Our Place (organization)

Our Place is an American not-for-profit organization (a "501(c) organization") which employs a multi-faceted approach to counseling, rehabilitating and guiding troubled youth with substance abuse issues.[2] Our Place was created to assist, rehabilitate and mentor [3] Jewish adolescents in their return to mainstream society. Our Place provides community, and services young and old alike.

Our Place
Our Place in NY Inc
Formation1998
11-3463309
Legal statusOrganization
PurposeMentoring troubled Jewish adolescents and facilitate mental health healing for those in need.
HeadquartersNew York City, NY, U.S.
Region served
United States
Chairman
Eli Verschleiser
Key people
Eli Verschleiser[1]
Websitewww.ourplaceny.org

History

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Our Place was established in 1998 in response to increased incidences of substance abuse, suicide and death among teenagers and young adults in Jewish communities in the New York City region.[4] It was started as a safe haven or hang out for at-risk young people and now employs a multi-faceted approach to counseling, rehabilitating and guiding troubled youth.[5] Members are sponsored for trips to Israel, around the New York City region, and the United States.

The organization targets young men and women, primarily between the ages of 15 - 25. It works primarily with youth from the greater New York City metropolitan area who have dropped out of high school. Additionally, its worldwide network assists youth in most major Jewish communities.

Fundraising & Events

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In 2008 Jackie Mason did a comedy show benefiting Our Place, and to raise awareness of teen substance abuse.[6]

In 2011, Our Place began hosting its annual 5 kilometer run to raise awareness and funding for the organization.[7]

In 2013 Lipa Schmeltzer created Team Lipa,[8] and ran the annual Our Place 5 km.

In 2015 Our Place was a part of a weekend in The Hampton Synagogue which is run by Marc Schneier where over 500 people attended a weekend.[9]

In 2019 Our Place had its inaugural tennis match event. Cross River bank and Our Place partnered for this annual event that attracts thousands of spectators named the Cross River Open. [10]

References

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  1. ^ "Our Place in New York, Inc. - GuideStar Profile". guidstar.org. 10 June 2009. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
  2. ^ "Video: BRIC Media TV reports on Our Place". bricartsmedia.org. 5 May 2011. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
  3. ^ Otterman, Sharon (9 May 2012). "Ultra-Orthodox Shun Their Own". The New York Times.
  4. ^ Dickter, Adam (31 December 1999). "Boro Park Drug Death Shocks Area". The Jewish Week. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
  5. ^ Ross, Tova (9 June 2010). "'Kids In Pain': Brooklyn's Our Place Helps Kids at Risk of Being Forgotten". The Jewish Press.
  6. ^ Spodek, Yaffi (23 July 2008). "Benefit show raises awareness of teen substance abuse". The Jewish Star. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
  7. ^ Eller, Sandy (22 March 2012). "Brooklyn, NY - Hundreds Expected At 5K Run To Benefit Our Place". Vosizneias. Retrieved 1 Nov 2013.
  8. ^ Gorden, Larry (23 October 2013). "Team Lipa In Our Place Run". The 5 Towns Jewish Times. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
  9. ^ Gorden, Larry (20 August 2015). "The Hampton Synagogue Joins With Our Place For Extraordinary Shabbos". The 5 Towns Jewish Times.
  10. ^ Staff, JLNJ (2019-05-30). "A True Grand Slam as Cross River Open Draws Over 1000 Attendees in Support of 'Our Place'". The Jewish Link. Retrieved 2024-07-19.
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