On a recent Sunday, Nachas Health and Family Network, Inc. hosted their Inaugural Legislative Breakfast.
Hundreds of religious leaders, community philanthropists and politicians came together to pay tribute to a number of elected officials and community leaders whose leadership is instrumental in allowing Nachas to fulfill its mission: to ensure that every child, family and senior access quality health care and social services through direct services, referral entitlement navigation and advocacy.
Nachas Health and Family Network, Inc. is a not-for-profit community-based organization that was founded in 1990 by Rabbi Pinchus D. Horowitz to address the gap in health services facing the underserved immigrant and Jewish communities in Brooklyn. Nachas strives to help children, families and seniors attain physical and psychological wellness in a dignified manner.
William Rapfogel, CEO of Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty opened the program by introducing Nachas founder, Rabbi Pinchus D. Horowitz, Chuster Rav, who delivered greetings.
The breakfast was coordinated by The Friedlander Group and chaired by Assemblyman Dov Hikind, whose advocacy and passionate support of Nachas is crucial to the organization’s success, and the services and programs it offers to the community. Mr. Hikind also presented Douglas Jablon with the Community Hakoras HaTov Award and praised him as a true Bal Hesed for all his efforts as Vice President of Patient Relations and Volunteer Services at Maimonides Medical Center. Congressman Jerry Nadler presented a Community Tribute Award to Joe Lazar in appreciation of his facilitating important programs to assist Holocaust survivors.
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz warmly praised NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson and presented him with the City Leadership Award. The State Leadership Award was presented by Mr. Rapfogel to New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Douglas Heimowitz, Director of Medicare, Health Plus was the recipient of the Community Health Partner Award, which was presented by Councilman Bill de Blasio. Health Plus has been serving the community for many years and is singularly responsible for advancing the medical and health care of the Boro Park community. Remarks were delivered by Congressman Ed Towns, State Senator Diane Savino and Assemblyman Rory Lancman.
Councilman Simcha Felder presented DYCD Commissioner Jeanne Mullgrav with the City Leadership Award. DYCD Director of Legislative Affairs Andrew Miller accepted the award.
The highlight of the program was when Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm Smith—the presumed Senate Majority Leader—was introduced by Assemblyman Dov Hikind as a true mensch who has committed himself to supporting community initiatives. Senator Smith, a deeply religious man, praised Nachas for serving the public and pledged to do all he can to help the organization continue its wonderful work.
