The Chabad Jewish Center of Cape Coral is looking to expand and is in need of the community's help.
The center, located in southwest Cape, is under contract and hopes to close on a larger building. The new space would enable Chabad to serve more families and expand its programs.
"We need a bigger place. We're growing out of our (current) place," said Rabbi Yossi Labkowski, executive director of the center.
Their existing location, a rented space at 4706 Chiquita Blvd., has roughly 2,500 square feet. The new building will eventually have 8,000 square feet.
Chabad offers social, educational and religious programming for the Jewish community of Cape Coral, which Labkowski said includes several thousand families with 300 to 400 being Chabad members.
"Chabad has brought me full circle with my religion, Judaism," said Russell Kracow, a member of the center for more than two years.
Some of the programs that Chabad offers the community include Hebrew school, summer camps and other children's programs, teen activities, adult education as well as weekly religious services and celebrations of Jewish holidays.
"Cape Coral Chabad is a place to share our Jewish culture together in a warm and friendly environment," said member and Cape Coral resident Herbert Young. "A place to help you know where God is in all your ways."
The center is a home away from home for many members.
"It has given me a sense of belonging to a family." said Kracow, whose immediate family is 1,200 miles away.
The center was established in 2004 by Rabbi Yossi and Rivky Labkowski. It was first housed in a small room but has since transferred to its present location.
The new building will be close to the existing center on Cape Coral Parkway. The building is under contract. Labkowski said it was a great opportunity given the real estate climate.
Chabad of Cape Coral is a nonprofit organization and is not funded by any central organization. This means that all the capital for the new center must be raised without assistance. Fundraising has been going on for two months and much of the $125,000 goal has been raised.
The center created a campaign including a direct mail brochure, email and a special section of their website with a donate option to help raise funds.
"We're confident on where we're standing and we hope to raise more," Labkowski said.
About Chabad
Chabad is a 250-year-old movement, originating in Lubavitch, Russia.
Chabad is an outreach program that promotes Judaism and emphasizes religious study.
Today, there are more than 3,000 institutions worldwide dedicated to advance the movement.
To donate or for more information, contact the center at 541-1777 or visit chabadcape.com. All donations are tax-deductible.
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