JCC of Greater Buffalo

Overview

• Facility Type: The Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Buffalo is a comprehensive community wellness and family center, not a dedicated sauna business. It features two state-of-the-art locations focused on fitness, aquatics, early childhood education, youth programs, cultural arts, and community events, with indoor heated pools, fitness centers, and group exercise spaces promoting health and relaxation.
• Overall Atmosphere and Experience: Inclusive and welcoming to all ages, faiths, and backgrounds, driven by Jewish values of kindness, respect, and communal responsibility. The vibe is vibrant, family-oriented, and supportive, fostering community connections, lifelong learning, and well-being through modern facilities on serene campuses—one urban in Buffalo, one on 40+ acres in Amherst.

Features & Amenities

• Fitness Centers: Fully equipped with cardio equipment, free weights, functional training spaces, yoga studios, and cycling studios at both locations.
• Aquatics: Indoor heated pools for swimming lessons, lap swimming, water aerobics, and Red Cross training.
• Group Fitness: Over 100 classes per week including HIIT, yoga, spin, aquatics-based workouts, pickleball, basketball, and more, with online reservations.
• Wellness Support: Personal training, fitness orientations, health care coordination, and programs like Rock Steady Boxing.
• Family Amenities: On-site babysitting, NAEYC-accredited preschool, after-school care (Kids Place), and summer day camp (Camp Centerland).
• Additional Spaces: Cultural arts venues, Jewish Repertory Theatre, sports courts, and event areas.
• Other Perks: Free 7-day trial passes, member lounges, and sustainable facility upgrades.

Services

• Fitness & Wellness: Personal training, group classes, orientations, sports/recreation (pickleball, volleyball, triathlons), and wellness coordination.
• Aquatics Programs: Swim lessons for all ages (from infants), lifeguard training, water safety, and special projects.
• Youth & Family: Early childhood (preschool), after-school programs, summer camps, youth enrichment, and inclusion-focused activities.
• Cultural & Adult Programs: Arts engagement, performing arts (Jewish Repertory Theatre cabarets), sewing workshops, baking demos, and community events.
• Membership Services: Guest passes, orientations, donor engagement, and corporate partnerships.
• Other: Marketing events, advancement/fundraising, and seasonal activities like Saturday Night Out.

Pricing

• Specific pricing not detailed on the page; varies by program, membership type, and location.
• Promotions: Free 7-day trial pass available (download PDF).
• Schedules and reservations for group fitness/aquatics provided as PDFs; member login required for full pricing/enrollment.
• Contact membership team (e.g., Sharon Kostiner at 716.204.2081) for details on memberships, classes, camps, and childcare.

Location & Hours

• Two Locations:
  • Holland Family Building: Downtown Buffalo at Delaware Avenue and Summer Street (serene urban campus).
  • Benderson Family Building: Amherst on 40+ picturesque acres along Ellicott Creek.
• Operating Hours: Not explicitly listed; group fitness and aquatics schedules available as downloadable PDFs for each location (e.g., Benderson Group Fitness, Holland Aquatics). Events like triathlons and workshops have specific dates/times (e.g., evenings/weekends).
• Visit Benderson or Holland pages for maps and details.

Notes

• What Makes This Special: Open to everyone—no Jewish affiliation required. Stands out with dual locations blending urban access and nature, expert staff (e.g., certified trainers, educators with decades of experience), and holistic focus on shaping futures through community, wellness, and connections. Highlights include NAEYC-accredited preschool, award-winning camps, professional theatre, and partnerships with local organizations. Emphasizes inclusion, sustainability, and family legacy (many staff are multi-generational JCC participants). No dedicated saunas mentioned, but wellness facilities like heated pools and yoga support relaxation.