Chai Lifeline, the international children’s health support network, has secured more than $200,000 in funding in the City Council’s fiscal 2020 budget to support New York City area children and families living with serious illness.
Under the leadership of Councilmember Chaim Deutsch, Chairman of the Jewish Caucus; Speaker Corey Johnson; and Councilmember Diana Ayala, Chair, Committee on Mental Health, funds will be allocated to Chai Lifeline programs and services, the purchase of transportation vehicles and upgraded servers.
“On behalf of the thousands of children and families of Chai Lifeline, I would like to thank Councilmember Deutsch, Speaker Johnson, Councilmember Ayala, and the entire City Council for providing this critical support, which will help us improve our services and operations, and ease the lives of our clients,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. “Chai Lifeline has been serving New York City families for over 30 years and we look forward to partnering with the Council to continue strengthening and expanding our efforts.”
The funding comes at a time when Chai Lifeline is experiencing significant growth in its client population. Chai Lifeline assists more than 5,800 children and families annually through its more than two-dozen year-round programs and services, including: case management; counseling; meal delivery to hospitals and homes; transportation to medical appointments; Project Chai crisis intervention, trauma and bereavement services; family retreats and respite; insurance advocacy; i-Shine afterschool programming; and its flagship summer camps, Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special, for children with cancer and chronic illnesses.
“Chai Lifeline is truly a lifeline to children and families struggling with illness and disabilities,” said Councilmember Deutsch. “It was a privilege to work with Speaker Corey Johnson and Councilmember Ayala to ensure funds for Chai Lifeline for the second year in a row.”
