happenings at achiezer

Achiezer Community Resource Center is thrilled to announce the appointment of Shragi Chafetz, LCSW as the new Director of Mental Health Services. With over a decade of experience in the field, Mr. Chafetz brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.

After an exhaustive search, the board is thrilled that Shragi has been appointed to take over the reins from Dr. Brucha Lowinger who has loyally served as the Achiezer's Director of Mental Health Services for over 13 years. During her tenure, Dr. Lowinger has made significant contributions to the organization and the community at large. We are confident that under Shragi's direction and leadership, this department will continue to grow and flourish, serving the needs of our community.

Boruch Ber Bender, CEO and Founder of Achiezer, expressed his excitement about the new appointment, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Shragi to our team. He has already made an immeasurable mark in the lives of numerous individuals and their families facing the most difficult of circumstances and crises. We are particularly excited that he's going to do work to help coordinate and organize mental health services across the entire community."

Elke Rubin, Achiezer's Executive Administrator, expressed confidence that the transition would bring great benefits to the community. "We know that Shragi's appointment will further enhance the quality and accessibility of mental health services in the Five Towns and beyond. On a personal level, he is a compassionate and caring person and a perfect fit to help people in their times of need and crisis. Through his many years of working in the Five Towns, he knows the struggles so many people have in dealing with their mental health and utilizes tried and true applications to each case, while thinking out of the box when necessary. It's wonderful to have him on our team."

Executive board member Ari Silberstein is encouraged about how this appointment dovetails perfectly with the organization's vision for growth. "Our vision of expanding our mental health division is becoming a reality with Shragi Chafetz at the helm. We look forward to seeing the positive impact his leadership will have on our community."

Rabbi Bender elucidates some of the new initiatives Mr. Chafetz will be heading. "They include working tirelessly to expand the referral base; we all know how hard it is to find competent and appropriate mental health professionals. He will also be working on collaborating and networking with hundreds of other mental health professionals so that collectively we can expand our availability and services to the Frum community.

Achiezer is well known for its 24/7 crisis intervention team. Shragi joining gives an infusion to that elite team so they can respond to any crisis at any hour of the day. I don't think such a multifaceted response team exists anywhere in any Jewish community. There are people who can help with different aspects of different crises, but to be able to call one phone number that does it all is what makes Achiezer unique."

Mr. Chafetz is enthusiastic about the potential of his appointment. "Achiezer has given me the opportunity of offering help and support to people when they are in crisis and have nowhere else to turn. We are also working on creating a stronger resource network within the Five Towns and Far Rockaway mental health professional community. We are blessed to live in a community where even competitors are always happy to work together to help people. By coming together to meet each other with a chance to share resources and ideas. the people seeking help will have easier access to those services when reaching out to Achiezer or a therapist."

Achiezer is dedicated to providing quality mental health services to the community and remains committed to supporting individuals and families in their journey towards wellness. They are grateful for the smoothness of the transition in directors and are always available to meet everyone's needs.