MARBLEHEAD — Gov. Maura Healey and her administration announced more than $4 million in federal grant money to faith-based and community service organizations across the state on Sept. 27. Among the recipients is the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore. The facility located on Community Road now has $130,422 to address security deficiencies with the goal of lowering the risk of a hate crime or terror attack.
The funds were granted through the Non-Profit Security Grant Program. The NSGP is managed by a branch of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. Office of Grants and Research Executive Director Kevin Stanton explained why these types of organizations are essential and deserving of funding.
“Nonprofits face unprecedented challenges and threats,” Stanton said in a press release. “It is up to all of us to combat hate and to support the organizations and individuals harmed through acts of hate or terrorism. These programs are designed to ensure that everyone in Massachusetts can gather in prayer, receive medical care, or obtain services with the knowledge that they are safe and protected.”
The Jewish Community Center considers itself the central gathering place for Jewish life, learning, and culture in the region. It credits its partnerships with Combined Jewish Philanthropies and the Jewish Community Center Association with staying up to date on potential grant opportunities. The center plans on using the grant to enhance its outdoor lighting system and adding security measures to its front entrance.
“As a nonprofit agency affiliated with the Jewish religion and a connection to the State of Israel, and one that serves hundreds of people of all ages and faiths daily, it is essential that we continue to be at the forefront of safety for our members, participants, guests, and the extended community,” the center said in a statement. “The safety and security of our community is our first priority. Grants like this allow us to keep up with important security features and explore new and important advances in security enhancements for our facility.”
With more than a dozen individual programs, the Jewish Community Center is a significant part of people’s lives in and beyond Marblehead. JCC Executive Director Marty Schneer emphasized the support the center has.
“We experience a wonderful wealth of support for the JCCNS in our community here in Marblehead and across the extended North Shore,” Schneer said. “Moreover, we pride ourselves on a commitment to being a value-based agency focusing on inclusivity, moral standards, and maintaining a high bar for customer service and superior services and product. As such, the community has been extremely supportive of our mission, as evidenced by our diverse and growing membership.”
