The SAFE Foundation recently hosted a day of special programs and visits from New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes and NYS Senator Peter Harckham for community middle schools and for our honored guests to immerse themselves in our vital work treating and preventing addiction and teaching important social and emotional skills.
The day began in Magen David Yeshivah, where Dr. Norman Blumenthal discussed essential Internet safety topics. The presentation shared how children can protect themselves against online risks, keep their personal information private, and prevent online bullying. He provided the students with several “fire alarm” tools, or red flags that should be noticed and reported if something online feels suspicious. Dr. Blumenthal also reminded the children that they should always act in a considerate manner, especially because whatever goes online remains permanent. He encouraged the students to trust their guts and use their lessons from Project SAFE to make healthy decisions in the online world.
The second stop of the day was the SAFE clinic where Senator Andrew Gounardes and Senator Peter Harckham were met by Ike Dweck (SAFE CEO & Founder), Charlie Tebele (SAFE Board Chair), and Sam Sutton of the Sephardic Community Federation. Senator Gounardes is a friend and champion to the community. He secured $100,000 in general operating dollars for SAFE and crucial STEM funding for community schools! Senator Harckham represents is the Chair of the NYS Senate Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. We are thankful for the continued support of our Senators and for their interest in our efforts.
The Senators toured our clinic where they saw the invaluable work that SAFE does. They learned about our highly personalized client treatment plans, which help those struggling, and their loved ones, achieve lives of recovery and wellbeing.
After the clinic tour the Senators, their staff members, and Ike Dweck, Charlie Tebele, and Sam Sutton shared an intimate lunch hosted by Lorayne and Gabriel Shehebar at their home. Other guests included Michelle Haddad (board member), Corie Adjmi (board member), and Cynthia Kassin (Director of Community Education for SAFE). Lorayne Shehebar (board member) planned a beautiful lunch with delicious food catered by Eats by Marjorie & Lauren.
There the Senators were updated on the groundbreaking initiatives undertaken to broaden the scope of services and education for the community. Lorayne discussed her role co-leading, with SAFE Event Planner Ruthie Terzi, Stoop Talks where community members tell their stories about addiction and how the number of confidential calls to the clinic rise after each event inspires those who need help to ask for it. Lorayne also leads the mentoring program in our High Schools where parent volunteers come in to talk to the students about what life really looks like after graduation.
Corie Adjmi discussed the work of the Parenting Education Volunteer Committee that she chairs to raise awareness of parenting techniques that build self-esteem and confidence in children from a young age. She explained how it is crucial to teach healthy parenting behaviors and approaches, since research has shown that a positive approach to parenting can help our children avoid risky and addictive behavior later in life.
After lunch it was on to the last activity of the day at the Yeshivah of Flatbush Elementary School, where the middle school was holding a reception for the winners of the Project SAFE Poster Contest! The 6th, 7th and 8th graders had created posters that depicted what they learned in their SAFE class. Themes ranged from friendships, anti-bullying and healthy eating habits to vaping, substances and alcohol. Winners and their parents were at the reception where all the posters were on display.
Senators Gounardes and Harckham spoke to the children about the meaning behind their posters and the students responded enthusiastically. Students and parents were very excited, some even took selfies with the Senators. When the time came for the award presentation, Rabbi David Hertzberg opened with welcoming remarks. Ruth Waide of the YoF guidance team warmed up the crowd and thanked all for such a special day, and then Charlie Tebele introduced the Senators and explained how integral their work has been in aiding our community, our schools, and the State of Israel.
Senator Gounardes then took the podium and talked about the Flatbush Five (respect, honesty, kindness, responsibility and humility) and the importance of doing acts of service for others, including his “Three for the Community” initiative where he encourages neighbors to take three actions (big or small) each week to improve their community. He called on all students to take part and help contribute to over a million acts of service each year. Next, Senator Harckham spoke about how meaningful the day had been and encouraged students to value the friendships they are making now because these relationships will carry them through the rest of their lives.
The Senators announced that Jacob Nussbaum was the winner of the boys contest. Jacob excitedly went up to receive his award, a grand prize of Airpods, and to have his picture taken with the Senators. Next, the winners from the girls contest, Fortune Zeitoune, Kelly Fatiha and Rebecca Spira were called up one by one to receive their awards, prizes, and a picture.
Rabbi Yahel Tsaidi, Head of School, then closed the assembly with a thank you to the SAFE teachers and guidance team at the YoF who worked very hard to bring the event together. After the award presentations, Senators Harckham and Gounardes joined Project SAFE teachers and the guidance team to discuss challenges that today’s youth face. They discussed the importance of teaching about the realities of vaping, the importance of healthy body image and healthy eating, as well as emotional awareness and recognition. The Senators, the SAFE team, the board, school leaders and teachers could not have been prouder of the amazing work of SAFE and the meaningful partnership Project SAFE has with our community schools.
If you or a loved one need help call us confidentially at (718) GET-SAFE.
