History

1970s

Raymond and Miriam Klein JCC Opens
In October 1975, founders Raymond and Miriam Klein, together with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, opened the doors of the “Raymond and Miriam Klein Jewish Community Center,” creating a welcoming space for Jews to connect and engage in Northeast Philadelphia.

1990s

Food Insecurity is Addressed Through Volunteers, Meals on Wheels America, and Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
Kosher Meals on Wheels was established to provide supplemental food and meals to senior citizens’ doorsteps. The program counts on volunteers to help prepare, package and deliver rations every week to residents of the Northeast, as well as parts of Lower Bucks County and Montgomery County.

2000s

The Neuman Center Moves to KleinLife
In 2004, the Neuman Center, a former senior center, closed its doors and found a new home at KleinLife. This move marked the beginning of the program’s evolution into the largest senior center in Philadelphia.

This move was also important to the Russian community, which allowed the program to grow and thrive in a new place.

Raymond & Miriam Klein JCC is No Longer a Branch
In 2009, with the dissolution of Philadelphia’s central JCC administrative body, the Raymond and Miriam Klein JCC was recreated as a new agency.

2010s

Klein JCC rebrands as KleinLife
In 2015, the agency rebranded as KleinLife to more accurately reflect its diverse programming for individuals from 2 to 102.

The Jewish Children’s Sunday School Opens
With intentions to increase Jewish identity, observance and connection to those without a synagogue affiliation, the Sunday School was established in 2015.

2020s

Ukrainian Refugees Resettle with KleinLife’s Help and Resources
As the war in Ukraine led many to the US, refugees in the Philadelphia area came to KleinLife looking for help. It started out with a summer camp for the children and became a welcome center for these families desiring peace and safety with assistance with housing and employment for adults while providing children with our after-school program and summer camp that offers hot meals, educational counseling, and tutoring.