On April 28, the Mandell Jewish Community Center unveiled the new JNext Activity Center, a unique space filled with innovative and open-ended activities, equipment and teaching tools which promote healthy childhood development for young children.

Located in the JCC’s Family Room Parenting Center, the new activity center is named for JNext – younger generations of JCC members who raise funds and awareness for the causes they are passionate about. In making its donation, the philanthropic group was responding to an overwhelming request to provide enhancements to the Family Room Parenting Center. Following months of research and planning, the JNext Activity Center was introduced to the community.

“The Family Room is such a special space at the JCC where parents can spend quality time with their young children and create new friendships with other families,” says Amanda Katzman, co-chair of JNext with Joshua Feldman.

Additions to the Family Room include a magnet wall, light table and a Library Story Driven Block Play Package. Age and developmentally appropriate activities for young children, foster critical thinking while encouraging hands-on learning through play and experimentation.

Families do not have to be JCC members to use the Family Room Parenting Center, which offers parent/child interactive classes, enrichment classes, holiday programing and parent workshops.

For more information on the Family Room and Parenting Center and the new JNext Activity Center, visit mandelljcc.org/familyroom.

Main Photo: A visitor to the Mandell JCC’s new JNext Activity Center samples the innovative equipment.