Our Community. Our Concerns

Volume I issue 1

December 2010 COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER One Community. One Resource.News

Our Community.

Our Concerns.

Medical recommendations 4 Meals 'n' more 5 A Day at Achiezer 7 new developments 15 Medical recommendations see pg. 4 Far Rockaway & Five Towns — One Heart Table of Contents

Introducing Achiezer...... 2

Popular Programs...... 3 Meals 'n more A Day at Achiezer...... 7 see pg. 5

Achiezer in the Press...... 8

Stories...... 9

Testimonials...... 11

Volunteers Speak...... 13

Community Receptions...... 15 Day after day, Achiezer opular opinion is that it can’t be volunteers and donors breach barriers, A Day at Achiezer Pdone. New Developments...... 17 giving to people they’ve never met, simply see pg. 7 Popular opinion is that divisiveness is all- because others are in need. Though they span an Programs and Services...... 19 pervasive, and true unity a rare event. enormous spectrum of professions and lifestyles, each one plays an active role in the comprehensive Endorsements...... 20 community support that Achiezer offers. Popular opinion has obviously From: [email protected] Sent: Friday, June 18, 2010 11:43 AM To: Boruch B. Bender never seen Achiezer. Statistics...... Back Cover Subject: daily update Our community stands Did you email Carol G. situation to anyone? Needs an attorney specializing in bankruptcy Sara F., 718-000-0000. Looking for marriage counselor Chaim Stein- re: Honig. Needs specialized tutor for summer Joel S. 516-000-0000. Needs someone to help with debt modification Every day at Achiezer, we witness a behind Achiezer — and our of contents table Rochelle A. – Wants to know if I can set up a meeting with Dr. Ganeles from Ohel. Single mother needs a home for herself and three children demonstration of community togetherness Please call Yaakov R. about his daughter Chana. Needs therapist for addiction disorder CY Green- 718-000-0000. Looking for kids’ dentist that accepts Medicaid community stands because of Dr. Jeff Berkowitz called in regards to Zahava Y. shidduch resume. 718-000-0000 that is as extraordinary as it is touching. The Rivkie B. called in regards to hospital transfer for her father 917-000-0000 magnificent work described in these pages Achiezer. If we could put can never be attributed to any single a name to it, we would Achiezer’s one-stop resource for source; rather, it is a manifestation say we are witnessing of the time, talents, devotion medical recommendations, crisis new developments our community’s and resources of the intervention, mental health sup- see pg. 15 entire community. heart. port, and patient advocacy has

COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER One Community. One Resource. touched the lives of over 1700 families in our community.

Dear Friends, Chairman of the Board Two short years ago, we gingerly set out on what was to Dovid Bloom become an incredible journey. During those first, tentative months, Achiezer was nothing more than a nebulous idea; Trustees the vague notion of creating a local organization that Lloyd Keilson would serve as an all-purpose resource for every situation. Ronald Lowinger From the outset, Achiezer received enthusiastic rabbinic and communal support from across the spectrum. Treasurer Everyone understood that Achiezer addresses real people, real needs, real chessed—in OUR backyards. Our volunteer network grew by Alan Botwinick C.P.A. leaps and bounds, until, slowly but surely, Achiezer came into its own. e r s Two years have flown by, and Achiezer has developed in ways that we hadn’t even Executive Board d dared to imagine. Currently, when members of our community are faced with any Alan Botwinick kind of issue—particularly when there is a crisis that does not fit into any sort of Moti Hellman box—the gut reaction is, “Call Achiezer.” We have become known as the place to Lloyd Keilson turn to, in every situation. o u n Moshe Schreiber For me personally, the past two years have been both an amazing and humbling F Aron Solomon experience. Daily exposure to the urgent needs of our own friends and neighbors, offset by the outstanding generosity of local volunteers, is enough to make anyone Shulie Wolman shake his head in wonder at the sheer greatness of spirit inherent in our own community. Board of Directors Achiezer is our community’s way of being there for one another. What a privilege Moshe Bloom it is to be able to facilitate and witness it all. Jay Gelman With best wishes, Carmi Gruenbaum Rabbi Dovid Greenblatt Chessed in Our Own Backyards | introducing Achiezer Boruch Ber Bender Michael Krengel Aroni Parnes pproximately six months ago and without Achiezer’s trauma unit, still in his pajamas. The surgery commenced Menachem Pollack prior knowledge, Matzav.com featured Achiezer.org’s immediately; thankfully, it was successful. Achiezer then Rabbi Aron Rosenberg Aintroductory video, attracting thousands of hits. arranged for the girl to be transferred to a top quality of the Message from the Chairman Board Asher Schoor rehab center, despite the fact that the family’s insurance The following night, Achiezer received a phone call from Josh Szpilzinger a man in East Brunswick. His youngest sister, a Long was not accepted there. Joel Yarmak Island resident, had been the victim of a traumatic brain Reflecting upon the event, the pediatric neurosurgeon did Dear Friends, injury. The injury was causing incessant bleeding in the not mince words. “If not for the speed with which you essage from the Achiezer has stepped in to fill a void, and has quickly Legal Counsel brain, and the hospital to which she had been brought did acted,” he told Achiezer volunteers, “there is no way that

M become an invaluable resource to our community. The not even have a pediatric trauma unit. B. David Schreiber, Esq girl would have made it. You saved impressive number of people helped and the mind- His parents were there with the child, her life.” numbing issues that Achiezer has untangled leave no completely at a loss, and virtually doubt as to the organization’s necessity. Behavioral Health Coordinator collapsing from the stress. Could "There is no way There is no denying the amazing I am constantly amazed by Rabbi Boruch Ber Bender’s Dasi From, LMSW Achiezer help? that girl would Divine Providence inherent in the ingenuity and capability in resolving issues. His dedication Immediately, several Achiezer have made it. story. Yet, the incident raises the and commitment to help every individual along with his positive attitude, make it a Administrative Assistant volunteers were dispatched to the question: Why would Long Island residents need their son from East pleasure to be involved in Achiezer. Esther Naamat hospital, amongst them a social You saved her life." It is heartwarming to see our community’s positive response to our services, and worker capable of providing moral Brunswick to tell them about a local the constant requests to join our volunteer base. Thanks to you, our community support. Achiezer arranged for organization? the girl’s transfer to a prominent pediatric facility, and can have confidence in knowing that we can be there for those in need, whenever The question was disturbing, and at the same time, a catalyst the situation arises. Note: Every story and anecdote contacted a skilled pediatric neurosurgeon, waking him

for action. In publishing this newsletter, Achiezer’s goal is of i ntro d uct on way by contained within these pages is up after 1:00 AM. true. Identifying details have to get the word out to the entire community: Whatever Dovid Bloom been obscured. At approximately 1:30 AM, the doctor walked into the the issue, whenever the time—we are here for you.

he calls come in daily. and family variables must be taken into T“My daughter has a shattered wrist. The pediatrician account. recommends that we see a pediatric orthopedist, but which specialist will accept Medicaid?” “It’s great to tell a patient who the “My husband was taken to South Nassau Communities top specialists are,” Hospital, but we don’t know anything about the doctors Rabbi Bender comments, “but if the doctor won’t take his there. And who is going to even look at us on a weekend?” insurance, how does this help him?” “We need a specialist in interventional cardiology; whom One elderly patient was commuting to New Jersey three do you recommend?” times a week for dialysis. Thanks to Achiezer, he was able to With over 1200 recommendations receive treatment at a local facility. over the course of the past two years, Another patient’s dedicated husband the Medical Recommendation had been driving his wife for twice- Program constitutes one of Achiezer’s weekly oncology treatments, a two foremost services. From playground Crisis Intervention hour trip each way. Achiezer was Countless Needs; One Solution | injuries to critical long-term care able to find her superior care—twenty solutions, Achiezer provides all- minutes from home. inclusive medical guidance. risis intervention is Achiezer’s specialty, a specialty How does Achiezer come into the picture? On an average A middle-aged woman was that encompasses any sort of crisis imaginable. day, Achiezer will assist a woman such as this in applying for The program is the culmination diagnosed with a large tumor. CMedical emergencies, sudden accidents, children at food stamps and Medicaid; connect her with a lawyer who of hundreds of hours of research, Achiezer recommended the proper risk, financial straits, divorce and abuse, behavioral health will apprise her of her rights and advise her as to her best sourcing doctors, their specialties and doctor, rushed her X-rays to another disorders—unfortunately, the list is endless. For every crisis, course of action, pro-bono; and negotiate a steep discount locations, and even the insurances professional to receive a second Achiezer creates, or has created, a custom-tailored solution. at a local summer camp. Achiezer will arrange counseling they accept. Specializing in local doctors and hospitals, opinion, and even arranged babysitting for the children for the mother and children; find tutors for the children; Achiezer has acquired expertise that is widely recognized in of the family members so that they could be at the A typical Achiezer scenario: A woman is newly separated and consult a loan modification expert in order to save the the medical community. patient’s side. with five children. Her husband has emptied their joint house from foreclosure. bank account, leaving her penniless. Their house is on the In keeping with its philosophy of overarching care, Achiezer Available to patients 24/7, Achiezer’s brink of foreclosure. Summer camp is an unheard-of dream; This array of services is Achiezer's trademark. Whatever the doesn’t simply refer a patient to a doctor. By taking a Medical Recommendation Program left at home, the children are wild and unruly. area of difficulty, Achiezer’s mandate is to be there for every comprehensive view of the entire situation, Achiezer is able is literally lifesaving. individual in need, providing assistance and support from to conceive of the best course of action for each particular The mother is floundering, and she has no idea whereto

start to finish. circumstance. Treatments differ, locations vary, financial programs popular even begin. opular P rograms P opular For every crisis, Achiezer creates a custom-tailored solution

3 Achiezer Community Resource Center | 24/7 urgent Hotline 516.791.4444 | www.achiezer.org medical recommendations | crisis intervention | mental health support | patient advocacy 4 psychiatry trained diagnostic role qualiﬁed research training recieving receiving disorder narrative A Taste of Home | Meals 'n mOre treatment statement meaning perceptual role study treatment y their very nature, hospitals are lonely places. As Designated coordinators and their respective pools of prescribe many Long Island hospitals do not offer much by way volunteers are responsible for the different components of history outpatient prescribe of kosher food or amenities, patients and their family the packages. Between five and ten people can easily be diagnostic doctors important

B psychotherapy

sourcing important disorder members were forced to spend some very uncomfortable involved in assembling a single package—the more people academic disorder past

Shabbosos. involved, the better. relationships bulimia examination examination mental mental Our local women could not countenance the thought. At The program is streamlined to perfection. Once the initial personality disorders Achiezer’s behest, they designed Meals 'n More. email/text message is dispatched, a volley of ‘Confirmed’ outpatient responses indicates that volunteers have assumed No caring hostess could do a better job of including responsibility for each item, generally within minutes. After couples psychotherapy abuse doctors everything a person could want for Shabbos, keeping in all the components have been assembled at a central drop- specialty include

mind each patient’s individual Kashrus preferences. The list proffessionals off point, the package is wrapped beautifully labeled and marital conﬂict academic is mind-boggling: Kiddush cups, grape juice, challah, fish adorned with ribbons, and finally delivered by an Achiezer with horseradish, soup, kugels, cutlets, salads, muffins, deli illness volunteer driver. roll, pickles, condiments, fruit, snacks, cake, cookies, cutlery, techniques neurologists divorce tissues, reading material, chocolates—right down to the According to Meals 'n More coordinators, “People’s qualiﬁed trained disorder psychological mouthwash, with the seal broken so that it may be used on responses have been so positive. Even at the last minute, therapy Shabbos. we’ve never had to turn anyone away. None of our volunteers

outpatient relationship know who the package is going to; we just send it with our best wishes, and know that it’s going to make a difference to somebody.” research specialty study Perhaps the greatest indications of the project’s success psychiatryplay therapy anorexia are the recipients who join the program as volunteers. past counseling

As one recipient-cum-volunteer pronounced, “It’s the include nicest thing I ever got. I want to be a part of this.” mental mental long term medical Confidentiality,qualiﬁed Competence—and Caring | behavioral Health

"It’s the ating disorders, divorce, abuse, marital conflict, arrange a program tailor-made for Yehudis, including both a nicest thing personality disorders—these issues are so painful, and therapist’s and nutritionist’s visits, all in her own home. For E so personal, that all too often, people deny themselves the first time in years, Yehudis has begun to show signs of I ever got." treatment so as not to risk exposure. improvement. That is why Achiezer completely The Greenbergs were a well-known opular P rograms P opular

removes that risk. Achiezer’s couple within the community, both programs popular holding positions of prominence. From private voice mails to hidden behavioral health Beneath the surface, however, the files to discreet, separate entrances, division takes tensions of a twenty-year long conflict Achiezer’s behavioral health division simmered. They knew their marriage takes confidentiality to a whole new confidentiality to level—to the point where even the was on the brink; but outside experts consulted are only told a whole new level how could they pertinent details without identifying risk going to information. By eliminating the dread of exposure, Achiezer counseling? The is able to provide individuals with an array of desperately threat of exposure loomed larger needed services, from expedited counseling to payment than any other consideration. They negotiations. thought it was all over. Then they called Achiezer—and began anew. Yehudis, for example, had struggled with anorexia for nearly a decade. She and her husband had tried everything: Utilizing a consistent, winning hospitalization, doctors, programs, and the intervention of combination of confidentiality, friends and mentors— all to no avail. Her situation had competence, and caring, Achiezer’s deteriorated to life-threatening proportions, when Achiezer behavioral health division continues stepped in. Under the supervision of the medical director of to prevent lives and families from an outstanding eating disorder center, Achiezer was able to splintering into irretrievable shards.

An actual transcript of a daily update. Identifying details have been obscured.

Achiezer in the Press From: [email protected] Sent: Friday, June 18, 2010 11:43 AM To: Boruch B. Bender afternoon, we received an email from Rabbi Bender explaining Subject: daily update A Nice Story for a Change that the organization had done a “tremendous amount of Author: Michael Orbach research and after thoroughly vetting the story… we decided it The following is an editorial written in the Jewish Star on was one we should help with.” Did you email Carol G. situation to anyone? Needs an attorney specializing in bankruptcy September 17, 2010/ 9 Tishrei 5771. Sara F., 718-000-0000. Looking for marriage counselor Achiezer had found an apartment for Miriam and her family, the note continued. She would be sharing an apartment with Chaim Stein- re: Cohen. Needs specialized tutor for summer here is no shortage of sad stories in the newspaper; no shortage of bad things happening to people and no a family that is willing to host her, free of charge, as an act of Joel S. 516-000-0000. Needs someone to help with debt modification Tshortage of things we’d rather not think about. But every chesed. Rochelle A. – Wants to know if I can set up a meeting with Dr. Ganeles from Ohel. Single mother so often we encounter stories that surprise us. Stories that for needs a home for herself and three children The Jewish Star contacted Miriam and she explained the their sheer goodness put a smile on our faces. situation as follows: “They were wonderful,” Miriam said about Please call Yaakov R. about his daughter Chana. Needs therapist for addiction disorder At the end of June, The Jewish Star received a frantic email. Achiezer. “At the 11th hour so to speak (8:00 Tuesday, 7th of CY Green- 718-000-0000. Looking for kids’ dentist that accepts Medicaid A Jewish woman, whom we will call Miriam, was desperately September) [they] called with the news and we were able to Dr. Jeff Berkowitz called in regards to Zahava Y. shidduch resume. 718-000-0000 seeking a place for her daughter and her two get in just before the chag. In addition, they i ezer ach at ay Rivkie B. called in regards to hospital transfer for her father 917-000-0000 granddaughters who lived out of New York. located a place in the general area where I Esther Malka W. - 732-000-0000. Needs high-risk OB/GYN The father of the children was dangerous and They managed have friends so that the holiday meals were easy to arrange.” Leah R. – urgent matter. 718-000-0000. Looking for employment for disabled relative had just gotten out of prison. a d to buy food for Esther Naamat, Rabbi Bender’s assistant, Dina O.—Insurance help. 516-000-0000 “Restraining orders don’t always help,”

Miriam wrote. Miriam needed a place to stay the entire Yom “also offered to host meals for us if there were i ezer n the press ch Mr. H. from ABC Rehab—718-000-0000—Needs ideas to find Jewish Rehab Facility any unfilled meals,” Miriam added.

temporarily as she planned on making Aliyah A with her daughter in October. She didn’t Tov as well As a final touch, she wrote: “Our host family We need more stamps, please! have much but was able to pay a few hundred as brand new is really very nice and even when they went dollars for rent and asked if The Jewish Star away for the holiday, they left us a honey could help. clothing. cake to start the sweet New Year. Pretty We sent out emails to various individuals amazing!” inside the Jewish community and continued speaking with the Rabbi Yaakov Bender, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Darchei woman. While we waited to hear back, the woman remained Torah and Boruch Bender’s father, shared another story about optimistic, certain that the Jewish community would be able Achiezer. Last Wednesday, on Erev Rosh Hashanah, Achiezer to help her out. Some possibilities emerged, but they all fell learned of a local family that did not have food for the upcoming though. Though the clock was ticking, Miriam did not lose three-day holiday. The younger Rabbi Bender, according to his hope. father, sent “his volunteers scampering” and they managed to Eventually, we put Miriam in touch with Rabbi Boruch Bender, buy food for the entire Yom Tov as well as brand new clothing founder and executive director of the Achiezer Community for the family’s three children. Resource Center. The Jewish Star profiled the organization in Miriam concluded her letter to The Jewish Star, writing that May, when Rabbi Bender described Achiezer’s purpose as “a because of her limited religious background, she wasn’t “able to clearing house” for anyone who was “dealing with an unexpected actually understand the name of the organization.” However, she or difficult crisis, and [was] not sure where to start.” was hoping to “know more so that when my situation improves Rabbi Bender agreed to look into the case. On Monday I can perhaps make a donation to assist someone else.”

he Lefkowitz family had hit rock bottom. The financial were dispatched, medicine delivered, carpools organized, and crisis that swept the country hit them hard, but for a three weeks’ worth of household help arranged. Accustomed Ttime, the family had rallied. Then things started to to a policy of total care, the members of the Achiezer office snowball. Their Medicaid coverage lapsed; bureaucracy did not regard these arrangements as anything out of the prevented it from being renewed. Two of the children were ordinary. Kopel, however, could not forget the incident; he sick, but no doctor would see them. Nor could the parents was completely blown away by the extraordinary community Full Circle walk into a pharmacy to pick up a prescription; no money, no work he had seen. In a letter to Rabbi Bender, Kopel stated, coverage, no medicine. “Hearing from you and Achiezer... reaffirms my commitment arents of a growing family, Chaim and Shira S. were dollars, not to mention eliminating the inordinate heartache to representing our entire community.” both out of work and drowning in debt. Shabbos and headaches that inevitably accompany legal battles. Then Mrs. Lefkowitz had a baby. The family would have Pbrought a temporary respite from the harassing phone Achiezer supplied Chaim and Shira with food vouchers been thrilled—if not for the $70,000 bill that accompanied calls of creditors. While a Friday night repast of cream cheese arranged through the generosity of Gourmet Glatt, and the happy occasion. Once the baby was safely born, sandwiches may not be standard fare, at least they could eat connected them with social services. Achiezer secured part- the hospital prepared to send Mrs. Lefkowitz right in peace. time employment for both parents, and had access to the back home—home to her other children, who could not They knew they needed a lawyer. But at perfect attorney. return to school until their medical issues were cleared. $350 an hour, the thought of an attorney Larry K. was a debt modification As soon as details of the saga reached the Achiezer office, was further than a dream—it was a joke. But at $350 an specialist by trade. When Larry needed the phone lines began to buzz. Upon contacting Medicaid, Debt, immigration, divorce, custody— surgery, he was advised to utilize the Achiezer discovered that the family was, indeed, eligible the maze of legal counsel is dizzying hour, the thought services of a particular doctor, but his for coverage; however, the application was completely in its complexity. However, the cost of an attorney insurance company balked. Unsure of tied up in red tape. They would receive their cards in due of legal services is prohibitive, and well the best way to proceed, Larry contacted time—but this family needed coverage now. out of the reach of many indigent and was further than Achiezer. When Larry’s insurance issue was successfully resolved, he was Left without an alternative, Achiezer went straight to the even middle class community members. a dream overwhelmed. “I’m going to give back,” top: the offices of Howard (Chaim) Kopel, Nassau County Achiezer’s legal network was created to Larry told Rabbi Bender thankfully. Legislator. At Rabbi Bender’s urging, Kopel swung into address this issue.

i es stor “Any time you need, just give me a call.” i es stor action. Within 12 hours, a fax from Medicaid arrived at The system is magnificent in its simplicity. When the need for the Achiezer office, including an active ID number with the legal counsel arises, Achiezer emails pertinent details—sans That time had arrived. Chaim and Shira did not merely statement that the family would receive retroactive coverage identifying information—to a select group of lawyers. Experts receive the services of a competent lawyer; they were matched beyond the normal standard. in their fields, these attorneys give generously of their time and up with the best. Larry gave the case his all, not resting until knowledge whenever an Achiezer email goes out; whoever is their home was safe, and their debt reduced to manageable Achiezer, of course, did not leave the matter at that. Meals most available and suitable for the particular situation takes proportions. the case. The net result is the saving of tens of thousands of Achiezer’s legal network had done it again.

Giving—and Getting Heat Wave When Achiezer volunteers sent laid off from his job—and his wife hose of us who were on vacation this past summer may have been lucky out emails asking if anyone Ruth was given a medical diagnosis enough to miss the brutal heat wave that blanketed New York City this had medical equipment to donate requiring specialized equipment that Tpast July. The rest of us, for the most part, hunkered down in our air- to our newly-expanded Medical they were in no position to afford. conditioned homes until the thermometer finally dropped. Equipment Gemach, Robert G. Thankfully, Achiezer’s Medical was one of the first to respond. Equipment Gemach —the same As temperatures hovered in the 100 degree range, Achiezer received five separate His mother-in-law’s illness had Gemach that Robert himself had so phone calls from third parties concerned with five different families. Each one necessitated the acquisition of a very generously helped to expand—was was suffering in the sweltering heat due to financial and personal circumstances. expensive piece of equipment that able to furnish everything they The heat was so unbearable that one family had resorted to roaming the aisles of a the family no longer needed, and he needed, down to the last syringe. local supermarket, just to gain some relief within its air-conditioned premises. was thrilled to be able to donate it The solution was simple: Achiezer dispatched a volunteer team, encompassing for the use of others in need. electricians, plumbers, appliance repairmen, and even a locksmith. Within 36 hours, Achiezer volunteers had donated and installed five air conditioning units Just a few months later, the G. family in five different homes. The heat wave was mercifully conquered, but somehow found itself in a very difficult financial both recipients and volunteers were left feeling warm—in a very different way. situation. Robert had just been

9 Achiezer Community Resource Center | 24/7 urgent Hotline 516.791.4444 | www.achiezer.org medical recommendations | crisis intervention | mental health support | patient advocacy 10 Rabbi Moshe and Mrs. Sondra Gottesman, Inbox Testimonials founders and directors of Bikur Cholim of the Young Israel of Oceanside, are long-time friends Dear Rabbi Bender, and mentors of many in our community. Achiezer Here is a little davar I sent you in hakoras hatov considers itself lucky to be the recipients of their for your interest in helping me accomplish this wise advice on numerous occasions. The following great mitzvah. I know that what I did doesn't come close is excerpted from a piece authored by Mrs. Sondra to a fraction of the chessed that you do on a daily basis. Gottesman, describing the partnership of Achiezer Y. C. Thank you! 11/02/2010 20:06 PM Therefore, I am sending this donation in recognition of your and the Bikur Cholim of the Young Israel of M. G. shabbos 07/12/2010 8:16 AM great work. Oceanside. L. C. Re: Re: 08/04/2010 15:37 PM Much bracha V'hatzlacha, O. P. Repair 5/21/2009 20:06 AM Yossi Herskovitz S. E. Re: Re: 11/11/2010 6:58 AM Bikur Cholim of The Young Israel To: Boruch B. Bender Dear Rabbi Bender and Achiezer, Sent: Tues November 2 20:06:56 2010 of Oceanside Subject: Thank you! Please accept this donation and use it to Dear Baruch: continue your good work. It gives me great Is Proud To Partner comfort to know we did everything humanly possible to Let me begin by saying that it was an honor and a pleasure to finally meet you while With Achiezer conscious. I apologize for not recognizing your name when we met today, but I spent save my dear husband, although it was not meant to be. much of the rest of the day listening to all the amazing things my brother said you did I am forever grateful, At South Nassau for myself and my family. Obviously, there are no words I can say or write that can Barbara Appel adequately Y.express C. theThank depths you! of my gratitude to you for your tireless11/02/2010 efforts 20:06on my PM behalf Communities and the compassionM. G. youshabbos showed my family. 07/12/2010 8:16 AM L. C. Re: Re: 08/04/2010 15:37 PM The best I canO. P. do is sayRepair "thank you" from the bottom of my heart and5/21/2009 ask that20:06 if I canAM Hospital ever, ever doS. E.anything Re: to Re: repay your kindness, please do not hesitate11/10/2010 to contact 16:21 me. PM My cell numberS. is E. (347) ____Re: Re: 11/11/2010 6:58 AM As our family was simultaneously dealing with One year ago Rabbi Bender an ongoing medical issue and a teenage school placement issue, Rabbi Bender helped us on approached us and offered to To: Boruch B. Bender both ends. The medical issue involved our 12 year old who partner with Bikur Cholim and Sent: Thu NovY. C. 11 6:58:54Thank AMyou! 2010 11/02/2010 20:06 PM has a very complicated medical history. We have been to South Nassau to organize and furnish Subject: Re:M. Re: G. shabbos 07/12/2010 8:16 AM many top doctors, but our needs were not being met. a full-service Bikur Cholim Room at the L. C. Re: Re: 08/04/2010 15:37 PM I am completelyO. P. speechless.Repair 5/21/2009 20:06 AM Rabbi Bender read through tens of pages of detailed hospital itself. With heartfelt Hakaras You are makingS. E. dreamsRe: comeRe: true. 11/10/2010 16:21 PM material we sent him, he asked targeted questions, and Hatov we welcome this opportunity Tizku lemitzvos,S. E. for everythingRe: Re: you are doing for me and for the community.11/11/2010 6:58 AM right away, he understood what our needs were—medically from Achiezer to fulfill the concept of and personally, he asked further questions to be sure he Hidur Mitzvah, to take Bikur Cholim i mon als test i mon als test To: Boruch B. Bender understood our needs correctly. Although there are no easy to a higher level. May we have much Sent: Mon JulyY. C. 12 8:16:56Thank you! 2010 11/02/2010 20:06 PM answers for our medical condition, we know that we are hatzlacha and may all of the patients we M. G. shabbos 07/12/2010 8:16 AM Subject: Shabbos now in the hands of a doctor who is both knowledgeable L. C. Re: Re: 08/04/2010 15:37 PM serve have a Refuah Shalaymah, and be Gut voch. ShabbosO. P. workedRepair out perfectly. We can’t thank you enough5/21/2009 for all your20:06 help. AM and caring. united with their families in simcha and The food wasS. E. plentiful Re: and Re: delicious. You should have continued strength11/10/2010 to keep16:21 helpingPM Rabbi Bender’s work did not stop at merely giving us S. E. Re: Re: 11/11/2010 6:58 AM good health. people in need. a recommendation—he sent me a personal email of good wishes on the day of our first appointment. After experiencing the cold and purely business-like manner To: Boruch B. Bender of so many top doctors, his sincerity and empathy were Sent: Thu May 21 20:06:13 2009 Subject: Repair especially warming. As for the teenager, Rabbi Bender’s input, including his I want to expressY. C. my Thankdeepest you! thanks & hakoras hatov for your recent11/02/2010 assistance. 20:06 I havePM been unemployedM. G. forshabbos a year. Our stove was in need of repair & I called07/12/2010 to see 8:16if you AM might personal opinion and putting us in contact with key persons, have someoneL. C. who wouldRe: Re: do the work at a reduced rate. You arranged08/04/2010 for Mr.15:37 Solomon PM was critical in the school search process. The teen is suc- to come, whoO. P. did theRepair work & wouldn't even accept payment for the5/21/2009 replacement 20:06 part. AM cessfully placed in a school and appears to be thriving. Whenever I S.have E. spokenRe: Re: with someone in your office, they have 11/10/2010been genuinely 16:21 caringPM S. E. Re: Re: 11/11/2010 6:58 AM and always returned calls. May you all be gebenched with nachas, simcha and hatzlacha.

To: Boruch B. Bender Thank you again! Hashem should continue Sent: Wed August 04 15:37 2010 to give you koach and hatzlacha in changing Subject: Re: Re: the world. He has clearly chosen you and your I just received a call from the doctor’s office, and they have penciled me in for tomorrow dedicated team to plainly save our mother's life. If there is afternoon. I did not think such a thing was possible so fast, but your wonderful organiza- ever anything I can do for you or your organization, I hope tion was able to arrange it. Thank you so much! I truly appreciate it. Tizku l’mitzvos!!! you will be in touch with me right away, I would love to do anything I can to help you out.

Dear Rabbi BB, Dear Rabbi Bender, You wrote a thank you letter to me, but really, it should After spending just a couple of moments in your be the other way around! For me to be able to be a office, I have to say: Baruch Hashem. It is so uplifting small part in the grand scheme of what Achiezer to witness the many people who help at Achiezer, accomplishes, is an absolute privilege! I enjoy working, by volunteering their time or donating items; it is helping, volunteering etc... with/for you and for that I indicative of just what a beautiful community this is. thank you. I consider it an honor to carry out a mission for Achiezer. I see firsthand what you do, and it is As the community grows, the need for a centralized, incredible how giving you are of your time, and how local organization becomes more and more salient. you use your connections just to help those in need. I Baruch Hashem, Achiezer is rapidly growing to can go on and on, but I know that you don't have all conform to the needs of the community. Sammy Gertner day to read because you are probably in the middle of chiezer would like to extend its warmest wishes and thanks to Mrs. Tzippy Kaluszyner, former executive helping someone! I wish you tremendous hatzlacha, assistant and initiator of much of our initial infrastructure. Although Tzippy has left our roster of full-time and NEVER hesitate to call me for help. I welcome Astaff members, her touch remains evident throughout all of Achiezer’s endeavors. the opportunity to be a part of what you do. May you continue to see the bountiful results from all that you At the same time, Achiezer would like to welcome Esther Naamat, whose formidable talents will no doubt greatly encounter and undertake! enhance Achiezer’s services. Eli Weiss Rabbi Bender: I am willing to see the patient. The patient is important to me, not the insurance. The new diabetes program sounds like a wonderful With that said, I understand that the hospital does not idea!!! My wife and I would like to help in any way we contract with the insurance of the patient. My office can. My wife has helped a few people already, from just manager has made numerous calls to try to resolve the Join Achiezer’s growing volunteer network! talking to them to going shopping at the grocery store issue with the insurance company. We are trying hard for the first time after diagnosis (a terribly depressing Fill out the form below, or visit www.achiezer.org. You can send the form back to: to get this patient in. and stressful time). We would both love to do more. 148 Beach 9th Street, Suite 2C, Far Rockaway, NY 11691 | phone 516.791.4444 | fax 516.592.5643 | www.achiezer.org Please let us know how we can be of any assistance. All the best, v olunteers M. G. Dr. D. F. v olunteers

Name:______Address:______Home Phone:______Cell Phone:______E-mail: ______

Area of Interest (Choose all that apply)

COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER One Community. One Resource. Legal Network Medical Network Nursing Care Service Technicians Meals 'n More Transportation/Driving Counseling Diabetic Support Education Assistance/Tutoring Home/ Hospital Visits Shiva Coordination Debt Negotiation Office Work/Mailings Other: ______

13 Achiezer Community Resource Center | 24/7 urgent Hotline 516.791.4444 | www.achiezer.org medical recommendations | crisis intervention | mental health support | patient advocacy 14 December 22, 2009: February 8, 2010: May 24, 2010: Woodmere Bayswater Far Rockaway

very organization’s administrator is familiar with the ollowing the successful Woodmere event, hen Far Rockaway decided to host its own Achiezer reception, it seemed process of approaching community members in the hopes Bayswater hosted its own Achiezer reception. like everyone wanted to jump on the bandwagon. The reception committee Eof persuading them to host a parlor meeting. Few—if FThe atmosphere of unity was palpable as Wroster grew and grew, ultimately totaling over fifty. The home of Zvi and any—have the experience of being approached by community members of the Bayswater community gathered Goldie Bloom was full to bursting, as friends and neighbors exchanged stories members offering to host fundraisers. together in the home of Dr. and Mrs. Duvie Klein, to of Achiezer successes. Everyone seemed to know someone whose life had been support the organization they all so much admired. touched by the organization. Josh Szpilzinger offered. An Achiezer board member, Josh and his wife Gitty were so inspired by the stories they heard from In his well-received address, Rabbi Eliezer Feuer, The gathering was privileged to hear from numerous individuals whom Achiezer had helped, that they Rav of the Young Israel of Wavecrest and Bayswater, Rabbi Eytan Feiner, rabbi of Congregation Achiezer approached Rabbi Bender offering to host a parlor meeting, termed Achiezer ‘every community rabbi’s best Kneseth Israel (the White Shul). Achiezer’s very first. friend.’ Rabbis, Rabbi Feuer explained, are expected has created a to have answers to the many different issues that their “Achiezer,” Rabbi Feiner stressed, “has "Yeshiva The evening was graced by a large crowd of Woodmere residents congregants face. Fortunately, every rabbi now has created a ‘Yeshiva of Chessed’—a chessed as well as local Rabbanim. Rabbi Paysach J. Krohn addressed access to a network of local talent with which he can movement that has grown to encompass the of Chessed" the assemblage. Though not a Woodmere work in every situation. From entire community. Achiezer is about regular resident, Rabbi Krohn was obviously facilitating a desperately- people realizing that there is so much that taken by Achiezer’s work. needed transplant to they can and want to do for their fellow "Achiezer’s work is Jews—and then going out and doing it.” “At Achiezer, there are no ‘cases’,” Rabbi preventing an eviction at the Krohn explained. “These are regular truly an example of very last minute, Achiezer people, people like you and me, facing doing chessed in serves as a local resource very irregular circumstances. Achiezer’s that truly fills the ty recept i ons commun i ty recept i ons commun i ty work is truly an example of doing chessed your own backyard" needs of the in your own backyard.” community.

t was the most natural of matches. Achiezer is a local the State of New York. After working as a case manager at organization, and Mrs. Dasi From is a local social Ohel’s foster care division, she served as a guidance counselor Iworker—born and bred in Far Rockaway, as a matter and teacher at Machon Academy. Dasi then joined the staff Newly Formed: of fact. When Achiezer began the search for a Behavioral at TOVA, where she worked as mentor, case manager, and Health Coordinator, Dasi was the ideal solution. finally clinical director. Diabetic For Mrs. From, this position is a dream come true. At the time of this writing, Mrs. From has recently begun Support Group work at Achiezer, coordinating the case management and “My father (Rabbi Patchen a"h) brought us up with a strong behavioral health divisions. In discussing her collaboration Our newly-launched diabetic message: You give back to your community. When I chose with Rabbi Bender, Dasi states, “We’re both excited at the support group recently held to pursue a social work career, my strongest passion was prospect of bouncing ideas off each other. We were both its first successful meeting. for coming back to the community. There’s nothing more raised here; we know the people, we know the players in Created for parents of diabetic rewarding than using your talents each situation. This is our life!” children, the group enables to give back to the community that parents to share information raised you.” Like so many others, Dasi is and encouragement with "We know the people, already an ardent Achiezer fan. “It’s one another in a warm and In accordance with her convictions, we know the players really an amazing organization; supportive setting. Mrs. From has already been using I’m blown away by them,” Dasi her formidable talents to benefit the in each situation. enthuses. “In the short time I have community for years. A graduate been here, working with Achiezer of Adelphi University’s School of This is our life!” has already proven to be quite a Social Work, Dasi is licensed by rewarding experience.” In the Works: Shuttle, (Almost) Ready to Roll

ur long-awaited shuttle service is poised for its maiden journey. The vehicle itself has been purchased, thanks to a Ogrant by a generous donor. Additional details are expected to be finalized over the next several months. The shuttle will make regular trips to popular destinations including local stores and medical centers, affording otherwise-homebound individuals the opportunity to get out and maintain some form of independence. new d e v elopments new d e v elopments

Under Construction: In the Works: Respite Room in SNCH After clearing several administrative and legal hurdles, Eldercare construction has begun in earnest on the long-anticipated respite room in South Nassau Communities Hospital. Program The room will be designed to include accommodations for family members of hospitalized patients. ver the past several weeks, many in our community have expressed a need Ofor information and education when confronted with family members contending with various degenerative illnesses. Although still a work in progress, the projected program aims to offer support and information for caregivers, and is slated to begin sometime in the winter. Actual blueprint of the room under construction

Achiezer is endorsed by the following local rabbonim: Behavioral Health Recommendations Medical Recommendations Behavioral health recommendations and in-house Expert medical recommendations to local and out-of- Rabbi Yaakov Bender Rabbi Yehoshua Kalish consultations offered with utmost confidentiality. Insurance town medical professionals. Encompasses all types of Yeshiva Darchei Torah Beis Medrash of Harborview advocacy and placement arrangements as necessary. medical care. Rabbi Hershel Billet Rabbi Binyamin Kamenetzky Young Israel of Woodmere Founding Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshiva of South Shore Bereavement Counseling Stay at Home Program Rabbi Yisroel Meir Blumenkrantz Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky Bais Medrash Ateres Yisroel Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshiav of South Shore In-home, immediate counseling for family members and Registered and licensed nurses who administer injections children confronted with the death of a loved one, under and other treatments, enabling long-term care patients to Rabbi Heshy Blumstein Rabbi Elozer Kanner the direction of Zahava Farbman, LCSW. remain at home. Under the direction of local physicians. Young Israel of Hewlett Chevra Hatzalah Rabbi Aaron Brafman Rabbi Shimshon Katz Yeshiva of Far Rockaway Congregation Shomrei Shabbos Bereavement Services Service Technicians Rabbi Dov Bressler Rabbi Yehuda Kelemer All-inclusive bereavement services, including funeral, A cadre of volunteer professionals, with specialties HILI Bais Medrash Young Israel of West Hempstead Chevra Kaddisha, and Shiva arrangements, forestalling the spanning the gamut from electrical to appliance confusion and chaos so common at times of tragedy. Rabbi Moshe Brown Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz installation/repair to general handiwork, and everything in Agudath Israel of West Lawrence Beis Haknesses of North Woodmere between. Rabbi Yisroel Chait Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz Crisis Intervention Yeshiva B'nei Torah Congregation Anshei Chesed 24/7 crisis management, encompassing any and every Transportation Rabbi Shaul Chill Rabbi Shmuel Miller type of crisis. Young Israel of Far Rockaway Yeshiva Beis Yisroel Transportation for patients and their families to and from treatments as well as inter-hospital transfer arrangements. Rabbi Menachem Feifer Rabbi Jonathan Muskat Agudath Israel of Bayswater Young Israel of Oceanside Diabetics Support Group Rabbi Eytan Feiner Rabbi Zvi Ralbag A support group for children diagnosed with Type 1 Comprehensive Hospital Support System Kneseth Israel (The White Shul) Congregation Bais Ephraim Yitzchok diabetes and their parents. Rabbi Yaakov Feitman Rabbi Yaakov Reisman Encompassing 10 local hospitals Kehillas Bais Yehuda Tzvi Agudath Israel of Long Island

Equipment Gemach en d orsements ✦✦ Erev Shabbos Discharge Program: Rabbi Eliezer Feuer Rabbi Shaya Richmond Young Israel of Bayswater Congregation Bais Teffila A large assortment of specialized medical equipment, Expedited treatment and release of Emergency Room including feeding pumps, diabetic supplies, select patients on Fridays, enabling patients to return home Rabbi Binyamin Forst Rabbi Yaakov Rubin medications, and state-of-the-art hospital beds. before Shabbos, whenever medically possible. K’hal Nesiv HaTorah Congregation Kehilas Yaakov

programs an d ser vi ces ✦✦ Meals ‘N More: Rabbi Yitzchok D. Frankel Rabbi Mordekai Shapiro Agudath Israel of the Five Towns Congregation Ohr Torah Food Vouchers Shabbos food and necessities package for families of patients, delivered to hospitals Friday afternoons. Rabbi Aryeh Zev Ginzberg Rabbi Dovid Spiegel Supermarket food vouchers donated by local store owners Chofetz Chaim Torah Center Bais Medrash of Cedarhurst for families literally struggling to put bread on the table. ✦✦ Patient Liaison: Liaison between patients, doctors, and hospital staff, Rabbi Mordechai Groner Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum Yeshiva Ateres Shimon Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst ensuring optimal quality care and accommodations for patients and their families. Rabbi Nosson Greenberg Rabbi Chaim Wakslak Insurance Advocacy K'hal Machzikei Torah Young Israel of Long Beach Advocacy for patients who require a particular medical ✦✦ Respite Room in SNCH (Under construction): Rabbi Kenneth Hain Rabbi Shmaryahu Weinberg procedure or doctor that is not covered by insurance. Fully-stocked accommodations for relatives of patients Congregation Beth Sholom K’hal Chesed V’emes in South Nassau Communities Hospital. Rabbi Chanina Herzberg Rabbi Moshe Weinberger ✦ Legal Aid ✦ Sensitivity Training: Bais Medrash Ohr Shlomo Congregation Aish Kodesh Training courses offered in hospitals, familiarizing staff A network of lawyers available to assist those in domestic Rabbi Elisha Horowitz Rabbi Dovid Weinberger members with the particular needs of the Orthodox Beis Medrash Heichal Dovid Congregation Shaaray Tefila or financial difficulties in determining their rights and legal community. course of action. Rabbi Naftoli Jaegar Rabbi Zalman Wolowik Sh'or Yoshuv Institute Chabad of the Five Towns

19 Achiezer Community Resource Center | 24/7 urgent Hotline 516.791.4444 | www.achiezer.org medical recommendations | crisis intervention | mental health support | patient advocacy 20 COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER One Community. One Resource. 148 Beach 9th Street, Suite 2C Far Rockaway, NY 11691