"The first thing Nadiia wanted to do upon arrival to the United States...was to go for a walk and exercise. I thought the JCC would be a great place to start." 

Nadiia

Our October Member Spotlight is on Nadiia! Nadiia came to the United States in September to seek refuge from her home in Ukraine. Her 3-day journey brought her here to Akron, Ohio. Nadiia currently lives with her sponsors, long-time JCC member Diane Kilivris and her husband, Rob.

Diane exclaimed that she is "thrilled that our local community is so supportive and generous. The first thing Nadiia wanted to do upon arrival to the United States, besides a much needed 10-hour nap, was to go for a walk and exercise. I thought the JCC would be a great place to start. Plus, a local bike shop donated a bicycle to Nadiia. Everyone has been so welcoming."

Nadiia say that she "loves cycling, nature walks, reading, cross-stitching and traveling." She is very grateful to be here with her sponsors and has enjoyed making connections through the International Institute of Akron, a local Ukrainian grocery shop, and more. She enjoys the nature in Akron, particularly the Nature Realm. It reminds her of home.

Nadiia tells us a great way to support her home country would be to continue talking about what is happening in Ukraine and hopes the war is not forgotten. 

Jewish Akron believes that we have the collective responsibility to make a difference in saving the lives of our family in Ukraine. We were able to raise $82,000 to support Jewish communities and other humanitarian needs in Ukraine as part of the 2022 Annual Campaign. We encourage you to support the effort and to not let it be forgotten. 

"The people here are on top of their jobs, care about us, and treat everyone with great respect." 

Gloria

Meet Gloria! Gloria has been a member at the JCC for almost a year now and has been attending aqua classes and taking private swim lessons. "I am so excited that I am learning how to swim. I've always wanted to learn and after retirement, I started here at the JCC with Margaret." Within two months of lessons, Gloria has made strides of improvement and gained confidence in the pool.

"I always say the most important thing is to keep moving."

But her story doesn't stop there! On January 12, Gloria came to the JCC as usual but was feeling dazed and confused as she got ready to leave. Two JCC lifeguards, Suzanne and Margaret, knew something was wrong and came to her side. They insisted she needed further medical help and convinced Gloria and her husband to go to the hospital.

It was then discovered that Gloria had a pulmonary embolism needing emergency surgery. Now she is back and better than ever!

"It was a miracle! I had a true crisis and lost my memory completely. Because Margaret and Suzanne knew me so well, they were able to advocate for me and convince me to go to the hospital. They are my earthly angels. The JCC is a lifesaver. The people here are on top of their jobs, care about us, and treat everyone with great respect," Gloria said. "Thank God I was in the right place at the right time."