History 1936-1946 

In 1939, JPI affiliated with Jewish Charities (later known as the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago)

During the late 1930’s, Chicago’s Jewish population began to shift to new neighborhoods throughout the city. To accommodate service needs in these new areas, JPI developed neighborhood branches and opened the Max Straus Center in 1941 (West Wilson Avenue, Albany Park).

In 1946, to reflect the new neighborhood branch concept, JPI changed its name to Jewish Community Center of Chicago (JCC).

Also in 1946, in response to a study that revealed a desperate need for group services for the elderly, JCC established the Golden Age program (later named the Senior Adult Program). Golden Age Clubs brought older community residents for social events, classes, city tours and travel opportunities. By 1953, JCC served over 800 older adults at 11 Golden Age Clubs throughout Chicagoland