As we enter 2025, my family and I reflect on the incredible power of giving back—not just as individuals, but as a family. Over the years, volunteering has become a cornerstone of the Rosenberg identity, a way to connect with one another while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. For us, this journey has been deeply intertwined with JCCA.
My family’s involvement with JCCA began over a decade ago when my son Brett chose to volunteer at the residential campus for his bar mitzvah project. At just 13, Brett was moved by the stories of the young people JCCA serves—children and teens who have endured unimaginable hardships. Little did we know that his decision to get involved would encourage our entire family to form a relationship with this extraordinary organization.
Alexandra and Scott Rosenberg and their four children: Brett, Sam, Jack, and Phoebe, enjoy time outdoors with long-time friend, Marquis.
Over the years, my husband Scott and our four children—Brett, Sam, Jack, and our youngest Phoebe—have made volunteering at JCCA a family affair. Together, we’ve built relationships with incredible young people who, despite facing immense challenges, show an amazing amount of resilience. These kids, many who don’t necessarily have the support of traditional family units, have become a part of our chosen family. Through mentorship, monthly outings, and celebrating milestones like birthdays and graduations, we are privileged to share countless moments of joy with them. Most recently, we all got up early on Thanksgiving morning to visit Marquis, a young man who my family has known for years.
The Rosenberg family with Marquis on Thanksgiving day, 2024.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this volunteerism journey has been seeing my children learn the value of giving back. From the time she was a toddler, Phoebe has spent time on JCCA’s campus, observing and then later participating in acts of kindness. Now, even as a busy teenager, she is just as committed as her older siblings are to making a difference. Our experience with this amazing organization has shaped each of my children in large ways, instilling in them a sense of responsibility to uplift others—a gift I hope they will carry throughout their lives.
As a family, we’ve also learned that generosity and giving back cannot simply be a one-time act but needs to be an ongoing commitment. Even as our JCCA mentees age out of the foster care system, we are committed to staying connected to them. These enduring relationships remind us that consistent acts of kindness can have a lasting impact on people.
This year, I encourage families to consider how they might give back together. Whether it’s volunteering with JCCA, mentoring a young person, or simply showing kindness to others in need, the collective effort of families can be transformative. For my family, volunteering has brought us closer together and helped us bond while contributing to something larger than ourselves. At JCCA, we’ve seen firsthand the impact of love and connection, and it is our honor to play even a small role in its mission.
As my family prepares to move into the new year, and yours does too, let’s all remember the power of giving and the impact we can have when we give back together.
Alexandra Rosenberg is a resident of Mount Kisco and a longtime volunteer at JCCA’s residential campus in Pleasantville.