Mission:

The mission of the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS connects the community to Jewish heritage, identity, experiences and values to ensure the continuity and vibrancy of the Jewish community. We accomplish our mission by promoting the physical and mental well-being of the community and offering a rich array of stimulating and innovative social, cultural, educational, and recreational programs and services. The LFJCC is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for San Diego’s diverse Jewish community and the greater general community.

History:

The Jewish Community Center of San Diego County was founded in 1945 on 54th Street in the College area by a handful of dedicated and visionary volunteers. After its "permanent" home was built in 1958 (still on 54th Street), it quickly became a landmark for the community. For nearly fifty years, the original Center was the hub of Jewish life in San Diego, becoming a cultural source for all ages and providing meeting locations for thousands of projects and programs. 

By the late 1970s San Diego's Jewish community had grown and migrated north to the coastal areas of the county. As a result, in 1982 a plan was developed for a community center and public park, to be located in the University City/Golden Triangle area of La Jolla, and JCC executives signed a fifty-year lease with the City of San Diego. 

In the early 1980s, jump-started by an initial $1 million gift from M. Larry Lawrence, more than $6 million was raised for the building of the new community center, including the Friedenberg Pool and the Albert A. Hutler Tennis Center. Thanks to the generosity of Mandell Weiss, the Mandell Weiss Eastgate City Park could also be created. 

An additional $1.5 million was raised for further construction of the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in 1985, enabling the building to expand to provide facilities for social programs and fitness classes. The NBA-regulation Jacobs Family Gymnasium, built during this phase, also provided a space for basketball and gymnastics classes. It wasn't long, however, before the JCC once again outgrew its space. 

By 1992 the Board of Directors had planned the "Get Centered" Capital Campaign, led by Joan and Irwin Jacobs, and raised funds for the expansion and renovation of the existing JCC facilities. After many years of planning and two more years of construction, the JCC building tripled in size, covering 97,000 square feet.