A CALL FOR ACTION IN THE JEWISH COMMUNITY
THE SAFE FOUNDATION
FOR THE PAST TWENTY YEARS, THE SAFE FOUNDATION HAS BEEN A BEACON OF HOPE FOR THE MEMBERS OF OUR TRADITIONAL JEWISH COMMUNITY WHO HAVE STRUGGLED WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE. THANKS TO THE HARD WORK AND DEDICATION OF OUR FOUNDER AND CEO IKE DWECK AND OUR AMAZING STAFF, WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DESTIGMATIZE ADDICTION AND PROVIDE A SAFE SPACE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES TO CONFIDENTIALLY RECEIVE THE SUPPORT THEY NEED.
Over the years, SAFE has proudly helped thousands of community members. We have been able to provide people with the tools they need to overcome their addictions, and have been there for them every step of the way through their recovery journeys. We have been told about the immeasurable impact that SAFE has had on the lives of individuals/families and would not be here today without the constant support from this great community.
As SAFE celebrates its 20th anniversary, there is no better time to reflect on our accomplishments and growth. When Ike Dweck founded SAFE in 2003, it was taboo to speak about addiction and those who were struggling would run away from help. There was no office building to visit or staff members to speak to, just Ike and his car making house calls.
Due to the tremendous efforts and support of Stanley Chera A”H, who fundraised and helped get SAFE off the ground all those years ago, SAFE became a true foundation. We are very proud to say over the past 20 years, SAFE has opened two office locations, Brooklyn and Jersey, with a growing team of 25 licensed doctors, therapists, teachers and professionals whose roles collectively make this organization what it is today. We have multiple divisions in addition to our outpatient clinic, such as our school curriculum Project SAFE, our parenting program, SAFE Parenting, our alumni program, The DD empowerment project and our newest initiative for eating disorders, the mindful eating project.
We are so proud of how much SAFE has grown since 2003 and it is a true testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to support one another.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that the work we are doing is far from over. Now more than ever we need your financial support to continue our mission as the fentanyl epidemic, which has devastated countless lives across the world, has recently hit the Jewish community, with multiple emergency calls due to overdoses.
Hatzalah has reported they receive up to two or three drug related calls a day. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine or heroin, and it has been found in various street drugs, including pills, powders, and even rare cases of marijuana. The consequences of this epidemic are dire, and it is time for us to get the facts and take action.
It is important to note that drug use can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. Many people who become addicted to drugs never intended to use them in the first place, having been prescribed opioids legally by a doctor. However, it is essential to educate yourself and your family members on the risks of drug use, especially the dangers of fentanyl, as one of the most effective ways to prevent drug-related tragedies is to talk to your family about them. This can be a difficult conversation to have, but it is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved ones.
On April 24th, we held a Drug Crisis program — at Shaare Zion with Dr. Jason Zimmerman, Director of Hatzalah, Dr. Akivah Pearlman clinical social worker and many esteemed community rabbis — that was viewed by thousands of community members. We featured a film called Death Upon Arrival, which gives a painful, but very realistic insight into to the fentanyl epidemic. If you haven’t seen our Drug Crisis program, take the time to watch it with your family. It will educate and answer many of your questions about this challenging topic. Visit bit.ly/SAFEdrugcrisis to watch the full program now, or visit our website www.theSAFEfoundation.org.
If you or someone you love is battling with drug use or other addictions, The SAFE Foundation is here to help. The SAFE Foundation is an OASAS licensed outpatient clinic treating addiction, alcoholism and problem gambling. We offer complete confidentiality and a SAFE space for those who are struggling. Our services are not just for those dealing with addiction, but also for their loved ones, as we understand that addiction affects not only the individual but also families and communities.
We offer free intake assessments to better understand each individual’s needs and how SAFE can help. We also offer referrals to higher levels of care if need be. We are in network with many major insurance companies and offer a sliding scale so everyone is able to afford care. If your loved one is struggling but not ready for help, we invite you to call SAFE so you can receive your own support. With a clinic in Brooklyn and one in Eatontown, New Jersey, The SAFE Foundation is here for you and the whole community.
Call 718-GET-SAFE for more information on how we can help you. Every call is strictly confidential.
Please join us Friday morning, June 30th, at 9 A.M., for our annual breakfast fundraiser to learn more about the lifesaving work that we do and how you can support this amazing cause.
