The Sabes JCC and the Sabes Family Foundation’s Enduring Impact
As Jon Sabes, a director of the Sabes Family Foundation, I am proud to share the story of our foundation’s deep connection to the Sabes Jewish Community Center (JCC) in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. The Sabes JCC stands as a testament to our family’s commitment to fostering vibrant, inclusive, and thriving communities in the Twin Cities and beyond. The Sabes Family Foundation played a pivotal role in its development, and this contribution reflects our mission to protect, preserve, and strengthen community infrastructure for generations to come.
A Legacy of Community Building
In 2000, the Jewish Community Center undertook a significant effort to modernize and revitalize its place within the community with a capital improvement plan to improve its campus and facilities. It was during that initiative that the Sabes Family Foundation stepped forward to provide a significant contribution to help the JCC open a new, state-of-the-art facility in 2001. The new modern campus was designed to meet the evolving needs of the community, featuring modern amenities such as an expanded fitness center, aquatics facilities, and spaces for educational and cultural programs. The Sabes Family Foundation’s substantial financial support and leadership were instrumental in making this modernization possible, reflecting our commitment to strengthening community infrastructure, as outlined in our mission to preserve legacy and cultivate community for generations.
For decades, the JCC served as a cornerstone of Jewish life in the Twin Cities, creating a dynamic hub where individuals and families of all backgrounds come together to celebrate Jewish culture, engage in wellness and educational programs, and build meaningful connections. In 2001, the Sabes Family Foundation ensured it would be able to continue in its mission with state-of-the-art fitness facilities, vibrant early childhood programs, cultural events, and community outreach initiatives. The Sabes JCC embodies the values of inclusivity, continuity, and community engagement.
For decades, the JCC served as a cornerstone of Jewish life in the Twin Cities, creating a dynamic hub where individuals and families of all backgrounds come together to celebrate Jewish culture, engage in wellness and educational programs, and build meaningful connections. In 2001, the Sabes Family Foundation ensured it would be able to continue in its mission with state-of-the-art fitness facilities, vibrant early childhood programs, cultural events, and community outreach initiatives. The Sabes JCC embodies the values of inclusivity, continuity, and community engagement.
The Sabes Family Foundation’s Role
The Sabes Family Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of the Sabes JCC, providing substantial financial backing and strategic leadership to ensure its growth and sustainability. Our contributions have supported key initiatives, including:
Facility Development and Modernization
The Sabes JCC’s modern campus, with its expansive fitness center, aquatics facilities, and spaces for cultural and educational programming, was made possible in part through the foundation’s support. These facilities are designed to meet the diverse needs of the community, offering accessible, inclusive spaces for people of all ages and abilities.
Program Expansion
The foundation has helped fund programs that enrich the lives of JCC members, from early childhood education and summer camps to senior wellness initiatives and cultural events. These programs strengthen community ties and provide opportunities for lifelong learning and engagement.
Community Outreach and Inclusivity
The Sabes JCC is known for its commitment to welcoming individuals from all walks of life, regardless of religious or cultural background. The Sabes Family Foundation has championed this inclusive approach, supporting initiatives that foster interfaith dialogue, social justice, and community partnerships.
Our foundation’s work with the Sabes JCC aligns with our broader mission to invest in enduring institutions that reflect our values of continuity, care, and community. Just as we supported the relocation of Adath Jeshurun to its Moe and Esther Sabes Campus in Minnetonka, our efforts with the Sabes JCC demonstrate our commitment to building for generations.
Impact on the Twin Cities Community
The Sabes JCC’s impact extends far beyond its walls. It serves as a vital link in the Twin Cities’ Jewish community, collaborating with organizations like the Minneapolis Jewish Federation and local synagogues to create a cohesive network of support and engagement. The JCC’s programs—ranging from fitness and wellness to arts and culture—enrich the lives of thousands of individuals each year, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
The Sabes Family Foundation’s contributions have helped the JCC adapt to the evolving needs of the community. By supporting modern facilities and innovative programming, we have ensured that the JCC remains a place where families can grow, learn, and connect, regardless of where they are on their Jewish journey.
Looking to the Future
As we look ahead, the Sabes Family Foundation remains committed to supporting the Sabes JCC as it continues to evolve. We are exploring new opportunities to enhance its offerings, from expanding digital and virtual programming to further strengthening its role as a hub for interfaith and intercultural engagement. Our goal is to ensure that the JCC remains a dynamic, inclusive space that reflects the values of the Sabes family and the broader community.
The Sabes JCC is more than a building—it’s a living legacy of community, connection, and care. Through our foundation’s ongoing support, we are proud to contribute to its mission of cultivating a future grounded in dignity, remembrance, and shared purpose.
Get Involved
To learn more about the Sabes JCC and its programs, visit www.sabesjcc.org. If you’re passionate about preserving Jewish community spaces or supporting initiatives that strengthen cultural heritage, I invite you to explore the Sabes Family Foundation’s work at our Impact page or submit a grant inquiry to collaborate with us.
Together, we can continue to build a future where community thrives, heritage is preserved, and every individual feels connected to something greater.
The Sabes Family Foundation: Preserving Legacy. Cultivating Community. Building for Generations.