WEST HARTFORD– The Mandell JCC has been recognized as ‘Nonprofit of the Year’ by the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce. The JCC was honored along with other members of the community for their positive impact during the COVID-19 pandemic, at the organization’s annual meeting on Monday, June 28 at the Farmington Polo Club.

“I am honored and privileged to lead an amazing group of professionals at the Mandell JCC,” said Executive Director David Jacobs. “The way our staff pivoted during this crisis is nothing short of inspiring. They are all leaders in their own right, recognizing that just because we didn’t have a building, we could still find many ways to build community during this extraordinary time.”

The Mandell JCC closed its doors on Friday, March 13, 2020, and was up and running online Saturday, March 14, offering free programming, including fitness and wellness classes.

“Many people during the crisis realized that having those community relationships was so critical,” said Annie Keith, the JCC’s chief operating officer for the Mandell JCC. “We also used this time to expand our footprint in the area of wellness, expanding our relationships with Saint Francis Hospital | Trinity Health of New England, Hartford Healthcare, ProHealth Physicians and Starling Physicians. We are so grateful to them for providing us with the experts necessary to navigate this pandemic and working with us to provide meaningful programs to the community.”

In addition to broadening its relationships with their healthcare partners, the Mandell JCC also partnered with Holistic Health Options to integrate a holistic approach to their wellness programming.

“What has evolved over the last year and a half is a new reality in which we all need to be pro-active in taking responsibility for our health, and that starts with having the right expertise and meaningful partnerships,” said Keith. “Keeping our employees healthy, and protecting the health of our communities, is essential and we want to do our part to reinforce the importance of having a strong, healthy and vibrant community.”