5 Towns helps its helper, at a benefit for Achiezer

An organization whose goal is to facilitate care and aid for residents in need in the Five Towns and Rockaways is now calling on the community to help raise money to continue its mission.

Achiezer, founded in 2009 to coordinate communal resources to assist 24/7 with medical, mental health, financial and physical issues, will hold a dinner this Sunday, June 2, 6:30 p.m., at the Sands in Atlantic Beach.

A program at 8:15 will feature videos about Achiezer and its honorees. “There will be lots to see and learn about Achiezer,” Development Coordinator Eli Weiss told The Jewish Star, including ways to help by joining Achiezer’s more than 250 volunteers.

Weiss, who directs and organizes, implements and oversees projects and programs, and coordinates volunteer activities, said his team is specially equipped for Shabbos. “We have goyim trained in Shabbos-related emergencies following Halachic guidelines,” he said.

“The last thing a person in crisis needs is six different phone numbers,” Weiss said. “Everything is taken care of with one call to Achiezer.”

In addition to dealing with the doctor and the surgery, “there’s a lot more than meets the eye — getting the kids to school, cooking food, and other needs be it large or small.”

“Financial budgeters assist people in getting their finances back in shape,” Weiss said, citing Insurance Department Coordinator Sruly Miller as someone who would be able to perceive needs not apparent to others. “Our staff has a keen eye and is able pick up on other issues that may not be apparent and thereby maximize the help an individual receives here.”

“We still have Sandy calls coming in,” said Weiss, and there is still “someone in the office specifically dedicated to Sandy related calls.”

“We need our community’s support to continue to serve our brethren,” Weiss added, “and to do what we do — being there at the time of need for the Five Towns and the extended Rockaway community.”