New York—Today, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the New York City Council broke ground on the expansion of OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services to 1268 East 14th Street in Brooklyn. The new property, funded in part by the New York City Council, will serve as OHEL’s main campus and allow families and residents greater access to OHEL’s community services—including support for domestic violence survivors, services for New Yorkers living with disabilities, and mental health treatment.
“For over 45 years, OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services has served as a beacon of hope and strength for New Yorkers across our city,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “Their comprehensive range of services provides families with the support they need in times of crisis and ensures that individuals with disabilities have access to quality, compassionate care. The New York City Council is proud to provide $2 million in funding to support the expansion of this invaluable community organization to its new location, which will connect more residents with OHEL’s vital services.”
“OHEL’s decision to move to Flatbush and new premises is a direct response to the ever increasing needs and diversity of service needs in the community,” said Moishe Hellman, Co-President of OHEL.
“One of the best parts of my job as a Councilman is to provide the help that enables our local nonprofits and communities to grow and succeed. I am proud to have helped fund the purchase of OHEL’s new home with a one million dollar grant, and deeply thank Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for matching that capital grant and making this project a priority in FY 15. Thanks to this two million in Council capital funding, OHEL will be able to expand its amazing services and help hundreds more families each year,” said Council Member David Greenfield.
“OHEL provides invaluable social services to thousands of people in our city,” said Council Member Julissa Ferreras, Chair of the Committee on Finance. “The City Council is proud to support their expansion and to give them the tools they need to streamline their services, increase their reach, and continue their amazing work.”

In the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget, the New York City Council allocated $2 million to support OHEL’s $8.45 million expansion into 1268 East 14th Street, a move that will consolidate the majority of its Brooklyn non-residential community programs into one location. This central location will increase accessibility and delivery of services to the community including an outpatient mental health center, foster and preventive care, domestic violence services, supportive housing, day programs and case management for thousands of individuals with disabilities and families that OHEL serves every day.

OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services began as a small foster care agency in 1969. Today, OHEL is large social service agency that meets the diverse and growing social service needs of the community. Over 1,500 dedicated professionals and volunteers offer comfort, support, protect and elevate the lives of thousands of individuals and families every day.

“For 45 years, OHEL has served as a reliable haven of support to all walks of life,” said Council Member Vincent Gentile. “Indeed, OHEL has helped people conquer everyday challenges, heal from trauma, and manage with dignity and strength during times of crisis. This new centralized OHEL location will not only increase accessibility for the thousands of people they serve each and every day but it will allow OHEL to comfort, support, protect and elevate the lives of thousands of individuals and families into the next generation and beyond.”
“OHEL is an invaluable asset to our community and their expansion will allow them to continue to be a resource and source of strength to thousands of families,” said Council Member Alan Maisel. “I am proud the City Council was able to help fund their new home and their important mission.”

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