Hundreds of families from across New York City gathered in Boro Park this past Wednesday to celebrate at the annual Chanukah party thrown by OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Attendees enjoyed top-notch food and entertainment while Ohel took the time to thank outgoing City Councilman David G. Greenfield.

“OHEL is grateful for the significant funding secured by New York City Councilman David Greenfield for the new Jaffa Family Campus being constructed in Flatbush,” said OHEL CEO David Mandel. “The new OHEL campus responds to the increasing and diverse mental health and primary care needs of the community effectively under one roof.”

OHEL Co-President Moishe Hellman introduced Greenfield and described him as “a leader who is known for making a kiddush Hashem. That’s why I call him Mr. Kiddush Hashem.” Greenfield made a brief speech saluting thanking OHEL staff, including C.E.O. David Mandel and Chief Administrative Officer Amy Bierig.

“I couldn’t miss a wonderful event like this, put on specifically for the enjoyment of families, by a group that does such wonderful work throughout New York,” Greenfield said. “OHEL invited me to thank me for my work for OHEL Family Campus. However, I came to OHEL to thank them for giving me the opportunity to secure millions in funding for its future. OHEL is one of the most important and vital organizations serving the Jewish community.”

First founded in 1969 as a group residence for boys with emotional and developmental disabilities, OHEL today offers highly-rated foster care, developmental disability, mental health, and medical wellness programs, including supportive housing, treatment, care coordination, and education. It also offers Bais Ezra services, which are specifically designed for children with disabilities as they grow into adults who lead rich and fulfilling lives.

Since first taking office in 2010, Greenfield has secured well over $6 million in funding for their new Jaffa Family Campus on Avenue M. Because of Greenfield’s instrumental support of the project, he toured the new facility recently, seeing firsthand its revolutionary new design, which is intended to maximize both efficiency and privacy.

“If you give the best organizations the best resources, you can do a world of good,” Greenfield said.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)