Rooted in Families
“I was so excited to be back in the strong, vibrant, tight-knit Jewish community where I grew up. It’s really amazing to see everything come full circle.”
The Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC has been a destination for families to engage with the Jewish community since its earliest years at the Settlement House. Today’s families are finding new ways to connect with one another through education, camp, and family programs, and their stories are a testament to the power of community across generations.
Patti Gutglass began her family’s JCC journey when she was a young mom who enrolled her children in preschool at the JCC. The nurturing environment and exceptional teachers had a lasting impact on her children, paving the way for Patti’s deeper involvement. “As my children got older, I found that I had time to do things outside the home, so when I was asked to chair a JCC Fashion Show, I said yes,” remembers Patti.
That first step led to an opportunity to chare the JCC Gala (predecessor to KidShare) and eventually serve on the JCC Board of Directors. Patti enjoyed working with a dedicated group of individuals, learning more about the community, and contributing to its growth. The time she spent volunteering at the JCC remained a cherished chapter in her life, even as her path took her in new directions.
Years later, the circle of life brought Patti’s daughter, Samantha Gutglass Gorelik, back to Milwaukee with her own family. Samantha had fond memories of her childhood at the JCC – from preschool to summers at the Albert & Ann Deshur JCC Rainbow Day Camp – and was eager to join the JCC and take advantage of its many programs for families. Her oldest daughter, Lilah, now attends JCC Kids Center After School Care and participates in various programs, including JCC Rainbow Day Camp, still led by Lenny Kass, who ran the camp when Samantha was Lilah’s age. “I was so excited to be back in the strong, vibrant, tight-knit Jewish community where I grew up,” shared Samantha. “It’s really amazing to see everything come full circle.”
The family’s involvement with PJ Library has further enriched their lives, offering a range of programs that engage all three generations. This past year, PJ Library Milwaukee hosted 19 family programs, and 7 of these had an intergenerational component. For Patti, these events offer precious moments of bonding with her grandchildren. “I think the programs are fantastic, and it is wonderful that the whole family is included, from the kids to the grandparents,” shared Patti.
Samantha appreciates the creative and thoughtful programming that includes Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, and themed parties. These events provide her daughters, ages 3 and 7, with a deep connection to Jewish traditions and values. “I think what PJ Library is doing is so important because we are creating the Jewish Milwaukee childhood memories that our kids will have someday at our age. I feel so grateful for these meaningful experiences,” commented Samantha.
The JCC has been more than just a community center for the Gutglass and Gorelik family – it has been a place where family roots deepen and flourish. Their story is just one story among thousands of other stories that showcase the JCC’s commitment to families. From early childhood, to after school, to day and overnight camp, the JCC continues to create a legacy of connection, tradition, and growth for families that spans generations.
