It Begins With The Children:
JCC Preschool is in the Levy Family DNA

In his book, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey states: "People can't live with change if there's not a changeless core inside them. The key to the ability to change is a changeless sense of who you are, what you are about, and what you value."

After even the briefest conversation with Jeff and Aliza Levy, it is very clear that the JCC is part of their changeless core - their family DNA, if you will.

"Jeff went to the JCC College Avenue Preschool and the JCC Summer Camps. Even his sister went to the JCC Preschool," said Aliza. "Because I grew up in Youngstown, I went to the Youngstown JCC Preschool and also the JCC Summer Camps, eventually becoming a Counselor-in-Training. Later, I was an infant/toddler teacher at the College Avenue Preschool until my eldest son was born. So the Levy's have had a long history of JCC membership and involvement."

In fact, the Levy's sent all five of their children to the JCC College Avenue Preschool. Their youngest, two-year-old Lily, currently is a student. "It's a warm and loving environment, and all of the children have had a great time," said Aliza. "They really wanted to go to preschool. Actually, Zack used to cry on the days he didn't go to school because he wanted to be there. Lily is excited to be going to preschool, too."

Both the Levy's said that the preschool's Jewish foundation is one of the main motivators in having the children attend. "It's the foundation of learning everything about Judaism - the songs, Shabbat, the creative arts and crafts - as well as learning social skills," said Aliza. "They've all had great experiences."

Jeff agreed, noting that all of the children have had Leslie Rosen and Mary Warren as their teachers. "Not to single any one teacher out - because they're all great - but they've all gone through the process with Leslie and Mary. They have been a consistent stepping stone in getting all of the kids into the preschool routine. They have become a part of the family," he said.

Aside from their involvement with the JCC Preschool, Jeff also has served as co-chair of Sports Spectacular and currently serves on its committee, as well as being a member of the JCC Board of Trustees. "He has a passion for the JCC," said Aliza.

In fact, the Levy's have so much of a passion for the JCC that they also have made a contribution to the JCC Early Childhood Education Capital and Endowment Campaign. "We gave to the campaign primarily to see the center continue to grow and be successful," said Jeff. "In order to be successful, it has to change with the times, continually offer different programs, and keep being progressive with the things that they're doing.

"Everything with the campaign revolves around the kids," he said. "I guess you could say that I have 'a little skin in the game' because we have had four kids go through the preschool and our youngest is there now. The JCC Preschool was great for me. I grew up at the center, and have terrific memories of bowling, playing basketball...being involved in all aspects of the JCC. So for us, it's ensuring the perpetuity of the JCC Preschool.

"I would encourage everyone to contribute to the campaign - whatever size gift it may be," said Jeff. "Without the vision of the membership, the JCC's growth concept will not thrive."

To make a contribution to the "It Begins With the Children" Capital Campaign, click on the "Donate Now" button below, or visit the JCC Capital Campaign website at www.itbeginswiththechildren.com. For more information on the campaign, contact JCC Executive Director Carol Folkerth at (614) 559-6223.

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