By Derek Saker
Over 100
community leaders applauded City and State's Legislative leaders and
elected officials who were honored for their dedication at OHEL's
Children's Home and Family Services inaugural legislative breakfast Friday morning. The breakfast was hosted by Jeffery S. Wiesenfeld, principal at Bernstein Global Wealth Management in New York City.
David Mandel, CEO of OHEL, hailed NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito's
compassioned leadership, as shown in the aftermath of the East Harlem
explosion, in presenting her OHEL's Appreciation Award. "Speaker
Mark-Viverito cancelled all events to be with the people in her
neighborhood that were suffering - , emotionally and financially," said
Mandel. "We expect leaders to lead. But what was very special with
Speaker Mark-Viverito, is showing how she led with compassion. OHEL too,
prides itself in serving people with the level of professionalism and
compassion that elevates lives every day."
Ms. Mark-Viverito
accepting the award was joined by Moishe Hellman and Mel Zachter OHEL co
Presidents, Moshe Zakheim and Elly Kleinman co Chairman of the Board
and a dozen Board members.
"You provide shelter to many
people. OHEL truly serves the entire community," said Speaker
Mark-Viverito. "We in the City Council look forward to partnering with
OHEL as it serves thousands of people every day, making their quality of
life so much better."
Brooklyn District Attorney Kenneth Thompson,
introduced by Josh Mehlman newly designated Chair of OHEL's Government
Relation Committee, promised to be partner with OHEL to make sure our
communities in Brooklyn are treated fairly. "I am determined to make
sure that I work with the goals that you serve," said Mr. Thompson.
"Thousands of children have benefited because of this organization."
The OHEL Public Service Award was presented to NY State Senate Majority Co-Leader, Senator Jeff Klein.
"This is special to me because I know the organization does tremendous
work," said Mr. Klein after accepting the award. "It really rings loud
and clear that the people who are involved in this organization truly do
G-d's work. Over the years, you've provided a voice to the voiceless
and a beacon of light for those who experience personal darkness."
Touting the NYS budget, which passed this week, Mr. Klein said the
Senate "certainly didn't forget those who struggle with mental illness.
We did come together in a very special way and start a program which I
think is going to go a very long way in making sure we not only
recognize those in our society who need a little help, but also to those
who are mentally challenged - the first ever tax credit for those who
hire developmentally disabled," Mr. Klein announced to loud applause.
Queens Councilman Mark Weprin
whose vital support enables OHEL to serve a large number of families
with autism said, "OHEL does such amazing work." Echoing his colleague, Councilman Rory Lancman said, "We get up every day doing the things we do, so we can support organizations like OHEL."
Councilman David Greenfield
also addressed the group. "The amazing thing about OHEL is that you can
visit any one of their programs and you can be blown away. OHEL is an
organization that serves folks around the city and they do it in a way
with dignity, professionalism and incredible respect," said Mr.
Greenfield. "But they could not do it without the community leaders who
are here today and of course the elected officials."
"This year
in the state budget, I think we accomplished a lot of good things,
especially in the health budget," said Assemblyman Richard Gottfried,
chairman of the Health Committee.
"The work OHEL does for kids
in special needs doesn't go unnoticed for men like myself and the
legislative leaders," Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams said,
promising to support the organization.
NY State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver
received OHEL's Leadership Award. "NYS Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver
has truly championed OHEL's growth over the years. His vital support has
enabled us to serve thousands of people in crisis - expand our metal
health services, our base of important volunteers, our addiction
treatment services and significantly OHEL's Camp Kaylie - The Dr. Joe
Silver campus," said David Mandel in presenting Speaker Silver the
leadership award.
"I've been blessed to be involved with OHEL
for many years. The range of services, the professionalism and the
loving care provided by this agency is just astounding," said Speaker
Silver. "They can provide for the troubled, the battered and the
less-fortunate more efficiently and effectively than government can. I
invite you all to visit Camp Kaylie truly a special place.With the
leadership of Moishe Helman, Mel Zachter and David Mandel, we have
leadership that is as good as it gets," Mr. Silver added.
Also in attendance were State Senator Simcha Felder
whose support for OHEL's Trauma services is vital, Assemblywoman Rhoda
Jacobs who recently visited OHEL's program on Ocean Av in Brooklyn for
adults with developmental disabilities and Assemblyman David Weprin who
enabled OHEL to open an outpatient center in Far Rockaway serving
hundreds of families in need.
Since 1969, OHEL has served as a
dependable haven of individual and family support, helping people of all
ages surmount disability, everyday challenges, heal from trauma, and
manage with strength and dignity during times of crises. OHEL serves
thousands in need every day in communities in New York, New Jersey,
South Florida, Los Angeles, California and worldwide on the web (http://www.ohelfamily.org/).
Bringing together policy makers, elected officials, advocates, stakeholders and supporters of OHEL's services to thousands of individuals daily.
|
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray Passionately Calls for De-Stigmatization of Mental Illness at OHEL'S Annual Legislative Breakfast
|
The Friedlander Group
One Seaport Plaza - 199 Water Street - 27th FloorNew York, NY 10038 t. (212) 233-5555 f. (212) 233-5556 Communications@TheFriedlanderGroup.com |
|