Servicing NYC and Long Island
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.
Participants must meet these criteria to apply for this service via Hamaspik of Kings County.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.