OUR HISTORY

JCCGCI was founded in 1973 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to serve the evolving needs of the Coney Island community. What began as a small grassroots effort quickly became a trusted resource for those seeking help, guidance, and connection.

In its earliest days, the organization focused on revitalizing the community and supporting those too poor or elderly to relocate after many original residents left Coney Island. During the 1960s and 1970s, the neighborhood faced significant challenges—urban decay, failed renewal projects, and economic shifts led to declining tourism, rising poverty, and increased crime. City planning efforts often destroyed housing rather than improving it, displacing residents and leaving behind a vulnerable population in need of support.

JCCGCI’s early programs responded to these conditions by providing essential human services and restoring hope to those determined to remain. Even in our earliest days, JCCGCI stood as a cornerstone of hope for individuals and families determined to rebuild their lives. This foundation of service, compassion, and dedication continues to shape everything we do today.

By 1981, JCCGCI entered a transformative era. Following the transition of the local Jewish community in Coney Island, our organization was revitalized to expand its reach and mission. At the time, JCCGCI had only one program area, operated within a single community district, and received funding from just one government source. But through persistence and vision- and under the leadership of Rabbi Moshe Wiener, whose dedication and guidance helped usher in this new era- we began laying the groundwork for what would become a citywide network of support. This period marked the start of our expansion into diverse service areas and partnerships that would ultimately define our multi-service model.

Focus Areas That Emerged: