Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Chaskin.
Hi Adam, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I joined the Jewish Community Alliance in 2018, with more than 20 years of experience in leadership roles at nonprofit community organizations and universities throughout the United States.
I was drawn to the JCA for the opportunity to lead the number one Jewish community organization in the country, my diverse experience includes serving as executive director and program director with Jewish Community Centers in New York and coaching various nationally recognized basketball teams, including the U.S. National Maccabi team, Elon College, North Carolina A&T State University, University of North Carolina Greensboro and Siena College in Albany, NY.
A graduate of the University of Michigan, with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Operations Engineering and later achieved a Master of Science in Physical Education from Hamilton University. Additionally, I am a certified graduate of The Jewish Experiential Leadership Institute, the FBI Citizens Academy and multiple leadership programs in New York and Florida.
My wife Regina and I live in the Mandarin area. In his free time, I enjoy traveling and visiting with his sons, Grant and Noah.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are always challenges, or opportunities, along the path. Shortly after arriving in Jacksonville Covid occurred, for the past 2.5 years we have seen a sharp uptick in Jew hatred in this country and around the world and two years ago a long time senior staff member and loved community member passed away as a result of a tragic accident. I am very proud that with each opportunity that has presented itself that the JCA has emerged as a stronger organization.
As you know, we’re big fans of Jewish Community Alliance. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Jewish Community Alliance is often known for having a fantastic fitness center and the number one rated preschool in NEFL. What many do not know is:
The JCA is the #2 field trip location behind the zoo for elementary age children as over 28,000 students come here per year to see our Magic Wardrobe Theatre Program
The JCA is a Special Olympics Training site for swimming, basketball and tennis
The JCA offers the only specially designed swim lesson program for children and adults with autism
The JCA is a Red Cross certified location offering training in CPR, First Aid, Lifeguarding and Swim Lesson Instruction
The JCA is really a Wellness Center with partners Brooks Rehabilitation and Baptist Health in our building
The JCA offers a successful therapy program for those suffering from Parkinson’s and an accompany program for their care givers
The JCA offers corporate wellness programs both at the JCA and at corporate sites
The JCA offers professional development for teachers interested in working with preschool age children
The JCA is the founder of Together Against Hate, a program for the Jacksonville community that helps educate people to break down barriers that exist between different ethnic and religious groups. This program has been a model replicated in other US cities.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The growth of our area will present many opportunities for how to best help people living in the different sections of Jacksonville as well as the opportunity to insure that the growing economic divide of our area citizens does not prevent services from being available to all. Working with the incredible technology changes that have occurred and keep coming while creating an environment for welcomed and desired human interaction.
Pricing:
- The JCA does not turn anyone away for financial reasons.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jcajax.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxjca/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jewish-community-alliance/
