The Stroum Jewish Community Center (SJCC) unveiled a new center for mindfulness and meditation, called Makom, as well as other visual enhancements at its facility on Mercer Island on Sept. 23.

The SJCC will host a volunteer and membership appreciation event on Sunday, Oct. 4, at The Big Hug. Attendees will be greeted by a remodeled lobby, lounge and other updates intended to create more welcoming and functional spaces.

“We couldn’t be more excited to introduce these new updates to the community,” said Dana Weiner, SJCC Senior Director of Community Connections. “The visual enhancements create a more engaging space that we hope will inspire connections that build community and welcome everyone.”

Makom, or “space” in Hebrew, will house classes on mindfulness, meditation and compassion, creating a designated place for programs to cultivate more meaningful moments with oneself, family, and community.

“From parenting classes and pre/postnatal yoga to mediation for the whole family, Makom will help cultivate the practice of being more present – something we can all use in the hustle and bustle of today’s world,” Weiner continued.

The J Café, which has operated alongside the SJCC Welcome Desk since 2010 and offers convenient food and beverage options, will move into the Polack Lounge, and feature new café tables, chairs, and other comfortable seating for people to meet friends for coffee, work remotely or curl up with a great book. The Welcome Desk will move into the center of the lobby, facing the entrance to the SJCC for improved security and service.

More information about Makom, including a full list of classes and programs available, can be found at: http://sjcc.org/kids-adults-families/makom/. For information about The Big Hug event on October 4, please visit: http://sjcc.org/about/volunteer/the-big-hug-rsvp/.