Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island

The Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island has served the Staten Island community for over 90 years. Founded in 1929, its original mission was to provide a home for the Jewish community offering social, recreational, and educational activities, while welcoming people of all races and religions. That inclusive spirit continues today, with the JCC serving as both a center for Jewish life and a broader community center for all Staten Island residents.

The JCC operates multiple locations across the borough, including its main Manor Road campus and the Nancy & Ronald Avis/South Shore JCC, offering a wide range of programs such as fitness classes, indoor and outdoor pools, physical therapy, early childhood education, youth and teen enrichment (including arts, chess, and theatre), Krav Maga, and day camps. It also runs a robust senior services division, an Innovative Senior Center, and a Department for People with Disabilities.

Beyond recreation and education, the JCC provides vital social services to the community, including a kosher and halal food pantry, SNAP benefits enrollment assistance, and literacy programs for students and adults. The organization is led by CEO Orit Lender and continues to expand its programming to meet the evolving needs of Staten Island’s diverse population.