Co-Creating a Neighborhood Hub

Client

UJA-Federation, NY

Situation | Need

Manhattan’s Upper West Side has been a long time anchor for Jewish singles and families looking for religious, cultural and social anchors. For those looking to access these institutions with more affordable housing options, Harlem has become increasingly popular. Given the JCC-Manhattan’s mission of working with communities to “connect, grow, and learn with an ever-changing Jewish landscape,” they needed to confirm if investing in a new hub 3 miles north of their flagship would be a worthwhile investment.

Public Good Consulting was hired to produce a feasibility study identifying needs and opportunities based on community feedback and an environmental scan. We led neighborhood focus groups, stakeholder interviews and a digital survey that received over 200 responses from community lay leaders, parents, and residents. The feasibility study also included a detailed environmental scan of assets, demographic and financial analyses. Results were used to design the new center’s focus and cultivate the initial governing leaders.

Outcome

Our participatory research process generated excitement for a new neighborhood space with innovative programs designed to bring neighbors of all ages together to share experiences and celebrate Jewish identity. The community gatherings and outreach not only provided the JCC with relevant insights to begin programming at the right price points, it also catalyzed the community in promoting the new space. The Harlem JCC doors successfully opened January 2017 and may need to expand its space.