Why They Do It
Kelley & Max Reiss
“It comes down to some basics in life- like leaving places better than how you found them, and understanding what it means to repair the world and bring Tikkun Olam to others.” This is a tenet that guides Max and Kelley Reiss, and a principle that they are modeling for their twins, as well.
Max says, “We want our kids to understand the importance of community institutions and ensuring these places have the resources necessary to serve others. My mother would always say to my brother and I that we did something, ‘because it’s the right thing to do’. As we got older we better understood what she meant, and I want my children to have the same life education- that when a place provides you incredible support, community, and wellness, that it’s important to ensure it lives on, because that’s the right thing to do. That’s what I want my children to learn about giving back.”
“I was raised by a mother and father who took very active roles in their communities, and my brother and I took notice. They believed in devoting their time to strengthening the institutions in their lives, and that’s a strong legacy Kelley and I want to pass down to our children.”
The Reiss family initially came to the JCC for Summer of Wonder with their (then) 3-year-old twins, and have grown their involvement over time. “We quickly realized how special the JCC was as a place to meet new people, enjoy programs, and forge a sense of community and we wanted to get more involved outside of the early child education programs.”
“Our relationship with the Mandell JCC deepened over time in incremental ways. We signed our kids up for more programs, we spent more time there as a family, and as we met more members, especially those with young children, we realized the Mandell JCC was definitely a part of our future and not just a stop along the way. As with anything you care about, you want to provide support, energy, and time to ensure it continues to meet your goals and needs, and those of others who come after you.”
Max became active in JNext, the group for those 45 and younger to contribute views and energy to the future of our community while building their own connections through social events, special networking opportunities and family gatherings. “JNext made a lot of sense as a place to commit time to because of the programming involved and the ability to meet similar young professionals who also have young families. I’ve had a unique professional career, and getting to meet new people and forge relationships with them comes naturally, so this group felt very comfortable. JNext is the future of the Mandell JCC and I thought it was a natural place to get more involved because I want to be part of that next generation which shapes the future. Getting to know your peers who will shape that effort is important.”
Max also recently joined the Board of Directors because “I really felt that my point of view is one that could have value to the community, and I love participating in vital topics and discussions. I’m very familiar with complex organizations and what’s needed to make significant decisions, and I’m very much looking forward to helping solve problems and create new opportunities as a member of the Board.”
The Reiss’ sum it up this way: “We care about supporting the institutions which support us. The JCC plays a major role in our lives. Our children have learned vital interpersonal and social skills here, our daughter learned to dance at the Mandell JCC, and we have made lasting friendships which serve us both personally and professionally. There aren’t many places like the Mandell JCC when it comes to impacting so many aspects of your day-to-day life, and it’s important to show others in your community that you value and believe in what’s happening here on a daily basis.”
