The Oshman Family JCC has started offering a way for people to connect with the Palo Alto center that doesn’t require a membership or involve any fees.
The J-Pass is a free, personal photo ID card that entitles the holder to certain benefits, such as early information about programs; discounts on certain performances, lectures, family events and other center offerings; two free day passes to the Goldman Sports & Wellness Complex; and discounts at select local merchants. Access to the fitness center, swimming pool and more than 145 group exercise classes is not included.
If a J-Pass cardholder decides to upgrade to OFJCC membership, registration fees will be waived.
While the program doesn’t officially launch until next week, there have been some early sign-ups.
“We are pioneering this approach to creating increased engagement,” said Mimi Sells, the OFJCC’s chief marketing officer. “Many organizations are striving to reach out to the unaffiliated and the non-joiners. We specifically didn’t create a free membership, because the membership model doesn’t resonate with many people, especially millennials,” she said.
“We know that others in the JCC world and elsewhere will be watching.”
J-Pass cards will be available starting Tuesday, Aug. 25. Sells said the OFJCC expects to sign up 1,000 to 1,500 J-Pass holders in the first year and ultimately hopes to attract 10,000 to 20,000 people to the program. The center trademarked the name J-Pass earlier this year.
For more information and to sign up for a card, visit www.paloaltojcc.org/j-pass, call (650) 223-8604 or send an email to [email protected].