6560 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38138-3685

Phone: (901) 761-0810          Fax: (901) 767-4888

We would like to introduce and tell you about ourselves 

The Memphis JCC was born November 1, 1949 - the creation of 20 determined and resourceful members of the Jewish community. These men dreamed of a place that could offer social, cultural, educational and athletic programs to enrich the lives of everyone who entered its doors. The Center's first home was at 2016 Court Street. Responding to the pressures of expanding programs and burgeoning membership, in 1962 the Center purchased its present site and began building a facility that could accommodate its present membership of over 6,000 people.

In 1979, the leadership of the Center realized additional space would be necessary if the organization were to fulfill the expanding needs of its membership into the 80's and beyond. Funds were raised to build new facilities and update others.

Again, in 1990, it was recognized that the Center was in need of a major facelift to meet the needs of its membership into the 21st century. Funds were raised to accomplish this task with the result that the Center was remodeled and updated to current standards and expanded to a 160,000 square foot facility.

The Center building is a complete multi-purpose facility located on Poplar Avenue. Walk into the Center and enter an environment filled with vitality, the arts, family activities, preschool and physical exercise. At the Memphis JCC, there are a multitude of things to experience and learn for the entire family. Center programs are life enriching and family fortifying. Attend a theatrical production or join an aerobics class. Enroll in a class or volunteer for a committee. Involvement at the Center can be at whatever level you like.

The JCC is based in the community - we exist both for our members and because of our members. Center administration and programs are overseen by a Board of Directors and department committees. Participation on the committees is welcome.

A professional staff administers each department on a day to day basis and are specialists in their fields. Walk into the Center and find out what we offer.

OBJECTIVES

To serve the leisure time needs of the Jewish and total community - all ages from preschool to the aged, all economic and social groups, all shades of opinion, all religious groups, as well as those not religiously identified.

Although primarily a membership agency, the Center also strives to serve the overall community. Cultural events, educational programs and exhibits are generally open to all.

The Center uses many methods to enrich the leisure hours of all our members, helping make life more meaningful and pleasant through programs rooted in Jewish tradition and American culture. Each member can discover and explore the potential that lies within him through the avenues provided at the Center in its group work, physical education, and cultural arts department.

The MJCC is one of the largest social service agencies in the community. Its members number over 6,000 individuals and range in age from infants to adults over 90.