Community Magazine April 2013

Community Chest Toddler Nursery Kindergarten: This is Ahi Ezer Yeshiva March saw a flurry of activity at Ahi Ezer, as preschool students worked diligently making beautiful Haggadot for the Pesach seder , while the kindergarten children have been excitedly preparing for the new library they will be opening, where they will be able to take the books home with them to read and return the next day. The preschool program at Ahi Ezer provides a safe and nurturing environment for all students, and an innovative educational setting that fosters creativity and independence on the foundations of Jewish values. The yeshiva ensures that each and every child is treated with individual care and concern, and that no child is left behind from any activity. Children develop skills in all areas through a wide variety of fun educational activities, such as musical and social activities, block building, arts and crafts, computer activities and many other programs that fill the children’s day and bring the learning to life. The program’s success is clearly manifest through the children’s glowing smiles as they experience the warmth and the care of the professional staff in a fun-filled educational environment. This is Ahi Ezer Yeshiva. Senator Golden and Senate Budget Restore Mental Health Care in Adult Homes State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) joined his colleagues in the New York State Senate in passing their one house budget on Monday, March 11, that included a provision to maintain the current number of mental health care clients in adult homes. The Governor’s budget proposal seeks to impose a 25 percent cap on the population of mental health clients in adult homes, resulting in residents being forced to arbitrarily leave their safe and secure homes. Senator Golden is highlighting the Senate budget mandate requiring legislative oversight in caring for individuals with mental illnesses in adult homes. This measure prevents the Executive branch from reducing the number of people in adult homes unilaterally. Golden has long been a champion of providing adequate resources to provide for human needs for those in adult homes. “A society will be judged not by how it treats the strong, but how it takes care of those in need,” the Senator said. “Yesterday I joined with my colleagues to say that no cap on the number of beds for our mentally ill, without an appropriate plan of action, will be permitted. The legislature has a responsibility to oversee the process governing adult homes. We ask that the Commissioners of Health and Mental Health, in consultation with stakeholders, including the legislature, develop a report outlining the impact of any decrease in mental health clients from adult homes before moving forward. I call on the Assembly and the Governor to adopt this language and make sure that all mental health clients have the care they need.” The language in the Senate budget specifically states that no executive agency shall undertake any administrative action designed to limit or reduce the mental health census of an adult home without specific legislative authority. It also states that the legislature finds it appropriate and prudent to continue overseeing the regulation of adult homes as the state develops community-based settings sufficient to meet the desires and needs of individuals with mental illnesses. Sephardic Bikor Holim Hosts “Setting Boundaries” Workshops In honor of “Setting Boundaries Month,” which is observed in April, Sephardic Bikur Holim will be hosting a special lecture on Tuesday, April 9 th at 11:30am by Bruria Kleinman L.M.S.W. entitled, “Knowing Your Limits,” which will discuss the need to establish boundaries within personal relationships. Two weeks later, on Tuesday April 23 rd at 11:30am, a Table Talks discussion will be held under the title, “Frazzled? How to Cope When the Gang’s All Here.” This workshop will discuss tips on how to enjoy life when generations are under one roof, with perspectives from community members and social workers. There will also be a support group hosted by Sivan Krupnick LSMW, on the subject of Creating Self Esteem in Children Ages 2-12. The group will meet at 10am - 11am on three successive Wednesdays, April 10, April 17, and April 24. The registration fee is $20 per series. For further information contact MHR 718-787-1100 x355. All classes will be held at 425 Kings Highway. 96 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE