Central Queens Jewish Community Circle (CQJCC) was founded by Rebbetzin Mushky Mendelson in 2019 to address the loneliness of older members of the community, which constitute over 50 percent of the population of Forest Hills and Rego Park. Having met the older, retired members of Congregation Machane Chodosh in Forest Hills, where her husband serves as full-time Rabbi and she as full-time purveyor of warmth and spirit, Rebbetzin Mendelson understood how much the older members, who in their youth had given so much of themselves to build the community, now needed the embrace of that community.  

CQJCC was especially impactful in bringing joy to many souls during the profound isolation in the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic. Holiday food and activity packages hand-delivered by caring volunteers created a circle of love around the most vulnerable and valuable people in our neighborhood.  Additional programs were added to assist with the mental health needs of community residents during that time.

At the present time, CQJCC's efforts support over 150 individuals.  Approximately 62% of our recipients are over the age of 70, and 10% of our recipients are Holocaust survivors and/or U.S. Army Veterans.  The remaining recipients are isolated for various health-related reasons.

Your generous contribution will allow us to continue our important work in combatting loneliness and supporting the elderly and home-bound residents of Queens who are in need.  We strive to expand our existing participant listing, as well as implement vital live sessions and webinars on topics targeting feelings of loneliness, frustration, and personal growth.

Please join in our vital work: delightful holiday food and gift packages, warm and strengthening home visits, and remote wellness and Torah seminars.