By Tom Waring

Times Staff Writer

Manya Perel volunteers at the Jewish Community Center's Raymond and Miriam Klein Branch and also takes part in the many activities offered at the center, at 10100 Jamison Ave.

Perel credits the patient staff at the Klein Branch with helping put smiles on the faces of senior citizens and keeping them energetic.

The center offers exercise classes, educational programs, cultural activities and plenty more.

"Everything is good," Perel said of the facility.

"This is the home away from my home."

Last week, Perel was in attendance as the Klein Branch celebrated what it called a "new beginning."

Opened in 1975, it operated under the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Philadelphia.

That organization also oversaw the Jacob and Esther Stiffel Senior Center, at Sixth and Porter streets in South Philadelphia; the Gershman Y, at Broad and Pine streets; and the Kaiserman Branch, in Wynnewood, Montgomery County.

About two years ago, legal proceedings began to create three separate nonprofit organizations.

On Sept. 1, Klein and Stiffel received independent status and now are run by president and CEO Andre Krug and a board of directors.

"I am so proud we're part of the same family," said Gary Freedman, co-chairman of the board of directors.

Gershman and Kaiserman, too, have become independent.

Ernest Kahn, who had served as president of the JCCs of Greater Philadelphia, described the independence as a "joy" for the centers, but added that it will also be a challenge in tough economic times.

Krug explained that the main reason for the change was that the four branches served different populations.

At Klein, there's a mix of programming, much of it for senior citizens, immigrants and children. Stiffel is dedicated to activities for seniors. Gershman, located on the Avenue of the Arts, is largely a cultural center. And Kaiserman caters to affluent Main Line families.

"The reason for the decentralization was that the agencies were underneath the umbrella of the JCC but were serving different clients and had different missions," Krug said.

Klein offers an array of activities: hot lunches, swimming, sports, English language courses, music, dancing, trips, a preschool and kindergarten, before- and after-school classes and summer camp.

It is also a favorite stop among some prominent politicians.

There are more than 30,000 visits a year, and Klein will continue to focus on its base in the Northeast and reach out to the nearby suburbs.

The volunteers, staff and members offer one another companionship and support, and many have developed enduring friendships.

"The Klein JCC members and staff are really a big family," Krug said.

Rabbi Sandra Berliner offered a blessing at the Oct. 20 event, which attracted state Rep. John Sabatina Jr. and Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce president Al Taubenberger.

Freedman read a letter from Gov. Ed Rendell and proclamations from U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz and state Sen. Mike Stack.

The Fargenign Russian Choir sang God Bless America and Hatikva, the national anthem of Israel, which means "The Hope." The kindergarten students recited the Mah Tovu prayer and sang My Country, 'Tis of Thee. The Stiffel Swingers led the crowd in dancing.

Steve Klein, the son of the late Raymond and Miriam Klein, recalled back in the 1970s accompanying his father to what was then an empty field on Jamison Avenue near Red Lion Road.

Today, thanks to the generosity of the Kleins, the center has been serving people of all ages for 34 years. Steve Klein said the center was his parents' "pride and joy."

"As good a program and services we have here," he said, "we have the opportunity to make the programs and services even better."

Krug promised members that the Klein Branch will still offer all of the current programming and hopes that it can provide more and improved services.

To accomplish that goal, the center will continue to team with agencies such as the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.

"All together, we can make the Jewish community what it can be," said Ande Adelman, chief community development officer for the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.

Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com