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Group Homes

Supervised, state-of-the-art residences for people who need out-of-home placement

Homes built with heart and serviced with soul

As children transition to adulthood, big decisions may need to be made about the future. Remaining at home works well for some — and Hamaspik will provide every available support to make that possible — but when the family feels that moving the individual into a Group Home is best for everyone, support is available for that as well.  

No one can replace family, but at a Group Home the burden of care is divided among a team that works in shifts rather than falling on just one or two people. The residences have the resources that are simply not available in a standard home environment.

With five Group Homes, formally known as Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs), in Boro Park and Williamsburg, Hamaspik of Kings County provides a place to call home for as many people as possible.

Who is eligible?

Participants must meet these criteria to apply for this service via Hamaspik of Kings County.

The gold standard in residential placement:

  • Each home has a fully stocked kitchen and serves delicious, home-cooked meals, sometimes cooked by the residents themselves. We never scrimp on ingredients — only the best quality will do. Having married couples from within the community staff the homes on weekends creates an atmosphere that is familiar and family-like.
  • The homes are run by a staff that is outstanding in every way. They are skilled at keeping social dynamics healthy and safe, and they receive continuous training to manage behavior professionally and compassionately. The entire team works together to both maintain and advance the skills of each resident, setting and achieving new goals regularly.
  • Health and safety is a top priority. We regularly conduct fire drills and our own audits, meticulously following procedures. Not only do we take measures to keep our individuals safe, we make sure they feel safe, too. If a resident is afraid of the dark, we'll make sure their space is well-lit, especially at night.
  • Each home has a streamlined medical system directed by a nurse. Full medical records of each individual are kept on premises, and are audited annually by the OPWDD. Important information is always passed on to the next shift.
  • Residents are encouraged to keep in touch with their loved ones. We make sure home visits happen regularly and facilitate transportation. There is an open-door policy at every home and we invite family and friends to stop by anytime for a visit.
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Peek inside our newest home

Come along, as Mr. Fisher, Group Home director, takes us on a grand tour of the newest Hamaspik Group Home on 49th Street — a cozy haven for the 13 women who live there.

The first thing that catches the eye as we walk in is a beautiful lounge, furnished with comfortable couches and pretty throw pillows. The soft music playing in the background creates an aura of comfort and tranquility.

Heading upstairs, we can already hear the lively music and spirited singing coming from the floor above. As we enter the room, we see the flashing lights and energetic dancing as residents and DSPs alike enjoy the new karaoke machine. One woman requests a specific song and her DSP obliges, handing her the mic. With her face aglow, she belts out the words before handing the mic over to her friend to take a turn.

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The heart behind the service

Cheskel Fisher

Department Director
Director of Residential Services

“I have a buffet in my office full of pictures, just like every grandparent does. It’s filled with Shanah Tovah cards, photo albums, and many other mementos from my ‘children’ at the homes.”

  • Moshe GrossmanManager at 61st Street Briderheim
  • Blimie SternAssistant Manager at 61st Street Briderheim
  • Chaya GrossManager at 49th Street Shvesterheim
  • Malky PorgeszAssistant Manager at 49th Street Shvesterheim
  • Yisroel Indig Manager at 44th Street Alterheim
  • Elisheva ReissManager at 38th Street Shvesterheim
  • Yona KasnettAssistant Manager at 38th Street Shvesterheim
  • Malkie CzimentManager at South 9th Street Inzerheim
  • Toby WalterAssistant Manager at South 9th Street Inzerheim

Interested in Group
Home placement?

While we’d love to provide a home for everyone in need, we are limited in space. Please reach out anyway — we can guide you through the application process.

You need to be OPWDD-approved to qualify for this program.

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group.pngvector (1)siblings are special too

Siblings of children with special needs have special needs, too!

Dr. Sora Yaraslowitz offers wise guidance on dealing with the emotional and practical challenges many sibs face. It’s advice you'll refer to time and again.

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