering top-quality programs and services in a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for people of all ages. 


So far in 2025, individuals and organizations who believe in the power of our work have contributed nearly 20% toward our fundraising goal of $1.9 million across campaigns, and we are only $250K shy of reaching the $1.4 million mark that will make the JCC Maccabi Games a success! As the year continues, your support will allow us to sustain the impactful programs and services we offer and grow to meet the emerging and diverse needs of our evolving community including providing scholarships, funding facilities upgrades, program enhancements, and so much more. The future is bright at the Tucson J and it is because of you! 


As you read on, know that these updates and developments are just the start of everything that is to come this year. If this is only the beginning, imagine all that we will accomplish together!  


With gratitude,

Fran Katz,
Chief Development Officer

The Tucson J is a dynamic gathering place where community, connection, and discovery come to life. More than just a space, it’s an experience—where every visit sparks new opportunities, every program fosters belonging, and every moment leaves a lasting impact. Everyone belongs at the Tucson J, and our community deserves top-notch facilities to learn, play, and grow in! With the support of our donors, 2025 has already been a year of meaningful growth and engagement as we: 

  • grew to 2,053 member units and 3,638 insurance-based members, with an average of more than 10,000 check-ins per week. 
     
  • continued to improve our physical spaces to be both more functional and aesthetic; this March we upgraded the North hallway flooring to stained concrete. 
     
  • fully remodeled the Jewish Heritage Center thanks to the generosity of Marianne Langer in memory of her husband Allen Langer z”l. The space will continue to be a hub for our J-Care afterschool program, donor events, and a variety of arts and culture programming. 
     
  • purchased new pool deck furniture in late March and look forward to the Sarver Tennis Center court resurfacing project in June 2025 in order to better serve our growing Aquatics and Racquet Sports participants with a comfortable, quality experience. 
     
  • Sent Amy Dowe, Sr. Director of Wellness + Experience to the Fitness Industry Suppliers Association conference in Oceanside CA in February to learn about the most   
newsletter graphic with the words Fitness and wellness on a teal background

At the Tucson J, wellness is more than a workout—it’s a pathway to well-being at every stage of life. Our Fitness + Wellness department goes beyond the traditional gym experience, offering innovative programs designed to empower individuals of all ages to move, connect, and thrive in our Youth and Adult Sports + Rec programs, Group Fitness and Personal Training programs, Healthy Aging programs, on the courts at the Sarver Tennis Center, or making a splash in the pool. Led by expert professionals who foster both strength and community, our team creates an environment where lasting wellness journeys begin. Thanks to the power of our donors and the enthusiasm of our members, we started the 2025 off strong with: 

  • the all new J Wellness Collective for members, boutique wellness offerings in collaboration with the renowned Stretch Labs and Alexander Technique programs, acupuncturists, herbal medicine, individualized yoga, and more. 
     
  • the return of Adult Dance classes for Salsa/Bachata and Swing. 
     
  • continued growth in our Tennis programming with new Tennis Leagues started in February 2025 and the return of monthly Racquet Sports Socials. 
     
  • prepared for summer with the return of American Red Cross Lifeguard Training and Adult Stroke Clinics. 
     
  • received a Banner Community Reinvestment grant for $50,000 to fuel growth and innovation in our Healthy Aging programs and help keep participation accessible to this important demographic of our community. 
     
  • hired Evan Holt, Head Stingray Swim Coach, Seth Miller, Aquatics Program Specialist, and Sam Alexander, Head Tennis Pro + Racquet Sports Program Specialist. 

Arts, Culture, and Community programs at the Tucson J act as both windows opening new worlds for our community to experience, and mirrors that provide opportunities to reflect. Whether through storytelling, music, visual arts, or thought-provoking discussions, our programs start conversation, spark inspiration, and strengthen the fabric of our community. Thanks to your generosity, we continue to break down barriers and make these transformative experiences widely accessible—most at little to no cost. In just the first quarter of 2025, fueled by the passion of our community we: 

  • hosted a wonderfully successful 2025 Tucson J International Film Festival. We are grateful to the committee who continues to steward the longest-running film festival in Southern Arizona. Over 2,000 tickets were scanned (which means in-person tickets were scanned or a household viewed a film from the comfort of their home). Highlights included: 
    • a talk-back with Omri Bezalel, director of “Listen”, a coming-of-age film, a unique and daring portrayal of the moral ambiguity, love, and loss faced by soldiers in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Presented in partnership with the Weintraub Israel Center. 
    • showing off fabulous Bella Abzug style hats and hearing from Jeff Lieberman, the director of Bella! 

    • laughing out loud with 250+ audience members for the screening of “Bad Shabbos”   

    • learning to play the card game, “Yaniv” with Tucson Hebrew Academy students following the film screening 

    • enjoying samosa appetizers and a dance performance with ZUZI Dance before the screening of “Call Me Dancer” 

  • continue to engage our community – over 262 of them, in fact — in a variety of clubs and classes, including Chess Club, the Widow’s Circle, all levels of Spanish and Beginner and Advanced Mah Jong and more, with conversational Hebrew in partnership with the Weintraub Israel Center coming later this Spring!   

  • opened the first two Fine Art Gallery shows of the year – Indie Artists Pushing Boundaries by various Tucson artists and My Colorful Southwest by Joe Bourne – and in the first two months of the year, sold $8,668 of local art. 

  • brought in celebrated musician Neshama Carlebach and talented band members performed to a packed house of 230 people of all ages as part of the 2025 Beth + Mike Kasser Patron of the Arts Signature Series. The concert was presented in loving memory of Ray Lederman. The evening began with Havdalah by the Chai Notes from the University of Arizona.  

  • hired Chloe Loos as the Director of Arts and Culture at the Tucson J, bringing with her expertise around film and theater, creating experiences and learning offerings with the user in mind, and community engagement to our team!  

  • celebrated the growth of PJ Library in Southern Arizona currently with 646 children (birth through age 8) enrolled and 473 families engaged. The PJ Library team, Mary Ellen Loebl, Suzette Joffroy and Mallory Sussman continue to innovate new ways to create meaningful touchpoints with families beyond the monthly books sent from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. 

 

So far in 2025, PJ Library has hosted multiple gatherings: 

  • Day of Chesed in partnership with the Tucson Hebrew Academy

  • Tu Bishvat with Grand

  • Stakeholder Lunch Gathering in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation
     
  • Multiple gatherings facilitated by two parent connectors 

PJ Library is a gift from the Tucson J, and is made possible by the Einstein-Sim, Hazan, Kippur, Langer, Loebl, Margolis, Rosenzweig, and Sharpe families, with support from Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona, in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. 

At the Tucson J, we are committed to providing high-quality programs that support children from infants through teens at every stage of their development. Our early childhood education, summer camp, and afterschool programs are designed to foster independence, creativity, and resilience in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. With a focus on social-emotional growth, hands-on learning, and community-building, we equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to thrive. Known for excellence, innovation, and heart, our programs are a trusted resource for families across Tucson. And thanks to your generosity, we continue to expand access, keeping these opportunities affordable so more children can thrive at the J. Because of the support of our donors and our commitment to serving families in Tucson in meaningful ways, this quarter so far, we: 
 

  • have 273 students currently enrolled in our Early Childhood Education program with 130 contracts already renewed for the next school year and are looking forward to welcoming approximately 50 kids to join us in our classrooms for Early Childhood Education camp this summer. 
     
  • celebrated Tu Bishvat ECE style with activities including planting herbs, playing with nature loose parts, reading about trees, and singing about trees. 
     
  • spent February promoting literacy for Love of Reading Month with activities including guest readers, a favorite book character parade, and a book fair. 
     
  • partied for Purim with one of the J’s favorite annual traditions: the Purim costume parade and megillah reading. 
     
  • upgraded some of the furniture in the classrooms including cozy area items, bookshelves, and trikes for the toddler playground. 
     
  • continue to invest in professional development opportunities with learning around processed-art curriculum, STEAM, Purim, and Maccabi; additionally, ECE Assistant Director Tiffany Mills-Horton attended the Western Regional Conference in San Jose, California in March and staff will complete the Quality First Training + Assessment in April. 
     
  • are on a waitlist for most units for Camp J with 389 Individual campers registered for the 2025 summer so far, and an average of 277 campers per week. 
     
  • new in Camp J this year, are looking forward to welcoming a wilderness specialist to teach camping skills, desert nature, and orienteering. 
     
  • had upward of 11 past Camp J campers apply for the first time to work at camp – and are proud of the legacy of leadership and cross-generational our program is leaving on the youth who grow with us! 
     
  • sent Robin Kelley, Director of Camping services, to Israel in March to train our two camp shlichim, Itay and Ofir.  
     
  • serve 147 kids in our J-Care Afterschool Program with an average monthly attendance of 131 kids. 

  • engaged 105 children in our most-attended School Days Out ever for Martin Luther King Day and began an ongoing partnership creating Hygiene Kits for Our Family Services, which serves youth experiencing homelessness.  

  • built on the Learning Lab program which now directly engages each JCare age group at least once a week by promoting High Yield learning in the fields of mathematics, language arts, spelling, and reading!  

At the Tucson J, we believe in the principal of Betselem Elohim – everyone is created in God’s image. So, inclusion isn’t just a value—it’s a commitment. Our Disability Program Services department provides vital resources and enriching experiences for individuals with disabilities through two cornerstone programs: Arts for All and Taglit. As one of Southern Arizona’s largest day programs, we offer personalized support that helps participants build life and social skills, develop their creativity, and gain confidence in a welcoming, inclusive environment that truly celebrates our participants as an integral part of who we are as a community. These programs not only empower individuals but also strengthen our entire community by fostering an environment of belonging and support. As we deepen our work, the impact we’ll make in 2025 is inspiring; so far, we: 

  • serve 41 participants in our Taglit Day program, 37 at Arts for All, and will welcome another 25 participants this summer for camp. 
     
  • increased collaboration and strengthened the DPS community with weekly Taglit trips to Arts for All to take art classes led by AFA teaching artists including drawing classes with long-time AFA teaching artist, Harriett Morton and ceramics classes led by Ceramics teaching artist, Lisette Fuentes. 
     
  • welcomed participants from Beacon Day Program for its annual Friendship Concert in the J’s Ballroom. Musical Therapist, Sierra Norris, led Taglit and Beacon day program participants in songs and musical productions for Taglit families and Tucson J staff. 
     
  • continued weekly cooking classes as part of a grant received from the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation; at the end of the grant (April ’25) participants will receive a cookbook with their favorite healthy and simple recipes. 
     
  • received a $30,000 workforce development grant through the City of Tucson in February which will be used to launch a J Shop at the J’s Wellness Desk where Tucson J staff and Taglit participants will work together to take and fulfill orders for branded J items that benefit our members such as sunscreen and water bottles, with the ultimate goal of expanding the program to include food orders from Café at the J.  
     
  • were awarded a grant from the Halle Foundation in March to support DPS’ ongoing work readiness and vocational programming. The funding will provide curriculum development, staff training, start-up supplies and materials, as well as a part time vocational coordinator position.  
     
  • joined Arts for All, ECE, Summer Camp, and After School Programs with its use of Brightwheel, an online platform for communication with parents/guardians concerning program updates, schedules, and day-to-day activities.  
     
  • promoted Missi Alston from Arts for All Director to Assistant Director of Disability Program Services and Alba Montalvo Canez from Arts for All Floor Supervisor to Arts for All Program Manager, and Wendy Nevarez from Taglit Direct Support Professional to Taglit Program Manager. 
     
  • put DPS Staff Excellence Award funds to good use, with winner Wendy Nevarez, Taglit Program Manager enrolling in American Sign Language classes.