Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine

What Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine does

The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine (JCA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 01-0530420) headquartered at 1342 Congress St., Portland, Maine, operating as the central hub for Jewish communal life across Southern Maine. The organization runs four core program arms: early childhood education through the NAEYC-accredited Goldman Family Preschool (~80+ children across five classrooms, ages six weeks to five years); youth programming including Center Day Camp on Sebago Lake (65-year history, ages 3-15) and Afterschool at the J (K-5); social services through Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services (KJFS), which operates a Diaper Bank (first National Diaper Bank Network participant in Maine, serving nearly 700 families bi-monthly at 40% of retail cost), an Essentials Pantry, and a Refugee Resettlement & Newcomer Services (RRNS) program (HIAS affiliate, historically serving 571 people from 24 countries over four years); and community relations through the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), which operates statewide antisemitism response protocols and intercultural bridge-building across three committees.

Revenue is generated through a diversified, multi-stream model: membership dues in three tiers (Sustaining, Standard, Reduced) on annual billing; program fees for preschool, afterschool, and summer camp; an annual fundraising campaign; corporate sponsorships; planned giving and tribute gifts; and donor recognition societies including Tree of Life, Pomegranate ($1,800-$4,999), and Lion of Judah ($5,000 minimum). The go-to-market motion is community-led, relying on direct engagement through membership, events, volunteer programs, and social services rather than traditional sales channels. Geographic scope is regional (Southern Maine), with supplementary overseas allocations to partners including Hand in Hand Schools, JDC, and World ORT.

Technology infrastructure is intentionally limited to the nonprofit-sector standard stack: Neon One for website, CRM, event management, and donor/contact management; and Mailchimp for email newsletters. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors; Leslie Kirby serves as outgoing CEO, with Susan Cohen announced as incoming CEO effective early August 2026 (following Acting Co-Directors Rachael Alfond and Stefanie Levenson). In September 2025 the Board decided to pause federally-funded refugee resettlement work due to federal grant cuts, while privately funding three RRNS staff positions to preserve core case management services.

Name

Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine

Legal name

Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine

Website

https://mainejewish.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit hub serving as the central institution for Jewish communal life in Southern Maine, delivering preschool, summer camp, refugee resettlement, social services, and intergenerational programming for the regional Jewish community and broader public.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Services

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242), Civic and Social Organizations (8134)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Child Day Care Services (8351), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues) (BPAGAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Faith-Based Social Services & Community Outreach (Food Pantries, Shelters, Counseling) (BPAGAJAG), Community Center Education Programs (EDAAAFAB)

Keywords

• Community services
• Early childhood education
• Summer day camp
• Social services
• Refugee resettlement

Headquarters

HQ city

Portland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Annual Campaign Donations: Annual fundraising campaign that sustains and grows JCA's work year after year. Supports programs, resources, and services to the community.
2. Membership Dues: Membership at the J provides belonging to a community and supports activities, events, and social justice initiatives. Multiple tiers available (Sustaining, Standard, Reduced) based on financial capability.
3. Program Fees and Services: Fees for various programs including preschool, afterschool, day camp, and community programs. Members receive discounted rates.
4. Tribute and Planned Gifts: Tribute gifts to mark important dates, plus planned giving options including bequests, retirement plan beneficiaries, and life insurance.
5. Corporate Sponsorships: Business sponsorship opportunities supporting social and cultural programs reaching hundreds of households in Southern Maine.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine is a nonprofit Jewish community organization that operates a comprehensive portfolio of programs across the lifespan. Core offerings include NAEYC-accredited early childhood education (Goldman Family Preschool), a 65-year summer day camp (Center Day Camp) on Sebago Lake, afterschool care, teen programs, adult and senior social programming, Jewish holiday celebrations, and community theater. The organization also delivers social services through its Jewish Family Services division, including a diaper bank, an essentials pantry, and refugee resettlement services under HIAS affiliation.

Product overview

The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine is a nonprofit Jewish community organization serving as a central hub for connection, culture, and community. It operates as a multi-service organization offering early childhood education (Goldman Family Preschool), summer programming (Center Day Camp), family services (Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services including Diaper Bank and Essentials Pantry), youth and teen programs (Afterschool at the J, BBYO, PJ Library), adult programming (Wise Ventures for 55+, Young Jewish Professionals for ages 25-45, Rimon women's community), refugee resettlement services, community theater, and holiday celebration programs (Holiday Hubs). Fundraising includes an Annual Campaign with giving societies (Tree of Life Society, Pomegranate Society, Lion of Judah). The organization uses Neon One's website and CRM platform for operations and communications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Goldman Family Preschool NAEYC-accredited early childhood education program for children ages six weeks to five years, using the High Scope curriculum, Reggio Emilia approach, and JCC Association's Sheva Learning Framework. Located in Portland with over 80 children across five classrooms.
• Center Day Camp Summer day camp on Sebago Lake for children ages 3-15 with a 65-year history. Offers swimming, archery, theater, hiking, and Israeli culture activities grounded in Jewish values, with scholarships available for families.
• Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services (KJFS) Health and human services division serving community members regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background, anchored by gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness) and tikkun olam (repairing the world). Encompasses the Diaper Bank, Essentials Pantry, and refugee resettlement support.
• Diaper Bank Program Provides diapers to families in need at 40% of retail cost through National Diaper Bank Network membership. Serves nearly 700 families bi-monthly with 50 diapers per child, plus wipes and (since 2025) menstrual hygiene products.
• Essentials Pantry Provides essential household items not accessible via SNAP benefits to local families in need. Reflects the Jewish value of Tzedekah (charitable giving) and supports neighbors experiencing hardship.
• Refugee Resettlement & Newcomer Services (RRNS) HIAS affiliate program that welcomed 571 people from 24 countries to Maine over four years. Services include airport pickup, housing assistance, stipend provision, cultural orientation, medical appointments, school enrollment, and employment support.
• Afterschool at the J After-school program for children in kindergarten through 5th grade offering outdoor exploration, enrichment activities (cooking, music, science, arts, theater), athletics, and Jewish values curriculum from 2:15 PM to 6 PM.
• BBYO Chapter Leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement offering meaningful Jewish experiences for teens of all backgrounds. JCA hosts a local BBYO chapter for Jewish teens in Southern Maine.
• PJ Library National program in partnership with Harold Grinspoon Foundation that sends free age-appropriate Jewish books monthly to children from birth through age 8, connecting families to the local Jewish community.
• Wise Ventures Social group for adults 55+ offering coffee talks, cocktail events, cultural activities, educational workshops, and community building in a warm, inclusive environment.
• Young Jewish Professionals (YJP) Peer-led network for young adults ages 25-45 organizing social gatherings, learning opportunities, cultural activities, and volunteer projects. Creates a welcoming space for those curious about or engaged in Jewish culture and community.
• Rimon Women's Group Women's community group in the Portland area combining social, cultural, educational, and ritual elements. Hosts activities like the Great Big Maine Challah Bake and workshops on Jewish heritage and arts.
• Community Theater Community theater program offering inclusive productions with open auditions; upcoming production: Fiddler on the Roof (December 2026). Seeks volunteers for roles including music directors, costume/set designers, stage managers, and choreographers.
• Holiday Hubs Seasonal celebration programs for Jewish holidays including High Holidays, Hanukkah, Purim, and Passover. Offers family-friendly programs, meaningful rituals, cultural events, and opportunities for reflection and service.
• Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) Bridge-building and antisemitism response program with three committees: Government Advocacy, Intercultural Corps, and K-12 Advocacy. Builds relationships across faith and cultural lines, provides antisemitic incident reporting, and promotes understanding of Jewish issues.
• Joe Bornstein Winter Warmth Drive Annual program providing warm winter boots to children in Southern Maine schools, honoring Joe Bornstein's legacy of community service. Partnered with Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services to deliver boots to 7 schools.
• Annual Campaign Primary fundraising initiative sustaining JCA operations year after year, supporting programs, resources, and services for all ages and backgrounds in the Jewish community.
• Tree of Life Society Donor recognition society for supporters who double their Annual Campaign gift annually, celebrating generosity and ensuring Jewish life continuity in Southern Maine for generations.
• Lion of Judah International women's philanthropy group requiring a minimum $5,000 annual gift. Members lead with courage and conviction, shaping the future of Jewish giving and supporting JCA's work.
• Pomegranate Society Women's giving circle requiring $1,800 to $4,999 annually to support Jewish community life.
• JCA Membership Membership program with Sustaining, Standard, and Reduced rate options ensuring accessibility. Benefits include discounted programming, fitness classes, and special discounts at local businesses.

Quantifiable outcome

• Served nearly 700 families bi-monthly through Diaper Bank, distributed 259,050 diapers
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• HIAScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021JCA became a HIAS affiliate in Fall 2021 for refugee resettlement work. Over four years, the RRNS program grew to welcome 571 people from 24 countries to Maine. Services include meeting newcomers at airport, housing settlement, stipends for expenses, and cultural orientations.
• Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) - Communal Security InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing no-cost security support to Maine's Jewish community through 2027. CSI focuses on Physical security infrastructure, Access to grants, Cyber threat preparedness, and Training (PACT framework). JCA hosts CSI trainings and serves as key partner for security grants and law enforcement relationships.
• National Diaper Bank NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKJFS is the first National Diaper Bank Network participant in Maine. As a member, they access diapers for 40% of retail cost, enabling service to nearly 700 families bi-monthly.
• Jewish Federation of North America (JFNA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJCA is a member of JFNA, benefiting from national training, conferences, and retreats. Community leaders can receive scholarships for participation.
• Jewish Community Center Association (JCCA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJCA is a member of JCCA, the association for Jewish Community Centers, providing access to resources and programming frameworks.
• Association of Jewish Family & Children's Agencies (AJFCA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJCA is a member of AJFCA, the association for Jewish family service agencies, providing resources and professional development.
• Harold Grinspoon FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreator and supporter of PJ Library program that sends free Jewish-themed books to children from birth through age 8 monthly, in partnership with local philanthropists and organizations.
• Community Organizations for Volunteer WorkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWednesday Service Series partners include Maine Needs, Partners for World Health, Preble Street, The Locker Project, and Ronald McDonald House.
• Hand in Hand Schools (Israel)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner$12,500 allocation to Israeli network of bilingual, integrated schools bringing together Jewish and Arab students to foster equality and mutual respect.
• American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOverseas allocation recipient; world's leading Jewish humanitarian organization providing aid in over 70 countries since 1914.
• World ORTminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOverseas allocation recipient; network reaching 350K+ people in 40+ countries providing science/tech education with Jewish identity programming.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• JCC Chicago: Mid-sized JCC offering early childhood education, summer camp, fitness, adult programming, and Jewish life services. Comparable mid-size Jewish community center with similar product breadth to JCA.
• Edlavitch DCJCC: Washington DC JCC offering early childhood education, cultural programming, senior services, and Jewish life programs. Comparable multi-program JCC with similar community hub positioning to JCA.
• Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta: Regional Jewish federation combining fundraising, social services, education programming, and community relations. Most direct analogous organization to JCA in terms of community-based service portfolio and scale.
• Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan: Upper West Side JCC with programs for all ages, including early childhood, seniors, cultural events, and Jewish communal programming. Mirrors JCA's age-spanning programmatic model.
• JCC Manhattan: Jewish Community Center in New York offering preschool, programming for all ages, cultural events, and community building. Operates the same model of Jewish communal programming across the lifespan that defines JCA.

Broad incumbents

• Jewish Community Center of Greater Boston: Large regional JCC combining early childhood education, summer camp, fitness, cultural programming, and Jewish life services. Closest geographic neighbor of comparable mission, serving a larger Boston-area Jewish population.
• Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP): Large Boston-area Jewish federation that partners with JCA through the Communal Security Initiative. Comparable federation model of centralized Jewish fundraising and program coordination, but at significantly larger scale.
• 92nd Street Y: Iconic New York Jewish community hub offering cultural programming, education, fitness, and social services. Operates at much larger scale than JCA but follows the same multi-program Jewish community center model combining membership, classes, and communal programming.
• Hadassah: Women's Zionist organization operating giving circles (Lion of Judah, $5,000+ tier) that JCA mirrors. Hadassah's Evolve Leadership Fellows program also selected a JCA member — confirming programmatic overlap in women's leadership development.

Others

• JCC Association of North America: Umbrella association of which JCA is a member. Provides training, conferences, and programming frameworks — directly comparable ecosystem peer rather than competitor, representing the JCC ecosystem context.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/jewish-community-alliance-of-southern-maine

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine