David, Johathan, Stacey, and Leah’s Stories

Among those we serve are residents like David, Johathan, Stacey, and Leah, each of whom brings their unique personalities to our community. Like many organizations throughout New York and the world, COVID-19 created unique challenges our residents never experienced before. Learn how the staff at Mishkon continued to provide expert care to their residents and ensured holidays like Passover could be safely observed.

Empowering Growth through Personalized Care

We firmly believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to grow, be part of a supportive community, build lifelong friendships, and receive the personalized care they need. Our Mishkon program offers various services to meet these goals, including Residential Living through Individualized Residential Alternative opportunities, where individuals receive tailored support in homes throughout Brooklyn.

These community-based homes are staffed 24/7 by our dedicated staff, from direct support professionals to nurses, ensuring that individuals receive the attention they need in a safe and nurturing environment. Our staff fosters a sense of community in all they do, welcoming new residents like Jonathan as he met his roommates in his new home and helping long-time residents like David continue to build lasting friendships and develop strong bonds. Their efforts helped Stacey find a true sense of belonging, making him view Mishkon as one big, supportive family where he feels cared for. Others like Leah feel welcome through the delicious kosher meals provided and the support she gets when learning how to navigate the train system independently, which helps her build her confidence.

Embracing Tradition and Community

The staff at Mishkon offers an environment that honors Jewish traditions and practices at the highest standards. Along with celebrating Jewish holidays, they provide a strong Shabbos program that enhances the experience for everyone in our care, ensure all of our kitchens are Glatt Kosher certified, and work with Shabbos counselors to help create a warm and meaningful atmosphere in our residences. Through outreach and involvement in local synagogues, shuls, and community centers, they promote inclusion within the Jewish community so our residents remain a part of their communities and feel a sense of belonging in their culture, tradition, and faith.

No matter the challenges, Mishkon staff are determined to help each resident connect to their family and community and have a fulfilling relationship with their faith. One example of the Mishkon team rising to address challenges was during the height of COVID-19, where Mishkon residents needed connection with their families, communities, and faith during a time where they could not meet with people outside of their homes face to face.

Providing Connection and Community During COVID-19

During COVID-19, our residents faced significant struggles when trying to stay connected, especially during important holidays like Passover. Social distancing measures meant that families could not gather together as they normally would, and the usual celebrations were made more complicated by safety protocols like wearing masks.

In these tough times, Mishkon stepped up to support its residents. Direct support professional, Yitshak and other members of Mishkon helped make Passover celebrations happen despite the challenges. Every other day, the Mishkon team went out of their way to pick up food to ensure that everyone has access to good, nourishing meals. The team didn’t just provide, food, they made sure that the residents were entertained and felt connected. By working together and supporting each other, we were able to create an environment where, no matter the circumstances, residents could still feel like they were part of a community.

Looking Toward the Future

We are so proud of the staff at Mishkon and their dedication to Mishkon residents like David, Johathan, Stacey, and Leah. They have helped our residents achieve the lives they and their families have envisioned, keeping them connected to their Jewish faith and values.