Bridging Hope for Life's Toughest Journeys
Supporting Orthodox Families in Times of Crisis
Who We Are
At Gesher, we understand that mental and emotional health crises can be overwhelming, especially for Orthodox families. Our mission is to provide short-term, compassionate support to individuals and families facing these challenges. As a non-profit, community-based organization, we offer our services free of charge through generous philanthropic funding, ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of those in need.
Our Holistic Approach
At Gesher, we believe in addressing mental and emotional health through a holistic approach, recognizing that every family and individual is unique. Our personalized care plans, developed by experienced mental health professionals, are tailored to meet each client’s specific needs.
Our team brings not only clinical expertise but also a deep understanding of the cultural nuances and challenges unique to the Orthodox community. By integrating cultural sensitivity into every aspect of care, we ensure our support is both effective and respectful.
Our Leadership
Advisory Board
Hershey Rosenberg
Executive DIrector
Mrodechai Neuman
Clinical DIrector
Rabbi Shabse Kestenbaum
Rebbetzin B. Teitelbaum
Avi Mendelowits
Yaakov Davidowits
Pearl Itzkowits
A young couple grappled with severe childhood trauma, putting their marriage and emotional well-being at risk. Gesher provided them with comprehensive support, focusing on healing from past wounds and rebuilding their relationship through specialized therapy and community resources.
Overcoming Childhood Trauma Together
After a young mother was hospitalized due to severe psychological distress, she found herself unable to function at home, leaving her children in need of care. Gesher intervened with in-home support and arranged for the children to be hosted by compassionate community members, ensuring the family remained intact and supported during the mother's recovery process.
Support Through Post-Hospitalization
An individual faced the dual challenges of an eating disorder and substance use, compounded by joblessness and hopelessness. Previous attempts at rehabilitation had failed. Gesher provided a lifeline by connecting them with effective treatment options and a supportive network, focusing on holistic recovery and reintegration into the community.
Navigating Mental Health and Substance Use
A 40-year-old struggled with OCD, anxiety, depression, and BPD, experiencing 20 years of unsuccessful therapy and reaching the brink of suicide. Gesher's intervention involved developing a new, comprehensive care plan that finally offered hope and a path forward through a combination of clinical support and community engagement.
Bringing Hope to a Family Facing OCD and Depression
A family was thrown into turmoil when one member experienced a first episode of psychosis, leading to joblessness, substance use, and a strain on marital relations. Gesher's approach centered on addressing the immediate crisis while fostering a supportive environment for recovery, emphasizing the importance of maintaining family and marital stability.
Restoring Balance Amidst First Episode Psychosis
Case Studies
Comprehensive Services to Address Every Need
We provide a wide range of services designed to guide families through times of crisis:
Case Management
Our dedicated case managers offer hands-on assistance, helping families access the resources they need during difficult times.
Interdisciplinary Meeting Facilitation
Gesher brings together professionals from fields such as mental health, social work, and education to collaborate on the best course of action for the family’s well-being.
Family Support
We provide personalized support to help families strengthen relationships, improve communication, and manage stress during challenging periods.
Community and Rabbinical Collaboration
Recognizing the crucial role of community and spiritual leaders in the lives of Orthodox families, we work closely with community organizations and rabbis to ensure families receive a supportive, well-rounded network.
Serving the Orthodox Community from Brooklyn to Lakewood
Located in Brooklyn, Gesher serves a wide geographic area, including communities from Monroe to Lakewood. This extensive service range allows us to provide accessible, expert care to families in various locations, ensuring support is available wherever it’s needed.
FAQ
When at least one family member is undergoing a crisis that threatens to break the
equilibrium of an otherwise functional family. Examples include instances such as the aftermath of a postpartum psychosis event, marital strife caused by a period of joblessness and depression, or perhaps a child experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis affecting the family as a whole.
Gesher is offering temporary intervention needed for families undergoing crisis. The criteria to qualify for Gesher services are:
Crisis = There is an acute event that calls for immediate intervention—without which
the family stability could be seriously jeopardized.
Short-term = The situation is not chronic and could likely be resolved with the proper
interventions, within 6-12 months.
Systemic = The current situation affects a family system, not just one individual on their
own.
Our team of experienced professionals conducts compassionate, confidential intake interviews to understand each unique situation. We develop tailored care plans considering all relevant factors, guiding families toward resolution and healing.
Gesher is a community organization that facilitates mental health and family support with a comprehensive approach. While Gesher is not a licensed mental health clinic and doesn’t offer clinical services, our staff includes licensed professionals, and we work in close collaboration with therapists across various fields. However, we are committed to strict confidentiality and professional conduct.
A Non-Profit Organization Dedicated to Service
Gesher is deeply committed to helping those in need. Our services are made possible through generous philanthropic funding, allowing us to operate without reliance on government support. This independence enables us to focus solely on delivering high-quality care, free of charge, to those who need it most.
