Ohel Celebrates New Home for Residents in the Five Towns

Far Rockaway, NY – July 19, 2023 –  Lester Kaufman, a long-time Queens resident, recently dedicated an Ohel residence for individuals with developmental disabilities in Far Rockaway. Mr. Kaufman previously served as Ohel’s executive director for almost 30 years. Today, Lester and Susan Kaufman continue their commitment to this community  and have joined with Ohel for a lasting legacy.

“We are profoundly grateful to Lester and Susan for their unwavering commitment to Ohel over the last 50 years,” said Mel Zachter and Jay Kestenbaum, Ohel Co-Presidents.

Mr. and Mrs. Kaufman have re-dedicated Ohel’s residence in Far Rockaway, a home for ten individuals with disabilities that has been part of the fabric of the community for more than forty years. Living side-by-side with neighbors, shopping and integrating in the community in daily life, and ensuring their health and safety is a hallmark of Ohel’s housing program.  This home is one of twenty-seven such residences and more than one hundred and thirty apartments that Ohel operates for individuals with developmental disabilities and psychiatric disabilities.

Lester Kaufman was Ohel’s Executive Director from 1971-1995 and shepherded Ohel Bais Ezra, Ohel’s flagship program for individuals with developmental disabilities, from its infancy to a suite of complete services. Mr. Kaufman helped Ohel to grow into the multi-faceted, organization it is today.

Ohel empowers adults with disabilities to live meaningful lives. The organization offers residences for individuals with disabilities throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Nassau County.