By Allison Oakes, JCRC Director

 

As I step into the role of Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), I want to begin by sharing how truly honored I am to serve this community. The work of JCRC is deeply rooted in relationships, and I am grateful for the opportunity to build those connections alongside all of you.

I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Stuart Berger, whose leadership helped shape and strengthen JCRC into what it is today. Stuart’s commitment to this work, particularly in building relationships, elevating community voice, and navigating complex moments, has created a strong foundation that we are fortunate to build upon.

Looking ahead, I am excited to begin implementing our newly developed strategic roadmap, which reflects both the evolving needs of our community and the opportunities in front of us. At its core, this plan centers on strengthening relationships, advancing understanding, and ensuring that the Jewish community is supported, connected, and represented across our region.

For the JCRC, this work comes to life in a few key ways. We are focused on expanding our relationships with interfaith, civic, and cultural partners, recognizing that strong connections are the foundation of a resilient and supportive community. We are also committed to increasing opportunities for education and dialogue,  helping to create space for thoughtful, informed conversations, especially around complex or challenging topics.

At the same time, we are strengthening our ability to respond in moments when our community needs support. Whether through communication, coordination, or partnership, JCRC plays an important role in ensuring that our community is not only heard, but also supported.

This work is ongoing, and it is deeply collaborative. I look forward to connecting with many of you in the weeks and months ahead, whether through community events, partnerships, or simply a conversation. Strong communities are built through relationships, and I am excited to continue that work together.

Click HERE to read the portion of the Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast Strategic Roadmap that pertains to the JCRC.