Jewish Alliance and JCC offer virtual programming

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and the Dwares JCC are finding ways to continue to provide the community with a variety of services. The Alliance’s “COVID-19 Updates” page (at https://www.jewishallianceri.org/covid-19-updates/) provides information on the status of Alliance programs, helpful links to local resources, and ways to take advantage of educational and cultural opportunities while remaining at home.

The trainers at the JCC’s fitness center have made free, at-home exercise videos (https://www.jewishallianceri.org/j-fitness-at-home/) that all Rhode Islanders can use to help them stay healthy and active in isolation. On March 25, JCC members were also given access to more than 20 exclusive, live-streamed group-exercise classes each week. The 45-minute classes are hosted by the JCC’s personal trainers, and run six days a week. This program is designed to appeal to people of all ages, with offerings that include “Family Fitness,” “Senior Strength,” and “Dance Fitness.”

“We have such a strong and vibrant community,” said Adam Greenman, Alliance president and CEO, “and it’s more important now than ever to support it in every way that we can. We’ve been reaching out to our members to make sure that everyone is doing well, and to offer comfort where it’s needed. We couldn’t do this without our amazing staff, who have been working remotely to support our mission.”

The Alliance is also committed to its youngest members, particularly those enrolled in the David C. Isenberg Family Early Childhood Center (ECC). Online forums have made it possible for ECC families to gather online with virtual story times, singalongs, and virtual field trips. These forums also allow families to share parenting resources and ideas for at-home activities.

Michelle Cicchitelli, the Alliance’s senior director of youth and family engagement, said, “We’ve been getting such great feedback from ECC families on our online programs. It’s important for us to be able to offer such a variety of enrichment activities, and it’s important for the children’s development that they remain stimulated and in the virtual company of their amazing teachers and friends.”