Chai Lifeline, the Jewish community’s leading children’s health and crisis support network, is proud to announce the establishment of a dedicated Sephardic Division, designed to meet the unique needs of the Sephardic community with culturally sensitive support and services. This new division will extend Chai Lifeline’s comprehensive range of assistance to better serve Sephardic families facing medical crises.
Under the leadership of Jack Tabbush, the Director of the Sephardic Division, and bolstered by the visionary guidance and support of the Dushey family, particularly Joseph Dushey, as well as Jack Braha, this initiative is set to significantly enhance Chai Lifeline’s mission. The division will focus on delivering individualized case management, counseling, educational programs, crisis intervention and trauma response, and community-specific support services, ensuring a culturally resonant approach to aiding families in need.
“The creation of the Sephardic Division is a significant step towards addressing the unique needs of Sephardic families in our community,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. “Staffed by local professionals and volunteers from within the community, the Sephardic Division will offer more targeted and impactful support that will help families as they navigate their medical journeys.”
Jack Tabbush, an experienced leader within Chai Lifeline, has a deep connection with the community and brings years of experience in program management and community service.
“I am honored to lead the Sephardic Division and excited about the potential to make a tangible difference in the lives of many families in our community. Our goal is to ensure that no Sephardic family has to face the challenges of illness or crisis alone,” said Tabbush. “We are deeply grateful for the Dushey family’s unwavering support and visionary leadership, which have been instrumental in shaping the direction of the Sephardic Division.”
To maximize the effectiveness and impact of the Sephardic Division, Chai Lifeline welcomes Debbie Mezrahi as its dedicated Case Manager. Debbie brings a rich background in communications, health, nutrition, psychology, trauma, and bereavement to her role. Her responsibilities include assessing the needs of families, developing comprehensive support plans, linking clients to necessary services, and providing ongoing counseling and monitoring. She is trained in crisis counseling and has years of experience working in the crisis intervention field.
“Debbie’s deep understanding of the community’s needs will drive the success of the division’s outreach and support programs,” said Tabbush.
The Chai Lifeline Sephardic Division will operate out its headquarters at 1115 Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn, NY, and will offer programs and services across various locations with significant Sephardic populations, including Brooklyn, Deal, Manhattan, and Lakewood. The division is currently rolling out several new programs, including community outreach initiatives, educational workshops, and expanded volunteer training programs tailored to the Sephardic community.
For more information about the Sephardic Division or to learn how you can support this vital initiative, please visit www.chailifeline.org/sephardic or call 718-475-0002.
FABULOUS