Big Changes are Coming to the Dwares Jewish Community Center

Change is good. The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s Dwares JCC is undergoing some big changes, including updated locker rooms and a new elevator, new floors and rugs and a renovated lobby. Energy efficient lighting fixtures have been installed. The pool has been emptied, cleaned, repainted and the filtration system has been replaced. Coming up, the locker rooms will be updated, including new showers, sinks and countertops.

The project is the result of a large gift from philanthropists Donald and Bonnie Dwares, who had a vision. According to Chief Operating Officer Dan Hamel, the Dwares’ “wanted to create more opportunities for community.” Where the building had once been somewhat compartmentalized, the new lobby will make any destination within the facility accessible from any entrance. “It creates more chances for people to interact,” Hamel said, “with the main lobby as a central hub.”

Contractor D. F. Pray has made every effort to minimize disruption, especially for the little ones in the David C. Isenberg Family Early Childhood Center. They hosted a construction fun day in the playground, where children could build structures from cardboard boxes (using shaving cream as mortar), and they always make an effort to keep the noise down during the children’s naptime.

Calling itself “part grantmaker, part fundraiser, part think tank, part gathering place, part provider of essential services,” the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island welcomes all ages, faiths and backgrounds. With programs and services for children, teens, young adults, families and seniors, it is full of life. And once these changes are complete, you will find a brighter, cleaner, more energy efficient facility, with an even greater sense of community.

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s Dwares JCC
401 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence
421-4111
www.JewishAllianceRI.org