While the chill of the January air laced with snow swirled around outside the JCC, the atmosphere inside the inaugural Newcomers’ Reception on January 18th was warm and welcoming.  During this reception, twenty-four adults and six children, all newcomers to the local Jewish community, were provided with opportunities to meet one another, while enjoying finger sandwiches and sweet treats.  Children were also treated to games and face painting.

Judy Solomon, who recently moved here from Maryland, said, “I thought the reception was good.  My husband and I did not know anyone when we moved here, and now, we will be joining a book club.  We were able to meet people and see more faces.  And we were able to see the JCC and get more information.”

“There aren’t many outlets set up to meet new people,” explained attendee Adina Matusow.  She continued, “It was great to go to such a warm and welcoming venue to meet new residents of Stamford.”

During the gathering, Ilene Kirschner Madwed, Managing Director of Membership services at the JCC spoke to the guests about all the JCC has to offer.  She handed out coupons and gave tours of the facility.  Patty Goldstick, Director of Community Outreach, also addressed the guests and provided information about programs and resources in the community.  “All newcomers have been welcomed by individual Shalom Stamford volunteers.  With the Newcomers’ Reception, we wanted to provide an opportunity for them to meet other newcomers, Stamford natives as well as some community professionals and lay leaders.  Outreach is such a vital part of what we do,” said Goldstick.  “We want people to know that Greater Stamford has a strong, vibrant Jewish population, with plenty of opportunities to get involved.”

Attendees were also greeted by Penny Horowitz, Outreach Committee Chair, and Amy Fishkow Benjamin and Malerie Yolen Cohen, Shalom Stamford volunteers.  “Many times, when people are presented with welcome baskets, there is no follow up, and people feel disconnected,” commented Penny Horowitz.  She added, “In offering this kind of reception, it reinforces to the newest members of the community that ‘you are important,’ and ‘we are glad you are here.’  We want them to enjoy the community and be an active part of it.”

Future plans include the continuation of the Newcomers’ Receptions that will invite Newcomers from the immediate previous year to join current newcomers, thereby enabling relationships in the community to grow and flourish.  If you or someone you know has recently moved to the area, please take a moment and visit www.ujf.org to sign them up for the Shalom Stamford Welcome Wagon. We’re excited to welcome all newcomers into our Jewish community!

For more information about Newcomers' Services, please contact Robyn Kessler, Director of Community Outreach at 203.321.1373 x 113 or Robyn@ujf.org.