KleinLife’s Top 10 of 2024
These 2024 highlights are only 10 of many from an awesome year!
As we look ahead to 2025, a milestone year marking our 50th Anniversary, we reflect on how vital and irreplaceable our organization remains to the community we serve. This year, we reached new heights in our efforts to support seniors, children, refugees, families, and vulnerable Jewish populations. In total, we welcomed over 35,000 individuals through our doors—representing more than 40 countries—reflecting our deep commitment to serving the diverse community of Northeast Philadelphia.
While it’s difficult to narrow down all our accomplishments in 2024, here are our Top 10 highlights, in no particular order, that made this year one of our best yet and underscore the meaningful impact we’ve had:
1: Receiving Global Recognition for Refugee Support
2: KleinLife’s Jewish Children’s Sunday School Turns 10!
As synagogues closed in Northeast Philadelphia, the Jewish Children’s Sunday School was created to preserve Jewish traditions.
With a hands-on, family-focused approach, our lessons help students connect with their heritage. FUN FACT: Our first Bar and Bat Mitzvahs took place on a group trip to Israel! Over 500 children have attended, and we’re excited to continue strengthening Jewish identity for future generations.
3: The STEM Academy Launches
KleinLife, in partnership with Penn State Abington and GWHS, launched the STEM Academy, offering local students access to STEM & Robotics courses and college credit opportunities while having scholarships available to help make education more affordable for low-income families.
Over 100 students, including many immigrants and refugees, are enrolled. We look forward to a bright future for the academy and its students.
4: A Documentary Filmed at KleinLife About Leaving Home as a Holocaust Survivor & Refugee
With funding from Jewish Federations of North America, KleinLife hired a videographer to document the stories of 47 older adult immigrants, including Holocaust survivors, and 5 refugee children from Ukraine. The film captures their experiences through support groups, therapy, counseling, and interviews.
Premiering in February, it explores their emotional journey of leaving home and redefining what “home” means, highlighting themes of loss, resilience, despair, and hope.
5: KleinLife: Montgomery County Relocates
As the needs of the Active Adult Life program in Montgomery County evolved, it became clear that a new space was required.
This past September, we successfully relocated The Elias Center to Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, with a Grand Opening in November. The move enhances access to vital programs that improve seniors’ quality of life, and we look forward to seeing the location thrive as the top senior hangout spot.
6: Summer Day Camp with an Educational & Fun Line-Up
Our Summer Day Camp had amazing opportunities to explore Philadelphia’s top spots, including the Philadelphia Zoo in partnership with Starr Tours and The Franklin Institute through their GSK #ScienceintheSummer program, with over 90 Ukrainian refugee children participating.
A special thanks to the Marshall Family for helping to make these trips possible!
7: Securing Critical Grants for Community Programs
8: KleinLife Expands Home Delivered Meals Program to Delaware County
When asked to help establish a Meals on Wheels of America site in Chester, we eagerly accepted the challenge. In partnership with Meals on Wheels America and Harrah’s Philadelphia, a new Home Delivered Meals program location was created, ensuring that more seniors have access to nutritious, life-sustaining meals. Together, we have served over 70,000 meals to some of the most vulnerable seniors in our Philadelphia community and beyond!
9: KleinLife Wins “BEST OF JEWISH PHILADELPHIA” recognition
We’re honored to receive the “Best of Jewish Philadelphia” title in the Senior Programming/Senior Center category, as voted by Jewish Exponent readers. This recognition is a testament to our dedicated staff and program leaders who provide a vibrant calendar of events and essential services for over 3,100 seniors, many of whom live below the poverty line.
Nearly all of these seniors rely on KleinLife for socialization, nutrition, fitness, and healthcare. For many, we are not just a service, but a “home away from home.”
10: New Website Launched for a More Comprehensive Experience
We invite you to explore and share your thoughts with us. Your feedback is valuable, so please don’t hesitate to leave a comment here.
As we reflect on the incredible milestones of 2024, we are grateful for the unwavering support of our community, donors, partners, and dedicated staff. These highlights are a testament to the impact we’ve made together, and we look forward to even greater accomplishments in 2025 as we continue to serve and uplift those who need it most. Wishing everyone a joyful and prosperous New Year—may 2025 bring new opportunities, growth, and continued success in everything we do. Thank you for being part of our journey!
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