Behind the Scenes, At the Heart of It All

How Guerrero built a business—and found a home—at the JCC

Before most people begin arriving at the JCC each morning, work is already happening behind the scenes. Guerrero and his team are cleaning classrooms, preparing gathering spaces for community events, and helping ensure the JCC feels welcoming to everyone who walks through its doors.

It’s the kind of work that often flies under the radar when done well, though Guerrero hopes people recognize the care behind it. “The people who do this work, whether at the JCC, the grocery store, the mall, are important,” he says. “When you walk into a space and it feels clean, safe, and cared for—that matters.”

Guerrero’s relationship with the JCC began several years ago while working for an outside housekeeping company assigned to the building. It didn’t take long for staff to recognize his reliability, attention to detail, and genuine care for the space. He quickly became a trusted point person and a familiar face throughout the building. When Guerrero shared his dream of starting his own cleaning company, the JCC chose to take a chance on him, partnering with him rather than continuing with a larger vendor. “I’m very proud of Guerrero for taking the chance to start his own business,” says JCC Senior Director of Finance, Mary. “He views this as more than a job, he takes personal pride in keeping the J looking good.”

For Guerrero, the JCC became a home. “The JCC has helped me be a happier person,” he says. “I feel pushed to smile around the preschoolers and the public; it helps you be happy.”

The sense of belonging Guerrero found here stands out, too. “Seeing the acceptance and inclusion of all people, accepting you for who you are leaves you free to be who you are.”

That spirit of care is contagious and extends beyond the visible work his team does every day.

Years ago, a Holocaust survivor named Isaac spent many of his days at the JCC, talking with staff and friends and enjoying lunch through our partnership with JFS to host Community table Lunch. “He was so nice to us,” Guerrero recalls. “He always thanked us for the work we did. If there was ever a day that I was out, when I came back he would ask me if everything was okay—he really cared.” One day, Guerrero noticed Isaac had been sitting in the lobby far longer than usual. When he checked in, he learned that Isaac’s ride had never arrived. Without being asked, and without drawing attention, Guerrero began giving Isaac rides home, and sometimes even buying him lunch. The drive turned out to be nearly 45 minutes, but Guerrero didn’t hesitate. “I saw him alone and just wanted to help,” he says. “I wanted to make sure he was okay.”

It was a quiet act of kindness that reflects exactly what community can look like when people truly see one another.

For Guerrero, “Community means people wanting to be together and supporting each other. Everyone is either helping or offering to help.”

This past June, Guerrero’s story came full circle: he and his husband celebrated their wedding at the JCC. Choosing the venue was deeply personal. “This is my home,” he says. “I feel free here. A lot of places will treat you differently because of having a gay wedding. It doesn’t feel that way here.” The same place where Guerrero built his business is where he’ll begin his next chapter with his husband. “I started a new life here,” he says. “I was able to succeed here. I was able to build the next step of my life here. Everything in my life is around because of the JCC. This is a place where you’re worthy and worth it. I’m me here.”