Rochelle Carney
40 Faces of the J
When my family joined the Levine JCC in 2014, I was a new mom who had just moved to Charlotte. At first, I thought it would simply be a place to work out and sign my kids up for swim lessons. It didn't take long to realize the JCC was so much more than that.
The J gave us something every family hopes to find in a new city—a sense of belonging. It became the place where we made lifelong friends, celebrated milestones, and found people who genuinely care about one another. Over the years, it has become an important part of our family's life and a community we're grateful to call home.
What I love most about the J is that there's truly something for everyone. Whether you're taking a fitness class, attending a family event, exploring the arts, or volunteering, you're surrounded by people who make you feel welcome. The J brings people together in meaningful ways, creating connections that extend far beyond its walls.
While I've enjoyed so many wonderful programs over the years, my most meaningful experiences have come through volunteering. I serve on the board of Shalom Green: The Shalom Park Environmental Initiative, one of the Shalom Park partner agencies. One of the things that makes the Shalom Park Campus so special is the way the agencies work together to strengthen our community.
The Levine JCC has been an incredible partner, helping us share Shalom Green's programs with a wider audience through its marketing and communications, making it possible for more people to get involved.
One of my favorite programs is our monthly Shalom Park Community Garden Workday. Volunteers of all ages come together to plant, weed, harvest, and learn from one another. The fresh fruits and vegetables we grow are donated to the Jewish Family Services food pantry, helping families in our community. In 2025 alone, the garden produced more than 330 pounds of fresh produce for those in need.
For me, the garden represents the very best of what community can be. It's not just about growing food—it's about growing relationships. Side by side, community members become friends, people share their knowledge and time, and everyone leaves knowing they've made a difference, no matter how small.
That's what the Levine JCC has always meant to me. It's more than a place to exercise or attend programs. It's a place where people show up for one another, where partnerships create opportunities to give back, and where community isn't just something we talk about—it's something we live every day.
