A COMPILATION OF NEWS, VIEWS, AND INFORMATION
“I can’t thank you enough.”
NY Governor David
Paterson’s visit to Hamaspik
FYI
Google translates over 100 billion words a day
ABA
Growing stronger every day
Wait— that means what?
How one word can confuse, amuse, or save the day.
Dear Valued Employees,
A couple of years back, we had the honor of hosting New York Governor David Paterson here at the hub. As you’ll read in this newsletter, the Governor got a glimpse of the incredible work we do here at Hamaspik.
But what he saw in those few hours is what you do every single minute of every day. The care, the dedication, the life-changing momentsthat’s your daily reality.
Keep doing what you’re doing. Every minute you’re here, you’re making a difference. Every interaction, every act of kindness, every moment of care - that’s the real Hamaspik that the Governor experienced during his visit.
Thank you for being the heart of everything we do, minute by minute, day by day.
Wishing you a happy and healthy summer!
Mr. Freund; Executive Director
Insiders’ News Updates & Achievements
Software team: building the future
Our enterprise system got a fresh visual upgrade! When the system is locked, users now see an updated background image featuring a new sketch of the upcoming Hamaspik building. The wallpaper gives everyone a glimpse of the exciting office expansion planned down Route 59.
Little Kids Upclub: Fresh start, big plans
Our newest addition just opened its doors! The Little Kids Upclub launched with 8 participants and is already making waves. With Sunday programming continuing through the summer, these younger participants have a dedicated space to grow, play, and build connections.
Girls Day Hab: ready for the Big Day
Beyond the numbers
This quarter, the Comfort Health HCBS team pulled off an incredible feat, completing a complex, audit. What makes this even more impressive? They did it while continuing to provide heartfelt, high-quality care to families. Nothing slows this team down!
Our Girls Day Hab participants recently celebrated their Achievement Event, which took place on June 19th at the Monsey hub. The group had practiced three songs with choreography, and their hard work truly paid off. The girls received personalized awards and write-ups highlighting their growth throughout the year. The celebration featured speeches from our valedictorians, while parents enjoyed lunch and witnessed the progress their daughters had made. It turned out to be a meaningful day of recognition and accomplishment for everyone involved.
Insiders’ News Updates & Achievements
Parent Power-up: NurtureSphere event
We were thrilled to host social skills expert Tzipporah Gordon for a powerful session on emotional awareness and regulation. Parents left with practical, Torahinspired tools to help their kids navigate big feelings with confidence and compassion. The feedback was moving - parents shared how empowered and hopeful they felt, equipped with fresh strategies to better support their children.
Triple the growth
Our Early Intervention classroom, which started this winter with 3 children, now supports 12 children with several more intakes pending approval. The program provides therapy services in a nurturing classroom setting, giving our youngest participants the foundation they need for future success. With 15 years of experience serving families, the program continues to be a vital resource for early childhood development.
Wrapping up a winner winter season
As camp season approaches, our Upclub, the after-school program for individuals, is putting the finishing touches on an incredible winter run. With 30-40 teens participating, the program has been a hit, offering after-school relaxation, dinner, park time, and engaging main activities. As these teens head off to camp, they’re leaving behind a season of growth, friendship, and memorable moments.
Article 16 Clinic: record-breakers
This quarter, our Article 16 Clinic saw more new signups than the entire year of 2025! Speech and Physical Therapists earned applause for their extra effort, OTs wowed everyone with innovative ideas for sensory challenges, and Social Workers received rave reviews for incorporating fun stim toys. The clinic is buzzing with energy and success!
ABA Department: growing stronger every day
With a surge in new clients and more billed hours than ever, our ABA team is thriving. Families consistently praise their dedication and heartfelt commitment. The team’s passion for supporting every family shine through, making a real difference in lives.
Office Hacks Work smarter, not harder
Save Time with Email Batching
Email was invented to save time, not consume your entire existence. Oh, the irony.
Constantly checking emails hijacks productivity, wasting 28% of your workday and causing tasks to take 50% longer due to switching costs.
The Solution? Check emails only 2-3 times daily.
1. Turn off notifications - you can’t be tempted by what you don’t see.
2. Schedule specific times - try 3 20-minute sessions (10am, 1, & 4pm).
3. Create three folders:
- “Action” – needs response
- “Reading” – review later
- “Waiting” – awaiting replies
4. Use time-sensitive labels:
- “Today” (red)
- “This week” (orange)
Benefits: Fewer distractions, faster processing, reduced stress, and deeper focus on important work.
Remember: Treat your inbox like a refrigerator: check it a few times daily, toss the old stuff, and don’t stare at it hoping something new appears.
Then & Wow! The history of Hamaspik !
Governor Paterson Visits Hamaspik
A couple of years ago in January, 20210, New York Governor David Paterson visited Hamaspik Rockland, delivering an inspiring message that celebrated the organization’s mission and growth.
“I can’t thank you enough,” declared New York Governor David Paterson as he stood before a captivated audience at Hamaspik Rockland. The Governor had defied a snowstorm and traffic jams to personally honor the organization that transforms lives daily.
Staff arrived as early as 7:00 AM to prepare Hamaspik Terrace, the social hall at the main office on Route 59 in Monsey. By 8:30 AM, the hall was buzzing with Hamaspik staff from Rockland, Orange, and Kings Counties, ready to welcome the distinguished guests.
The breakfast brought together many important people, including Rockland County Legislators Alden Wolfe, Philip Soskin, and Ilan Schoenberger; Spring Valley Mayor Noramie Jasmine; and several school board members.
Individuals were given special flags to wave when the Governor arrived.
When Governor Paterson arrived, the crowd greeted him with enthusiastic applause. In his heartfelt speech, the Governor had many encouraging words for Hamaspik’s staff.
“What better job would there be than the service and care of others?” the Governor asked. He praised Hamaspik’s growth
from a single facility in 1987 to a network spanning 12 New York counties, calling it “incredible development in a short period of time.”
Speaking as the state’s first legally blind governor, Paterson connected personally with Hamaspik’s mission: “If I hadn’t gotten the opportunity to be mainstreamed into public education but at the same time have organizations that could help me with my special needs, I wouldn’t be standing here as governor—I don’t know if I would even be employed.”
The Governor committed to expanding Hamaspik’s model of care across the state, saying: “I can’t thank you enough” for the work Hamaspik does.
For Hamaspik employees, the Governor’s visit was more than just a political event—it was recognition of their daily dedication to improving lives and building a more inclusive community.
Wait— that means what?
How one word can confuse, amuse, or save the day.
The Watercooler Conversation in the Office
One word won the war
It was ten degrees outside. The cold knifed through their summer uniforms. It settled on their frozen grief of their hundreds of fallen comrades. Hope was as scarce as warmth. Letters from home were read until they fell apart.
Snow masked the Belgian countryside. 18,000 American soldiers huddled in their holes. It was futile. Like children trying to cover with an all-too-small blanket - whichever way they pull, one limb always stays exposed.
They were outnumbered by the 45,000 German troops in Bastogne. The situation looked grim.
Men in German uniforms approached with “quit now” orders, convinced the Americans, with
fewer soldiers, would surrender easily.
General Anthony McAuliffe read the German demand and uttered a single word in response: “Nuts!”
“A language is not just words. It’s a culture, a tradition,”
This American slang—meaning “absolutely not”—threw the German commanders into confusion. Their translators scratched their heads, wondering if the American general was offering them food or had simply lost his mind.
The Germans were so baffled that they sent another message asking if that was a yes or a no. By the time McAuliffe clarified that it was definitely a “no,” precious hours had passed, allowing Allied reinforcements to come closer. The siege ended days later with an American victory—all because of one untranslatable word.
“A language is not just words. It’s a culture, a tradition,” — Noam Chomsk, renowned linguist and philosopher said. So much of what we speak is the nuance behind the words.
Pepsi
brings your
ancestors back
When Pepsi launched their famous “Come Alive with the Pepsi Generation” campaign in Taiwan, they were horrified to discover that in Chinese, their slogan translated as “Pepsi will bring your ancestors back from the dead.” Rather than positioning their soft drink as refreshing and energizing, the translation inadvertently suggested that Pepsi had supernatural powers. This translation blunder gave Taiwanese consumers a shock, and it certainly made their marketing campaign memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Similarly, the Mercedes-Benz company was bewildered why their cars weren’t selling in China. The company decided to use the name “Bensi” for their Chinese operations, not realizing that in
The Watercooler Conversation in the Office
that way” kind of non-apology that makes things worse.
For teens—and really for all — these playful inventions aren’t just funny; they’re a way to name the nuanced, often absurd bits of daily life. Language, after all, evolves with us.
Jargon Jungle
Office workers often find themselves in amusing situations when everyday office jargon is scrutinized and revealed to be overused.
A marketing team in Chicago had a new director who loved to end every meeting with, “I’ll circle back with you on this.” After three months, the team realized not a single “circle back” had ever happened. They began keeping a wall chart tracking promised “circle backs” (which reached 74) versus actual follow-ups (zero). When they finally confronted him with their data visualization, he replied, “Let me circle back to you on that,” and walked away. He was fired two weeks later.
Similarly, at a pharmaceutical company, a manager told her team to “socialize the deliverables with the key stakeholders before EOD.” The team nodded with-
Jargon overload hurts teams.
A 2020 study found that excessive corporate jargon reduces team clarity and trust, with 64% of employees reporting they feel less confident when overloaded with buzzwords.
Google Translate handles over 100 billion words per day.
Despite its scale, it still struggles with idioms, slang, and context-sensitive phrases—highlighting the human nuance machines often miss.
out understanding what she meant. Not wanting to appear incompetent, nobody asked for clarification. One employee thought it meant sharing the report with department heads. Another thought it meant posting on social media. A third believed it meant incorporating feedback from user testing.
The misunderstanding resulted in confidential medical research being accidentally emailed to hundreds of random people. Three employees were fired, and the company faced a $2 million compliance penalty.
“Corporate jargon is like a verbal security blanket—people use it to sound important, but it usually just makes communica-
tion worse.” — Lynn Taylor, workplace expert and author, said.
Words at Work
At Hamaspik, six languages——fill the air, each carrying culture, humor, and heart. While misunderstandings happen, language here isn’t a barrier—it’s a bridge. We help each other communicate, laugh through confusion, and connect across differences, because understanding one another matters more than perfect words.
Office Polls Conversation in the Office
What languages do you speak?
English Yiddish Hebrew
Other Spanish
What type of miscommunication happens most often at work?
Written messages misunderstood
Cultural references that don’t translate well
Verbal instructions lost in translation
Technical terms being confused Other
What languages do you primarily use at work?
English Yiddish
Hebrew Other
Office Polls Conversation in the Office
Which of these office jargon phrases do you use most often?
“Friendly reminder” “FYI” “For future reference”
“Can I pick your brain?”
“Circling back”
“I’m going to pushback on this one”
When you receive an unclear work request (due to wording or language barriers), how do you usually respond?
I ask the requester to clarify in writing with more details I consult with colleagues to help interpret what’s being asked I request a quick meeting or call with the requester to discuss I make my best guess and proceed, checking back later if needed I ignore it until they ask again and explain themselves better
The Staff Room Employee Spotlight
Elky Fekete
HCBS coordinator
Let’s start with the basics - what exactly does HCBS stand for, and what makes a family eligible for these services?
HCBS stands for Home and Community-Based Services. It’s for families of children with medical or behavioral issues by providing support services like respite care and parent training. These services help parents learn skills to care for their child and connect to other helpful resources in their community.
And you’ve been with Hamaspik for two years now as an HCBS coordinator. When people ask what you do, how do you describe it?
(laughs) I laugh when people ask me that because ‘service coordinator’ doesn’t begin to cover it. At the heart of everything is one simple and powerful thing: caring. It’s so much more than paperwork, checklists, and regulations – it’s about showing up for families with compassion. When someone reaches out to me, they’re often at their lowest point, and I want them to feel seen, heard, and supported.
That’s beautiful. It sounds like you see your role as extending beyond the job description.
“Absolutely! Yes, I have to handle the paperwork, but it’s about stepping outside those boundaries when families need me.
Walk me through what a typical day looks like for you.
Well, I technically work from 10 to 3, but I feel like I’m working 9 to 5. I try to be proactive with everything. First thing each morning, I check emails and return any missed calls from parents – there can be quite a few! If I know I’ll be tied up in meetings and can’t get back to someone immediately, I make sure to call them and let them know my plan, so they never feel forgotten.
That must create quite a bit of stress at times.
It can, but what makes all the difference is that I’m backed by a team that lives and breathes the same values. My supervisor, Gitty Kalkstein, is amazing. We all work together even though we handle different responsibilities, and there’s this mutual respect that makes everything possible.
What gives you the most satisfaction in your work?
It’s really about helping families beyond what’s in my job description. Like when we managed to get a new appliance for a family who desperately needed it. Or – I remember being on the phone at 9:30 PM during bedikas chometz, arranging for funds to be put into an individual’s account so they can properly celebrate Yom Tov. Also, setting up families with therapy and providers and having them thank me later on how satisfied they are! When you have a good team, anything can get done. Even on our shortest days, we accomplish so much.
Wow! Now, what about the flip side – what challenges do you face?
The DOH regulations create real limits on how I can support families. The guidelines don’t capture the full spectrum of what families often need. I wish we could offer more help—it would make such a difference.
That sounds incredibly frustrating. How do you handle those limitations?
I lean on my amazing team. We strictly follow HIPAA guidelines, of course, but being able to talk with my supervisor about situations where my hands are tied makes a huge difference. Sometimes just expressing those frustrations helps me feel better and keeps me going.
Fun Facts
I’m the proud mom of 10-year-old twin girls who look so different, you wouldn’t even guess they’re related.
Confession: I get secretly excited when it snows enough for school to be canceled and my kids get a day off!
Has there been a particular family whose story especially touched you?
My first family will always stay with me. It was a CPS case where neighbors had called the authorities. They were an adorable family in the community – the mother looked great, but her children were malnourished. She believed deeply in ‘healthy food’ but was giving them minimal amounts. I invited her in for a meeting and acknowledged her maternal intuition while gently explaining the situation. She was refusing help initially, but I managed to connect with her.
That sounds like such a delicate situation. How did it turn out?
Her kids got the help they needed, and she evolved in her approach. She’s still health-minded, but she opened to the idea that if children aren’t meeting milestones, we need to question
The Staff Room Employee Spotlight
why – sometimes that means more calorie-dense foods. Her next baby wasn’t malnourished, and all the kids look healthier now. For a while, she wouldn’t let anyone into her home, but they’ve all made tremendous progress.
It must be rewarding to see that kind of transformation. Did that affect you personally?
Intensely. I cared so much for them – they were constantly on my mind, even after work hours.
They were lucky to have you. In the midst of such serious work, have there been moments of humor?
(laughs) Absolutely! It seems deadlines have a mysterious habit of appearing on Erev Yom Tov. Last Erev Shavuos, we were all so stressed with last-minute requirements that we just couldn’t stop laughing. Those moments of shared stress somehow become the funniest.
What advice would you give someone considering this career path?
This work isn’t for everyone. You have to be a genuinely caring person and also a doer – someone willing to try delivering the impossible. You might be ready for the paperwork aspect, but if you don’t have that deeply caring nature, this role probably isn’t for you.
Friday is sacred challah-baking time with my kiddos – I’ve even earned the title “Challah Queen” among my friends.
My secret productivity hack: I always pretend the real deadline is a day earlier than it is.
Makes sense! Is there a saying or quote that guides your approach to life and work?
It might sound cliché, but I tell my kids this every day: ‘Today is a good day to have a good day.’ When you think positively, things tend to work out better.
Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
I just want to emphasize that I’m able to give this level of care because I’m backed by an incredible team that shares these values. From my supervisor to my co-workers and the QA team, we support each other so we can fully support our families. When you have a strong team beside you, there’s nothing that can’t be accomplished, no matter how busy we all are.
Thank you for your time, your genuine passion for helping families is truly inspiring!
Employee Vibes See it. Say it.
This month’s gift card winner:
Baila Cohn
Article16ClinicManager
Aileen Tubale PT, a dedicated physical therapist at the Article 16 clinic, reshuffled her schedule upon learning that an individual was not receiving crucial therapy. Without a second thought, she rearranged her appointments and even traveled to a location farther than she usually does, all to ensure that this individual received the care they desperately needed. Aileen demonstrated her commitment by going the extra mile, both literally and figuratively.
#WhateverItTakes #DedicatedPT
By: Matty Schick
As Erev Pesach approached, the financial strain of holiday preparations weighed heavily on many. A therapist, reached out with a request: could her payment possibly be processed earlier than scheduled? Understanding the need, the team consulted with the finance department, who confirmed they could still process the payment if the paperwork was submitted within the next half hour. Working with remarkable efficiency, Leah Weber expedited the necessary documentation so the therapist could be paid.
#DeadlineCrusher #SupportWhenItMatters
By: Gitty Goldschmidt
Chana Schwartz noticed a new employee looking lost in the front office while searching for her absent training coordinator. While most people might think, “not my department, not my problem,” and walk right by, Chana didn’t hesitate to step in. She approached the new employee with a smile and offered assistance. Chana joined the employee at her computer, diagnosed, and solved the training issue. Thanks to Chana’s decisive action and technical skill, the new employee resumed their training without delay.
#SeeAProblemSolveAProblem #SteppingUp
Employee Vibes See it. Say it.
By: Zev Krausz and Yermia Halberstam
When a client urgently needed a brace—a $15,000 medical device critical for mobility—insurance covered most of it, but the $1,500 copay was due within a week. The family couldn’t afford it. Without hesitation, Hershel Loeb and Elky Fekete launched a fundraising campaign, personally reaching out to coworkers and sharing the client’s story. Their tireless advocacy paid off—they raised the full copay in record time, ensuring their client received the life-changing brace without delay.
#FundraisingFeat #BeyondTheCall
By: Chaya Porges
DSP onboarding usually takes 1-2 weeks. Not for Esty Surkis. From the moment a match was created to having her DSP fully onboard, Esty shattered all records with a lightning-fast 2 hours. Talk about setting the bar high!
#RecordBreaker #SpeedDemon
By: Idy Paskes
Most people clock out and clock into their personal world. Not Elky Fekete. During a weekend, I witnessed her dedication firsthand—she was still working to solve a family’s issue, carrying her clients with her long after work hours ended. Her commitment doesn’t pause for weekends or personal time. That is true dedication.
#NeverReallyOffDuty #CarriesThem
By: Perel Fischer
Just before Pesach, disaster struck. A desperate mother called Rivka Schwartz—her child’s vital HCBS support services had terminated without warning. “I need this help,” the mother was nervous, frustration clear in her voice. Rivka sprang into action, hitting walls at every turn. The provider agency shrugged helplessly. Supervisors ignored her. The Department of Health bounced her between bureaucrats like a pinball. But Rivka refused to quit. Call after call. Email after email. Finally— breakthrough! The DOH conceded and restored the child’s services just as Pesach began. The mother’s relief was palpable. But Rivka’s victory rippled beyond one family—her relentless advocacy created a pathway for countless other families facing the same crisis.
#StandingUpForFamilies #NeverQuit
Employee Vibes See it. Say it.
By: Chana Schwartz
While rushing down the Comfort Health stairs on an important call, Dr. Alan Blau spotted a woman struggling to carry her stroller and bags up the narrow staircase. Immediately, he told the caller, “I need to go for a quick minute,” and turned back to help. After carrying the stroller up, Dr. Blau noticed she was headed toward the Hamaspik wing, which meant another set of stairs. Without hesitation, he guided her down the hallway and carried her stroller up the second staircase too. Only when she and all her belongings were safely at her destination did Dr. Blau return to his important call. Such remarkable humility and kindness in action!
#DoctorWithAHeart #HeartOfGold
By: Gitty Goldschmidt
One morning, the coffee break turned sour for the EI team - they were out of milk! While everyone stood around disappointed, unable to enjoy their much-needed caffeine boost, Miriam Derbaremdiger didn’t just cluck her tongue in sympathy. Though she had already enjoyed her coffee earlier, she dashed across the street to Evergreen, returning moments later with a fresh bottle of milk and brewing new life into everyone’s cups. Her act of kindness reminded everyone that teamwork extends beyond work tasks.
#ButFirstCoffee #BrewingHappiness
By: Zev Krausz
During a visit with a 14-year-old individual from my caseload, he expressed his desire to learn English fluently. Having missed early education opportunities, he felt left behind. When his father explained they couldn’t afford a private tutor, I offered to connect him with resources. I contacted my colleague Dovid Mueller, an experienced English teacher, to explain the situation. His response was immediate and generous—he promptly emailed a collection of beginner materials, including the same worksheets he uses with his own students. Mr. Mueller went above and beyond by sharing a special alphabet PDF featuring Hebrew Nekudos, designed specifically to make learning letter sounds easier. This valuable resource is typically reserved exclusively for his tutoring business. Thanks to his selfless support, I am confident that this individual will achieve success.
#EducationForAll #ThanksMrMueller
Simcha Hub Mazel Tov!
Rivky Zeig
Integrated Health CM Supervisor upon the birth of her baby boy
Chana Perel Iskhakbayev
Quality Assurance Supervisor upon the birth of her baby boy
Yitty Tabak
Finance Assistant upon the birth of her baby boy
Libby Mendlowitz
Comhab & Respite Coordinator upon the birth of her baby boy
Dr. Alan Blau
Psychologist upon the engagement of his daughter
Israel Katina
IRA Maintenance Manager upon the birth of his baby girl
Estie Perl
Intake Coordinator upon the birth of her baby girl
Udi Moskowitz
Intake Coordinator upon the birth of her baby girl
Leah Spira
EI OSC upon the birth of her baby girl
Devoiry Speigel
EI /HH Supervisor upon the birth of her baby girl
Mr. Rubinstein IT Director upon the engagement of his son
Welcome Aboard New Hires
Grace Zimmer CH Care Manager
Rivky Glauber EI Service Coordinator
Chana Klein CH Care Manager
Sarah Horowitz
NHTD Service Coordinator
Zissy Gelbman CH Care Manager
Laura Kornblum NHTD Service Coordinator
Rina Narrow EI Service Coordinator
Shimon Zucker Integrated Health Care Manager
Tzippy Lebowitz Self Direction FI Coordinator
On The Job Open Positions
Nicole Barros
Westchester CH Care Manager
Elky Friedman Self Direction FI Coordinator
Chani Kraus OPWDD Com Hab/Respite Coordinator
Zaria Swain Westchester CH Care Manager
Bellee Marquez Com Hab/Respite Coordinator
Refer & Earn! Refer a candidate and receive a $250 referral bonus for every successful hire!
NHTD/TBI Service Coordinator
Overview: Coordinate services for individuals with traumatic brain injuries or require nursing homelevel care and ensure that the plan is followed.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s or MA degree. Valid driver’s license required.
Hours: Flexible
CH Care Manager
Overview: Provide outreach & 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
