“The Stories We Tell” Gala Reaffirmed Ohel’s Mission
Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services returned to Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers, New York City, on Tuesday, December 23, to celebrate its 56th Annual Gala. Nearly 650 dedicated community advocates and supporters gathered to support the organization while raising essential funds and awareness for Ohel’s extensive range of mental health services and programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Maintaining its tradition of providing a unique and memorable experience, the gala commenced with an introduction to social media influencers, brothers Nicholas Safier and Gabriel Safier (Nick and Gabe). The audience was captivated by the pair’s unbreakable bond and the unimaginable ways Gabe, a person with an intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD), has impacted his brother’s life.
The event featured moving presentations underscoring Ohel’s instrumental role in the community. Lisa Sheinhouse, Ohel’s Director of Community Programs, addressed the significant way that Ohel’s day programs change the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. Tzipora Shapero, a key presenter from Ohel’s Communities Confronting Substance Use & Addiction (CCSA), spoke about the power of overcoming addiction and the importance of educating our children about addiction as a means of preventing substance abuse.
Throughout the evening, Ohel formally recognized several honorees for their dedication:
Ohel Champions Award: Nicholas Safier and Gabriel Safier
Breaking Barriers Award: Bina and Avrumy Mendlowitz
Corporate Honoree: Brendan Gallagher, Regional President, Northeast, Gallagher
Ohel leadership, including Co-Presidents Jay Kestenbaum and Mel Zachter, President Emeritus Moishe Hellman, Chair of Camp Kaylie Elly Kleinman, and CEO David Mandel presented each honoree with their award.
The most powerful moment came from the Mendlowitz family, who courageously shared how their son, Shimon, died by suicide. Their profound testimony was delivered with the intent of inspiring other families to seek help, encouraging others to ignore their fear of shame around this still-sensitive topic.
David Brecher, president of Ohel’s Camp Kaylie, highlighted Ohel’s readiness to support families during crises. Mr. Brecher also detailed the organization’s strategic expansion, which includes new housing and mental health support in Queens, establishing a cornerstone of care in New Jersey, and launching the Ohel Family Center in Lawrence, Long Island, offering day programs, respite care, and parenting seminars. His remarks underscored Ohel’s commitment to providing hope and a seamless continuum of care.
Mr. Mandel summarized the evening by stating, “Tonight’s gathering is a profound reaffirmation of our most sacred responsibility: the unwavering commitment to caring for our community. The thousands of unique stories unfolding daily at Ohel, stories of struggle, strength, and extraordinary resilience, serve not merely as narratives, but as a vital reminder of our mission. When a community unites to meet every individual exactly where they are, we embody the very essence of partnership and shared humanity. Our work is not simply support; it is a covenant of hope.”
There is still time to donate to Ohel and make a lasting impact through a tax-deductible gift. Visit ohelfamily.org/donate to help Ohel maintain momentum throughout its local communities and beyond.
