KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., last week kicked off its celebration of 50 years of service and impact to the community.
The event featured a slide show of pictures from over the years and performances by a senior chorus that includes Holocaust survivors and a children’s choir of Ukrainian refugees.
Remarks were given by Steve Klein, chairman of the board, and son of founders Raymond and Miriam Klein, and Andre Krug, president and CEO of KleinLife.
The youth choir kicked off the festivities by singing Celebration and later teamed with the adult chorus for a rendition of God Bless America.
The site was known as JCC Klein until 2015.
“My parents today would be ecstatic,” Steve Klein said. “They would be so thrilled to see us celebrating the 50th anniversary. They would be blown away.”
Krug, who has worked there for 25 years, said some 35,000 people of all ages visit KleinLife each year. He recognized employees who have been there for 10 years or more and credited the relatively small staff with keeping the place going.
“It’s a very, very dedicated staff,” he said.
Gary Freedman recalls the excitement in 1975 when JCC Klein was being built as a larger and more modern complement to the David G. Neuman Senior Center, which was at Bustleton and Magee avenues. The new place would feature a state-of-the-art theater, along with a weight room, swimming pool and sports such as handball and basketball.
“It was just an incredible place to be,” said Freedman, who would go on to become teen director and a board member since 1992.
Barbara Shotz worked at the Neuman Center, which closed in 2004, and would later work at KleinLife as director of senior services. A board member, she said KleinLife offers programs for people whether they are “2 or a hundred and two.”
“We are here to serve,” she said.
Shotz said it’s been an “incredible 50 years,” pointing to offerings such as a Russian senior center, Cook for a Friend, home-delivered meals, free dental and a vision group. KleinLife folks have been known to celebrate weddings of members who have no family or attend funerals for people with no loved ones.
Shotz said seniors have a place to find good company.
“They find it here at KleinLife,” she said.
Patti Leneghan, district director for state Rep. Martina White, brought a citation. Also in attendance was Sharlene Waller, executive director, Mayor’s Commission on Aging.
Krug said KleinLife has resettled 1,700 Ukrainian refugees since the Russian invasion in 2022.
Bavlo Bogdanov, 10, came here with his mom, grandmom and sister.
“I’m very thankful for KleinLife taking a lot of care of me,” he said.
An anniversary committee is planning events for the next six months. A 50th anniversary gala is planned for Nov. 2 at KleinLife. All alumni looking to celebrate can call 215-698-7300 for more information.
KleinLife believes it has plenty to offer in the future.
“We’re looking forward to the next 50 years,” Klein said. ••
