issue 15 final

A C O M P I L AT I O N O F N E W S , V I E W S , A N D I N F O R M AT I O N

The Race I Stopped Running My socks are mismatched but my sanity is intact.

Beyond the Button The Story of Hamaspik’s Software

ISSUE 15 APRIL 2025

Spreading Good Vibes

The HCBS Dream Team

Team Achievements

If it has to get done, I’ll do it!

Table of Contents

Insiders’ News Updates & Achievements

4

Office Hacks Work smarter, not harder

7

! Then & Wow! The history of Hamaspik

8

The Watercooler Conversation in the Office

10

Office Polls Voice of Employees

18

The Staff Room Employee Spotlight

20

Employee Vibes See it. Say it.

24

Simcha Hub Mazel Tov!

29

On The Job Open Positions

30

Welcome Aboard New Hires

31

OUR MISSION: Provide quality, individualized services for people going through challenges in a compassionate and reliable manner, so they and their families can live a better life.

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Dear Valued Employees, As we approach Pesach, a time that reminds us of freedom from constraints, I was inspired by feedback I heard that embodies the spirit of liberation.

Last week, we received a referral for a very sick child who had spent 11 months in the hospital and was scheduled for heart surgery in late April. The parents’ wish was simple yet urgent - to begin Early Intervention services before this critical procedure.

Our dedicated EI team recognized that this situation called for breaking free from conventional timelines. Instead of being bound by our standard 30–45-day procedure, they mobilized immediately.

From a Wednesday referral to completing the evaluation on Friday, submitting paperwork the following Monday, and scheduling the IFSP meeting for Tuesday they accomplished in one week which typically takes over a month.

It’s remarkable to witness it time and again in our departments. When we free ourselves from rigid perfectionism and adapt and focus on what truly matters, we create space for extraordinary compassion and efficiency.

At our core, we’ve always believed in going beyond limits. In this season of liberation and letting go, I see how all our employees can cross their own Yam Suf when empowered to focus on what truly matters.

‫א כשר’ו פרייליכ’ן פסח‬

Mr. Freund; Executive Director

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Insiders’ News Updates & Achievements

Hamaspik Goes to Quassy

We are thrilled to invite Hamaspik families to an outing at Quassy Amusement Park on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the second day of Chol Hamoed. The park will be open from 12 PM to 5 PM, to enjoy its attractions and create unforgettable memories. Transportation will depart at 11 AM from Monsey at Park & Ride and New Square at Ateres Charana.

The return trip is scheduled for 5 PM. To enhance the experience, light snacks will be provided for all attendees. Building on the success of our Sukkos event, we are anticipating another joyous day together. We look forward to seeing you there!

Against All Odds Written by Gitty Kalikstein for the HCBS team.

HCBS: The Ultimate Juggling Act Twelve audits here, an MCO audit there, Now a pre-billing review—because why stop there?

We check, we track, we dot every “i,” Yet somehow, we still don’t cry (much).

Rules keep shifting, changes fly, We roll with the punches—no need to ask why.

Lost a key teammate? Personal woes?

Still, our dedication only grows.

Spreadsheets, policies, endless reviews, Juggling chaos like seasoned pros.

Through all the madness, one thing’s true— No team is stronger than me and you!

So here’s to us—the HCBS dream team, Turning stress into a well-oiled machine.

Through all the hardships, we shine so bright, Serving our families with all our might!

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ABA: 2X

Congratulations to our exceptional ABA team on reaching a remarkable billing milestone in March 2025! This month, they successfully billed 2,000 hours - double the March 2024 performance of 1,000 hours. The significant increase in billable hours demonstrates our successful expansion with clients and our team’s ability to deliver highquality work.

Insiders’ News Updates & Achievements

Kinderland Open Enrollment

Hamaspik’s Kinderland Early Intervention classroom is now accepting enrollment. A current parent marvels that her daughter, “is more mature, more advanced... she’s a real mentch.” What makes Kinderland exceptional is its unique blend of therapeutic strategies integrated with education.

The teachers are experienced and tailor goals and activities for each child’s abilities. As one parent captured it, “I wished for the world to see the extraordinary in her—at Kinderland, they proved me right.

New Growth Ahead

The Westchester care manager team is pleased to announce Rosa’s promotion to supervisor, the former supervisor Mirisa is transitioning to focus on growth, referrals, recruitment, and expanding community services for the Westchester population.

Ring Central Messaging Interruption

Last May, RingCentral informed us that all SMS messaging required registration under new government regulations targeting spam and robocalls. These regulations aim to prevent messaging systems from being misused for marketing or advertising purposes. We promptly completed the registration process and received approval. However, in early February, many companies experienced text messaging outages. We were informed that re-registration was necessary—a process taking 5–20 business days. Currently, we can receive incoming messages, but outgoing texts remain affected. We’ve recently received partial approval, with each campaign limited to 49 numbers. We need six campaigns to cover all our phone lines. An additional complication is that incoming messages are temporarily suspended during the application process. Part of our registration is now approved, and we expect full approval soon.

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Insiders’ News Updates & Achievements

The 100 Party

The NHTD team recently celebrated billing hundred NHTD clients with a special ‘100 Party.’ Staff marked this significant milestone with one hundred balloons and elegant place settings, honoring their teamwork and dedication.

NurtureSphere Brings Hope

Sarah Rosenthal, LMSW, led our recent NurtureSphere event with practical wisdom for parents navigating Purim and Pesach while managing children’s complex needs. One mother shared: “These techniques didn’t just help me understand stress—they gave me confidence.”

She left not only with practical strategies but with empowerment to face her child’s medical challenges. This successful event exemplifies our team’s commitment to supporting families through culturally responsive, practical approaches that make a meaningful difference in their daily lives.

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Office Hacks Work smarter, not harder

Lunch Traffic Jam When you have a full office and only one microwave, lunchtime in the kitchen can get a little crowded. Well, here’s your solution.

• Choose a microwave-safe ceramic mug (avoid metal or plastic with metal trim.)

• Place the mug upside down in the center or off to one side of the microwave turntable.

• Put one dish on the turntable and a second, smaller dish on top of the mug.

• Set an appropriate heating time (usually slightly longer than normal since you’re heating two items.)

Cut your wait time in half with this solution—because office efficiency shouldn’t stop at your desk.

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! Then & Wow! The history of Hamaspik

Hamaspik Headquarters Through the Years

The upper level of the old Monsey Hub building didn’t reach the full length of the structure.

Hamaspik’s headquarters were considerably smaller.

The old offices and desks were equipped with outdated computers and an abundance of file folders. All information was recorded in binders.

The old office used to be filled with piles of binders, all archived without a digital backup.

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The former conference room where care managers met with parents, families, and individuals.

! Then & Wow! The history of Hamaspik

The cubicles in the previous office.

The new spacious cubicles in the expanded wing. Employees didn’t know how to make use of the excess space.

Moving day to the new wing was Sunday, March 4, 2012. Employees assisted by labeling all office items and furniture with numbered stickers and packing their desk contents into provided boxes.

The reception area in the newly added section.

The Inside Story I 9

The Race I Stopped Running Ever feel like you’re sprinting through a marathon where the finish line keeps moving? You’re not alone. In the grand relay race of life, sometimes the most winning move is dropping the baton intentionally.

Hamaspik employees share moments when they finally stopped running races and discovered the freedom waiting on the other side.

These stories remind us that sometimes victory doesn’t look like crossing the finish line first—it looks like stepping off the track entirely and finding a comfortable spot in the bleachers.

The Watercooler Conversation in the Office

Mismatched and Unashamed

By Esty* Some people have a laundry station in their house; I have a laundry situation. All because of the socks.

I don’t know how it is by you, but matching socks is a full-time job, a game of memory with no winners.

When laundry day (or days) rolls around, I ambitiously sit on the floor, sort it, and then wash it in a very organized rhythm. Delicate, dark, light, colored, bedding and towels.

But then comes the dreaded folding. Or rather, the Folding of the Socks.

No matter how hard I try, socks just disappear. It’s like the washing machine has a secret sock sacrifice ritual—feed it one, and it devours the other just for fun.

The rogue ones—the ones whose partners have mysteriously vanished—go into a “missing sock” basket, where

they sit in exile, waiting for their other halves to resurface.

I try everything: laundry nets, dedicated sock bins, and even threatening my dryer with replacement. Nothing works.

My eight-yearold still pouts in the morning because I match an old sock with a new sock, and my teenager still sighs in frustration about her missing camp-embossed-logo socks.

Then comes the breaking point.

One day, my five-year-old has a meltdown because he can’t find his BounceU socks.

Just the left one. After an hour of searching (including but not limited to: under the fridge, inside a cereal box, and checking if the baby has eaten it), I realize something:

I’ve had enough.

This is it. At that moment, I stand up, grab every sock in the house, and dump them into baskets for each child. Then, I make an announcement almost in a daze: “From this day forward, all socks are free-range. If you want a matching pair, may the odds be in your favor.”

Everyone gets a basket of socks, and it’s their problem to find a pair. If mismatched socks are the price I pay for my sanity, so be it.

The Inside Story I

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The Watercooler Conversation in the Office

I Couldn’t be His Mother

By Rochel* I stood under the bright When I reached my mother, to suppress these emotions like lights and sought out my hope evident in my expression, shameful secrets. mother. I stole the show in our she quickly tempered my exHer mother—my grandschool play, and I knew it. citement. “Now don’t let it get mother—passed away during Leading up to the show, to your head.” She warned me. childbirth, and her father also there was a challenging couple “Don’t grow overconfident passed away when she was a of weeks of rehearsals. My drafrom this.” teenager due to an illness, leavma coaches clashed over the I felt like a tire driving over ing her without proper emopersona of my character, gena bag of nails. Instead of the tional nurturing and forcing tle or firm. I was the ping-pong congratulations I longed for, her to compartmentalize her ball between. feelings behind interWhoever caught nal walls.

For a moment, I f elt that old me first ushered me Only much later into a room to instill when I got married anger rising—why couldn’t their vision and I, the and my husband’s she just be present?

Why people-pleaser, parrotpraise made me uned their style. couldn’t she just be proud? comfortable, as if By the time I hit the compliments lacked stage, the character in me was I received a lecture. My pride decorum. I was brave enough a muddled mess of confusion, withered in shame. But this to pursue help and discover I abandoned all their coaching dynamic was all too familiar in how functional relationships and acted on my instinct. And my childhood operate. let them all take credit for my My classmates would laughBreaking free from my performance. ingly reveal their mother’s mother’s viewpoints and emoNow the final curtain phobias; spiders, strands of tional constraints was grueling. closed, and I was seeking the hair, or angry receptionist at I felt like whenever I opened person who mattered most. the doctor’s office. my mouth my mom popped Finding her proved harder My mother is afraid of feelout. than I expected as ladies interings. She fears feeling proud of A couple of years down the cepted me to gush about my me, experiencing love, or emline, already a mom of six, I performance. bracing happiness. We learned found myself at my youngest

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The Watercooler Conversation in the Office

brother’s Chumash Seudah— The ceremony had just finished, and the room vibrated as young boys with their piping voices rushed toward their waiting families.

I watched the flood of little boys in pressed white shirts darting between chairs to reach their mothers. Each reunion was visible kvelling—tight hugs, and kisses on foreheads.

Finally, my brother, yarmulke slightly askew, and lugging his new chumash with two hands appeared. His eyes were huge and expectant as he spotted our mother. I could read everything in his face—the way his eyebrows arched with expectation, the corners of his mouth twitching.

He reached her, waiting to be ambushed with the biggest hug. But that didn’t happen.

My mother gave him a tight smile, patted his shoulder, and said, “It was so nice. You did well.” Her voice was pleasant but measured, her posture stiff.

I saw the light in my brother’s eyes dim slightly. It was the same look I had worn so many

times before— d i sa p p o i n t m e n t carefully masked because we knew better than to want more.

Wanting to make it up to him, I rushed over and scooped him up in an exaggerated celebration, spinning him around and showering him with the praise he deserved. “Look at my little Torah scholar! I’m so, so proud of you!”

He smiled at my enthusiasm, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He didn’t really need that now.

I felt rejected. But then it hit me like a sledgehammer.

I couldn’t be his mother.

No matter how much love I showed him, no matter how much I tried to compensate, I couldn’t fill the specific empty space that only a mother could fill.

For a moment, I felt that old anger rising—why couldn’t she just be present? Why couldn’t

she just be proud?

But then I remembered my own journey. The painful realizations, and the slow healing.

My mother couldn’t give what she didn’t have.

I stepped outside for a moment, closed my eyes, and whispered a prayer—for my brother to feel loved on his special day.

When I went back inside, I didn’t try to overcompensate for my mother’s emotional absence. I couldn’t be his mother.

I simply sat beside my brother like a sister, squeezed his hand under the table, and whispered, “This is your day. You did great.”

As my heart gave a pang for my brother it also felt a million pounds lighter.

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The Watercooler Conversation in the Office

The Man in the Mirror

By Chaim* They’re out of organic I loved the adrenaline rush, speed. I was about to follow, eggs,” I update my wife while the victory of beating the sysmy foot already pressing down, maneuvering out of the supertem, the triumph of making it when I saw them. market lot. Her resigned breath through before the red—often A boy, maybe seven or echoes through the Bluetooth by microseconds and occasioneight, holding his little sister’s connection. ally accompanied by honking hand. They were stepping off The light ahead turns yelhorns and colorful hand gesthe curb, the crossing signal low, I slam the pedal, jerking tures from other drivers. having turned on for them. forward against my seatbelt.

My teenage daughters in Time slowed down. The “Heading home now,” I BMW swerved violently, inform her, shouting the its tires screeching like a Time slowed down. The final phrase. shofar blast. It missed the BMW swerved violently, “Chaim?” Sarah’s children by inches—so voice crackled through close that the little girl’s its tires screeching like the speaker I’d dropped dress fluttered from the a shofar blast. into the cup holder. rush of air.

“What’s happenI hit the brakes hard, ing?” the backseat would shriek and my car jolting to a stop well “Yellow,” I say my knuckles clutch their hair like panic butbefore the now-red light. My white around the wheel. tons. heart hammered against my “Ah, I get it. Just... try not to Meanwhile, my sons would ribs. The BMW was already kill anyone?” cheer from the third row of gone, disappearing down the My Sienna hurtled at the their minivan. “Go, Totty, go! street. intersection with my signature You got this!” They’d pump “Chaim? CHAIM! Are you move. Where other drivers saw their fists in the air. okay?” Sarah’s voice seemed to a yellow light as a warning to But today was different. The come from very far away. slow down, I saw it as a test car ahead of me—a sleek black “Yes,” I managed, watching daring me to make it. And I BMW—gunned it at the yellow the children continue across, had to. light, accelerating at a dizzying the boy now carrying his sister,

14 I The Inside Story

The Watercooler Conversation in the Office

their faces pale.

“I’m fine. I... I didn’t make the light.” “ Yo u. . . what?”

The surprise in her voice would have been comical any other time.

The drive home was quiet. I kept seeing the BMW, the children, the near tragedy replaying in my mind. What kind of lunatic drives like that? He must have busted his tires with that swerve. He could have killed those kids. What kind of reckless, irresponsible— And then it came raining down on my head.

By the time I pulled into our driveway, my hands were shaking. Sarah came out to help with the groceries, took one look at my face, and

I let go of cooking everything fresh on Friday for Shabbos.

-Perry*

I’m trying to stop rewriting notes more than twice before sending them for supervisor review.

- Ruchy* asked, “What happened?”

“I saw what the yellow game looked from the outside.” I mumbled.

The next day, I picked up Shau and Avi from Yeshiva.

As we approached the first intersection, the light turned yellow.

I gently pressed the brake.

“Totty?” Avi asked from the backseat, confusion evident in his voice. “You’re stopping? But it’s yellow!”

“Yes,” I said, meeting his eyes in the rearview mirror.

“I’m stopping because it’s yellow.”

I no longer obsessively clean the handles of doors every night.

- Faigy* I stopped reorganizing closets that don’t have chometz all year round.

-Devoiry* I now allow myself to leave work with unread emails.

- Miriam*

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The Watercooler Conversation in the Office

Logging out of Perfection

By Chana* The screen lit up my face in the darkness as I scrolled through another perfect vacation photo, another flawlessly arranged meal, another beautiful influencer in the ideal size with the meticulously coordinated clothes.

I hadn’t noticed how the hours had slipped away again until the weight of exhaustion pressed against my eyes.

Another day vanished into the digital void.

It wasn’t just my time that disappeared. Something deeper was eroding—my sense of contentment, my connection to what truly mattered, my ability to be fully present in my own life.

Many people experience profound wake-up calls - nearly causing an accident while on their phone or missing key moments in their children’s lives.

For me, the decision didn’t arrive at a single, dramatic moment. It grew gradually.

Each message attempt I

16 I The Inside Story

received from strangers, each browse through the endless feed, filled me with inadequacy in the face of their ‘perfect lives.’ Until one day, while drowning in the sea of externals and facades of perfection, I couldn’t breathe anymore.

And so, I deleted my account.

“I gave up social media,” I now tell friends, watching their faces register surprise. “Not because I had to, but because I wanted to.”

The thirty days of possible account retrieval was a challenge. The pull. The glitz. The entertainment. Thirty days of wondering what I might be missing.

The distraction of living and feeling. Social media plays with your mind. Releasing endorphins so you get pulled into the net.

The withdrawal was real. I missed the adrenaline rush of notifications, the comfort of al-

ways being “in the know,” There were awkward social gatherings where conversations swirled around influencers or celebrities I no longer followed, leaving me feeling like an outsider. With each change of season came the pa-

rade of new fashion trends I was no longer privy to.

“I’m keeping my promise.”

I told myself again.

The boredom? I found that I enjoy doing so many things.

I explored my talents. I read. I socialized with real human beings. I listened to podcasts and shiurim. And I grew.

I live mindfully. Without jealousy in my head.

The Watercooler Conversation in the Office

I now make brachos with intention, experience gratitude for my food, and actually taste what I eat instead of absorbing it while absorbed in my screen.

“Because you only live once.” I tell my friends. “ And when I look back, I want to be proud of my accomplishments and how I filled my time. I want to be present and mindful of the blessings He bestows.”

I find myself deleting apps that become new distractions and place timers on remaining ones, continuously reducing the allotted time. Each restriction first feels like a loss but reveals itself as a gift.

The struggle persists—the digital world’s pull remains strong, and there are moments when I feel the FOMO tug at me. But in the quiet spaces where notifications once dominated, I’m rediscovering what truly matters And as I daven every day, I send up a prayer that He should continue to hold me through the temptations.

I stopped cleaning the bottom of my table every night even though I knew my kids wiped their hands there when I wasn’t looking. I decided if I’m not supposed to see it, I won’t see it!

-Rivki* I stopped removing coffee stains from the counter and closing cabinets that were left open right before I retire to my room for the night, especially since my husband makes coffee in the middle of the night.

-Nechama*

I stopped using real dishes every dinner night, which means less time wasted washing dishes and more time for other chores.

- Esther*

I’ve accepted that having dinner prepared from scratch every single day isn’t necessary; buying food is halachically okay.

- Kaila* I let go of needing the house to be in top shape before getting into bed. We function much better when we’re rested and not full of resentfulness because we’re tired. No one steals the mess overnight, and it gets done 10 times faster in the morning.

-Yitty*

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.

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Office Polls Conversation in the Office

You’ve been staying late to finish assessments at work. Your family misses you at dinner.

Ask your supervisor what level of detail is actually required Leave at the end of the day no matter what Finish, quality matters most Other

You’ve always cleaned your ceilings for Pesach, but you’re feeling overwhelmed this year.

You iron EVERY piece of clothing, including pajamas and socks. It’s getting too much.

I focus on what’s halachically necessary and use the saved time for meaningful Pesach prep Skip it. That dust has been there since the Bush administration and hasn’t turned into chometz yet.

If I don’t clean the ceilings, I’ll worry about it all Pesach Other

Who am I trying to impress, my refrigerator magnets? Life’s too short to iron things that spend their lives stuffed inside shoes or under blankets Maybe I’ll just iron what people actually see.

I won’t sleep in pajamas with a single crease. I must look normal at all times.

Other

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Office Polls Conversation in the Office

You used to make everything from scratch – homemade challah, down to chickpeas – but with your current responsibilities, it’s becoming impossible.

You used to attend every obligatory Simcha, now you’re feeling stretched thin by the amount of social obligations.

Bakery challah on busy weeks (and I’ve stopped apologizing for it!)

Still making everything homemade, just with less sleep Realized my kids don’t actually care if their birthday cake is magazine-worthy Other

Only attend immediate family and skip the small events like upsherins.

Attend them fully. You show up because it’s right. That’s community.

Still go, but arrive late and leave early.

Other

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The Staff Room Employee Spotlight

Mayer Klein Software and Integration Manager

When you log into Enterprise at Hamaspik, your cursor glides across the screen, and completes tasks with the simple click of a button. While you submit reports, Mr. Meir Klein manages the complex systems from behind the scenes that make your experience feel effortless.

We sat down with Mayer to uncover his journey from software liaison to commanding Hamaspik’s in-house development team, and to peek behind the digital curtain that most employees will never seeyet depend on every day.

How long have you been working at Hamaspik, and how did you start?

I came to Hamaspik five years ago, after the peak of COVID at the end of 2020.

The timing was super stressful because we were about to roll out this huge change called EVV—Electronic Visit Verification—which meant everyone had to clock in electronically in real-time instead of submitting paper timesheets.

I was hired just two weeks before the January 1, 2021,

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deadline when everyone needed to start using the system. Talk about being thrown into the deep end! Those first few weeks were total chaos for payroll. Things got delayed, visits disappeared from the system—it was rough. But after a few months, we got things running smoothly.

How did your job evolve since you started?

Prior to my arrival, Hamaspik had partnered with Hamaspik of Kings to develop Enterprise, their custom soft-

ware.

The problem? Rockland didn’t have their own tech experts, so we had to follow Kings’ lead. We trailed whatever features they wanted, and we had to adapt whether we wanted it or not. There wasn’t a voice in Rockland to say what we needed.

That’s where I came in.

As software liaison, I became Rockland’s advocate, ensuring their needs were communicated to the development team in Kings. But as time went on, it became clear that Rockland and Kings had dif-

The Staff Room Employee Spotlight

ferent visions for their software.

In Kings, they wanted to build everything themselves.

In Rockland, we felt it was a waste of resources to reinvent the wheel. If there was already a good product out there, we wanted to use it and just make sure it could integrate with our main application. By mid-2023, Rockland decided to build their own in-house team. Today, I manage two developers and an implementation specialist. I draft the work items, architect the solutions, review the business requirements, and manage the team.

What exactly is Enterprise, and why is it so important to Hamaspik?

Enterprise is our digital command center. Years ago, Hamaspik had an audit that found problems with paper timesheets—duplicate entries and other issues that humans couldn’t catch when reviewing thousands of papers by eye.

We realized we needed software to check everything automatically. That’s how Enterprise was born. It started just handling timesheets, but now it’s grown to manage almost everything—our clients, programs, events, even staff training. It’s like the brain of our organization!

What does your typical day look like managing Enterprise?

First thing every morning, I check for emergencies— anything payroll-related gets top priority because people need to get paid! Then I try to carve out some quiet time to design solutions for problems we’re working on.

Throughout the day, I meet with our developers to explain what we need to build and why. That’s crucial

Fun Facts Before going full-time at Hamaspik, Mr. Klein ran a side business selling hair supplies for sheitel-machers and hairdressers.

!

0 0 2

His team handles about 200 help tickets every month, but only about 20 turns into actual development projects.

Enterprise doesn’t just track boring stuff, it manages all Hamaspik events, from Mishloach Manos to Chanukah celebrations, and even prints tickets for group outings!

When there’s a strange error message, Mr. Klein can see exactly which line of code caused the problem and when it happened, almost like a digital detective.

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The Staff Room Employee Spotlight

because the developers need to understand the “why” behind each feature. It’s not enough to say “add a button here”—they need to know what the button’s supposed to accomplish.

Toward the end of the day, I review all the help tickets and make sure either our implementation specialist has figured them out or I jump in if needed. I try not to get interrupted when I’m designing solutions, but honestly, my phone rings constantly with questions and issues. That’s just life in tech support!

You often compare software development to building a house. Can you explain that?

When you look at a house from the outside, it seems simple, right? You see walls and doors and windows. But if you tear down those walls, suddenly you see all this complicated stuff—pipes, wires,

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support beams, insulation.

Software is the same way.

Users just see a screen with buttons and forms, but behind that screen is a ton of complex code making everything work.

Successful coding is more than just pressing buttons a billion times. Actually, the better we do our jobs, the less you notice all that complicated stuff. When the software is good, it feels simple and just works!

What’s a common m i s u n d e r st a n d i n g employees have about your role?

People always mix up IT and software development, but they’re totally different jobs! ITs are like the people who maintain the roads and traffic lights in a town—they keep the existing systems running smoothly.

Software developers are more like the architects and builders who design and construct the houses. We build

the actual programs people use.

What cool project are you working on right now?

We’re setting up DocuSign integration with Enterprise, which is going to be a game-changer. Right now, when staff send out training materials or assessments, they do it manually. With the new system, Enterprise will automatically track who needs what, send out the DocuSign forms using the coordinator’s email, and then save the completed forms to the right person’s file—all without anyone having to lift a finger!

The only human part will be checking who sent the forms back and who needs a reminder. It’s going to save hours of paperwork every week.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

The Staff Room Employee Spotlight

It’s super satisfying when we build something and see it working well. The funny thing is, the biggest compliment in my field is silence—if nobody’s complaining, it means everything’s working perfectly!

There’s also this great feeling when we spend one hour building something that will save someone else ten hours

of work. That’s a huge win.

We’ve automated tasks that used to take days of manual data entry.

Plus, in technology, we’re always learning new things.

That’s what keeps it exciting— there’s always some new tool or approach to master.

A common error that pops onto employees’ screen:

How it appears to the software team:

Thanks, Mr. Klein, for giving us a peek behind the digital curtain at Hamaspik!

Next time our computers work the way they’re supposed to, we’ll know who to thank.

If anything goes wrong during the execution of this function (like a network issue, or connection problem), instead of crashing the application, the code “catches” the exception and jumps to the “catch” block.

In the “catch” block (which only runs if there’s an error), the code: - Displays a user-friendly message box asking if the user wants to try again - If the user clicks “Yes,” it attempts to call save TimeSheet() again

The “try” block contains code that attempts to save the timesheet data using the save TimeSheet function.

- If “No,” it continues with the rest of the application

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Employee Vibes See it. Say it.

This month’s gift card winner:

Chana Schwartz QA Coordinator

When Enterprise procedures threatened to overwhelm a distressed care manager, Gitty Goldschmit emerged as the office hero we all need. Rather than offering sympathy “have you tried turning it off and on again?” Gitty calmly stepped in with practical help, transforming a technical nightmare into manageable steps. Like a stress-defying superhero (minus the cape), she turned what could have been a workday meltdown into smooth sailing. #PracticalHelpWins #CalmUnderPressure

By: Faigy Klein

OPWDD Supported Employment Supervisor, Mr. Levi Brandwein, goes the extra mile to assist individuals in need of services! An individual seeking employment services was feeling lost and confused about available employment services.

Mr. Brandwein skipped the email chain and went straight for the phone.

No scripted responses or rushed explanations; instead, he walked him through every option with the kind of patience that turns frustration into relief. #NoEmailJustAction #ReliefInGuidance

24 I The Inside Story

By: Malky Weinberger

Despite being new to our Early Intevention team, Miriam Derbaremdiger has proven herself an exceptional service coordinator in record time. She mastered complex responsibilities that typically require extensive training—conducting client meetings, staffing cases with challenging schedules, and navigating complicated program transitions. When recently handed a transferred case with an imminent meeting and missing reports, Miriam tackled the challenge without complaint, securing necessary documentation and coordinating all meeting requirements. #RisingStar #NoExcuses

Employee Vibes See it. Say it.

By: Matty Schik

When three Ongoing Service Coordinators (OSCs) are out, our EI team didn’t miss a beat. The remaining coordinators doubled their caseloads without a single complaint—just smiles. Their positive attitudes under pressure ensured families received uninterrupted support during what could have been a service gap. This is what excellence in Early Intervention looks like: professionals who step up when needed most. #AllHandsOnDeck #PositiveAttitudeWins

By: Devoiry Spiegel

Leah Feferkorn navigated a bureaucratic maze to help a non-American citizen, living in New York find his classroom. When legal guardianship issues threatened to keep him out of local schools, she didn’t just offer advice, she formed a bridge between the family and attorneys, transforming paperwork obstacles into pathways. Her persistence cracked the system open, securing CPSE services that will begin in September. What could have been a permanent education barrier disappeared because Leah refused to accept “impossible” as an answer. #EducationForAll #GoingAboveAndBeyond

By: Esty Schonfeld

When it comes to Shabbatons, the mountain of details and arrangements would overwhelm most people. But not Toby Israel, our Strive Manager.

The sheer volume of Toby’s work defies description, but what stands out most is her refreshing attitude. When faced with tasks beyond her job description, her response is beautifully simple: “If it has to get done, I’ll do it!” No complaints. No negotiations. Just pure dedication to ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Toby embodies the true meaning of “Strive” in every sense of the word. #GetsTheJobDone #CanDoAttitude

The Inside Story I 25

Employee Vibes See it. Say it.

By: Esty Schonfeld

By: Yermia Halberstam

We all love our own kids, but what about the neighbor’s? Elisheva Fried, Kids UpClub manager, didn’t just focus on “her” program participants—she spotted someone outside her circle who needed help and jumped into action.

Not content with simply finding this individual a job opportunity, Elisheva personally arranged the interview, provided transportation and moral support during the meeting, and ensured a safe return trip. In a world where it’s easy to say “not my responsibility,” Elisheva shows us what true community care looks like.

Mr. Katzman stepped up when a client hit a roadblock. Their doctor couldn’t bill Fidelis because the system wrongly showed the coverage as inactive. This was a big problem since the doctor’s office only accepts Fidelis. And the doctor’s office let the family know that without billing Fidelis they will have to pay out of pocket.

Instead of bouncing the issue back to the doctor’s billing team (where it technically belonged), Mr. Katzman made a few quick calls to Fidelis himself. Within minutes, he fixed what could have been a major headache for the caregivers. Problem solved before it became a crisis.

#UpstanderNotBystander #CommunityHero

#TakingInitiative #Mr.KatzmanSolvedIt

By: Matty Schik

When a single, unemployed mother faced her daughter’s wedding with limited resources and a large family including a child with Down syndrome, Miriam Feldheim didn’t just sympathize—she mobilized. She identified multiple assistance programs and guided the application process. Miriam provided applications, offered hands-on help with paperwork, and implemented a follow-up system to ensure completion. Her extraordinary commitment transformed what could have been an overwhelming financial burden into a celebration supported by community resources, all while preserving the mother’s dignity through empowerment. #WeddingSupport #CommunityCares

26 I The Inside Story

Employee Vibes See it. Say it.

By: Devoiry Spiegel

Miriam Feldheim, a Home Health Care Manager, received a desperate call that they need to move. Their child’s heart condition was exacerbated by the mold-infested apartment, making it unsafe for the baby.

The family was aware of a vacant apartment but was denied assistance by Government Housing.

Undeterred, Miriam penned a heartfelt letter, eloquently detailing the family’s dire situation. Two months later, the family was finally able to move into a fresh, safe apartment, thanks to Miriam’s unwavering advocacy. #MoldyNoMore #MiriamTheAdvocate

By: Esty Schonfeld

Mrs. Heskel, the manager of the girl’s day hab program, recognized that a new parent who had recently relocated from out of town was feeling overwhelmed. To provide support, Mrs. Heskel began visiting her on Shabbos and established a learning partnership with her.

Additionally, when one of her staff members moved to a new home and needed assistance, Mrs. Heskel sent her all the food for Shabbos meals. Her compassion and generosity serve as an inspiration to everyone around her. #RoleModel #CompassionInAction

Submitted by: Perel Fisher

When a time-sensitive transportation form hit a roadblock, Leah Rosenberg’s dedication shone through. An individual’s mother, who has cognitive difficulties, had signed with just initials —something the bus company typically rejects. Rather than forcing the mother to navigate this bureaucratic hurdle, which would delay the child’s start at Hamaspik Early Intervention classroom, Leah collaborated with Chanie Wurzberger to advocate directly with the Student Bus company. Chanie explained the mother’s situation, emphasizing that this was her consistent signature method due to cognitive disability. The bus company made an exception, accepting the form as signed. Their persistence paid off. #SignatureSquad #TrueColors

The Inside Story I 27

Employee Vibes See it. Say it.

By: Esty Schonfeld

The clock had just struck six on a dark, cold winter afternoon. Shaindy Langsam, the secretary for upclub, noticed a girl stay behind as the bus pulled away. Without a second thought, Shaindy was out there, offering a ride home in her taxi, no big deal. You know how it is, everyone’s eager to get back after work, but Shaindy’s simple act of kindness added a good forty minutes to her own commute. Goes to show you, there’s a whole lot more to her than just “secretary.” #BeyondTheJobTitle #SecretaryWithAHeart

Submitted by: Mr. Freund

By: Faigy Klein

Hadassah Davids breaks language barriers with a smile. As our Com Hab/Respite Coordinator, she doesn’t just translate— she connects. When Spanish-speaking families need help, she drops everything, even if she’s busy with something else, rushing to interpret calls or meetings without hesitation. Challenges don’t frustrate her; they fuel her determination. #CommunicationIsKey #DropsEverythingToHelp

Against impossible odds, the EI team turned a 45-day process into less than a week. Late Wednesday, they received a referral for a heart patientan 11-month-old who had never left the hospital and faced critical surgery at the end of April. The parents’ desperate wish: get Early Intervention services started before that surgery.

Instead of explaining why they couldn’t meet this timeline, the EI team mobilized.

Evaluation completed by Friday, paperwork submitted Monday, and the IFSP meeting scheduled for Tuesday. What normally takes over a month was compressed into five days.

This wasn’t just paperwork—it was making sure a critically ill child received support before a life-changing surgery. The EI team’s commitment turned bureaucratic barriers into compassionate care when a family needed it most. #45DaysTo5Days #SpeedAndCompassion

28 I The Inside Story

Simcha Hub Mazel Tov!

Levi Brandwein

Joel Horowitz

Wannamaker Group Home Manager upon the birth of his baby girl

Employment Services Supervisor upon the birth of his baby girl

Fraidy Kestenbaum

Miriam Brinner

EI OSC upon the birth of her baby boy

Esther Garber

Intake Coordinator upon the birth of her baby girl

CH Care Manager upon the engagement of her son to Wosner

Fradel Klein

CH Care Manager Supervisor upon her engagement to Rosenblum

Fraidy Katz

Assistant to Director of Waiver Services upon her marriage to Kohn

The Inside Story I

29

On The Job Open Positions

Refer & Earn!

Refer a candidate and if the candidate is hired, you will receive a $250 referral bonus!

EI Service Coordinator Overview: Coordinate services available through the Early Intervention Program for qualifying children. Collaborate with the care team and RC DOH officials to ensure service is provided as per IFSP mandate.

Qualifications: 2 years service coordination experience.

Hours: Part time

NHTD/TBI Service Coordinator Overview: Coordinate services for individuals with traumatic brain injuries or require nursing home-level care and ensure that the plan is followed.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s or MA degree. Valid driver’s license required.

Hours: Flexible

EI/HH Care Manager

Overview: Provide outreach and enrollment services for children eligible for NY State’s Children’s Health Home program.

Qualifications: BA or MA degree in human or health field, 2 years of service coordination experience.

Hours: Flexible

CH Care Manager

Overview: Provide outreach and enrollment services for children eligible for NY State’s Children’s Health Home program.

Qualifications: BA or MA degree, 1 year of office experience.

Hours: Flexible

Integrated Health Male Care Manager

Front Desk Secretary

Overview: Case management for individuals with mental health challenges and adverse life circumstances.

Collaborate with the care team, offer compassion and support, and assist with community and government eligibility programs.

Qualifications: Experience in mental health & care management. Yiddish Speaking & driver’s license a plus.

Hours: 10-4

Overview: Perform administrative and secretarial activities and assist with payroll responsibilities, and invoice processing.

Qualifications: Ability to multitask, work efficiently, good communication skills etc.

Hours: Full-time only

30 I The Inside Story

Welcome Aboard New Hires

Esty Surkis

Elisheva Lauer

Com Hab Coordinator

Comfort Health Care Manager

Chani Censor

Raizy Flohr

Site Based Respite Coordinator

Com Hab Coordinator

Goldy Gross

Fraide Leah Shlisel FI Coordinator

Finance Assistant

Yides Kremer Accounts Payable Assistant

The Inside Story I 31

Have no fear of perfection you'll never reach it.

- Salvador Dali

Have thoughts?

We would love to hear. Send your questions, comments or feedback to updates@hamaspikrockland.org