Bender JCC of Greater Washington
Announces Search for Director of Inclusion
The Bender JCC expands its commitment to belonging and inclusion.
Rockville, MD, February 1, 2023 – The Bender Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington announced today the creation of a new, full-time position — Director of Inclusion — and officially commenced a search for qualified candidates. The creation of a director level position dedicated to expanding inclusion demonstrates the Bender JCC’s continued commitment to its core values of belonging and inclusion.
The Director of Inclusion will inherit and steward a legacy of belonging. In 1979, the Bender JCC founded its “Inclusion Program” to help create a more welcoming community for individuals of all abilities, backgrounds, and identities. Along those lines, Lessans Camp JCC has, for decades, welcomed campers with disabilities to experience an enriching and nurturing summer at camp alongside neurotypical campers.
”The work of belonging and inclusion is never complete, and there will always be needs to address. With that in mind, our search for a Director of Inclusion kicks off a three-year strategic plan to build and expand on the critically important work of inclusion,” said Josh Bender, CEO. “Our vision is to ensure that individuals with disabilities of all ages and their families can fully participate in our community year-round.”
As part of the three-year strategic plan, the new director will:
- Convene and collaborate with an inclusion advisory council
- Conduct an audit of inclusion programs at the Bender JCC
- Partner with the professional team on education and programming
- Identify and fill gaps in inclusion programming and unmet needs for the disabilities inclusion community.
Additionally, the three-year plan will deepen partner relationships and forge new collaborations with organizations committed to this work.
“I have seen the tremendous impact our Bender JCC has made in the area of inclusion at Lessans Camp JCC,” said Daryle Bobb, Bender JCC Board Chair. “I’m proud of our board and professional leadership team for their vision to invest in and expand our inclusion program, which builds on our strengths and will help us reach new heights.”
“The Bender JCC is a place where every individual can bring their whole self,” Josh Bender said. “Our community stands ready to embrace the unique qualities of each individual, as we understand that our differences and unique gifts make us stronger.”
About the Bender JCC:
The Bender Jewish Community Center in Rockville, Maryland is a premier community center at the heart of Jewish life in Montgomery County, Maryland, operating a full-scale health and fitness center, pre-school, day camp and variety of education and arts programs. We create a welcoming and inclusive environment, connecting the people of our Jewish community with each other, Israel, and the broader community. We inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds to enhance their social, physical, intellectual, and spiritual well-being through programs of excellence rooted in Jewish values.
About Director of Inclusion:
The Bender JCC is hiring a Director of Inclusion responsible for the inclusive programming and administration for children and adults at the Bender JCC including our Lessans Camp JCC inclusion program.
