John P McKenzie III, M. D

The mission of the Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center is to provide a family education center and community gathering space based in Jewish values and tradition. The SIJCC celebrates an expression of Judaism that welcomes people of all backgrounds. For the past 59 years the SIJCC has served the Jewish Community of the Silverlake/Hollywood area. Built in 1951 with initial funds raised by local members, the responsibilities of running the center were eventually given over to the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Los Angeles ( JCCGLA ). In 2001, facing fiscal challenges, JCCGLA was no longer able to fund the center and it's preschool. Unwilling to lose the heart of their community, the pre-school director, teachers and parents banded together, forming the non-profit Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center. Their efforts and generous support from the Episcopal Church of Los Angeles ensured that the center could remain open. Funds to purchase the building from the JCCGLA were eventually raised. The efforts of the founding board of directors and its President, Janie Shulman ensured the preservation and growth of the SIJCC.