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Edited by: TJVNews.com
In the shadow of close-knit traditions and a rich cultural heritage, addiction remains a constant, yet often unspoken, reality within the Jewish community. Despite being equally susceptible to it as any other community, a pervasive sense of shame and stigma in the Jewish community hinders those in need from seeking the crucial treatment and support required for recovery. This pressing issue urges us to delve deeper into the complexities of addiction and shed light on the lifesaving work of The Safe Foundation which supports those struggling with alcohol, drug or gambling addiction, and their loved ones.
We sat down with Ike Dweck and Jessica Steinmetz from The Safe Foundation and asked them some questions to get a better sense of the work they do and the help The Safe Foundation provides.
Q – Ike, please introduce yourself and your role at The Safe Foundation.
Ike: Hi, I’m Ike Dweck, the CEO and Founder of The Safe Foundation. I started The Safe Foundation 20 years ago because, although people didn’t want to admit it, addiction was prevalent in our community and there was no treatment that understood Jewish values and the sensitivity of confidentiality in tight-knit communities.
Q – Jessica, please introduce yourself and your role at Safe.
Jessica: Hi, I’m Jessica Steinmetz, the Clinical Director here at The Safe Foundation. As Director, I oversee our amazing clinical team consisting of therapists, medical professionals, including a psychiatrist and medication-management specialist, an intake specialist and a director of community resources. We work as a collaborative team to tailor treatment to each individual’s needs. We support those who are struggling with substance use or gambling addictions, as well as their loved ones.
Q – What is The Safe Foundation?
Ike: The Safe Foundation is non-profit organization with two licensed outpatient addiction clinics, one in Brooklyn, New York and one in Eatontown, New Jersey. We are the leading experts in treating addiction from a culturally competent perspective and understand the shame and stigma surrounding addiction which often prevents individuals from seeking help.
Q – What specific services does The Safe Foundation offer?
Jessica: We offer individual counseling, educational groups, and process groups. We offer assessment and referrals, medication management, family support and community education.
Q – How does The Safe Foundation maintain confidentiality?
Ike: Confidentiality is taken very seriously here at The Safe Foundation. No one outside of our staff has access to clients’ names or information- even our Board of Directors does not have access to this information. We also only share client information with family members, people involved in their recovery journey or other treatment providers with expressed written permission from the client. If someone calls and asks for information about a client, we will not, and cannot, even confirm whether they are a client at The Safe Foundation. We also make it a priority to ensure no two clients are in the waiting room at the same time. We have a separate entrance and exit so that clients do not see each other in the hallways.
Jessica: New clients are most concerned about groups- what if someone recognizes them? We understand this and work with new clients to prepare them for the experience. Our groups have clear confidentiality policies that the clients themselves take very seriously. Everyone in the group has the same concerns about confidentiality, because everyone is there for the same reason. In the end, the clients find comfort in knowing that they are not alone, that they are not the only one in the community who is struggling. Groups members form tight and supportive bonds with one another.
Q – How does Safe’s understanding of Jewish culture impact treatment?
Jessica: The Safe Foundation understands the shame and stigma surrounding addiction, which often prevents individuals from seeking help. This is why, in addition to protocols that protect confidentiality, we also do a great deal of community education. Addiction is a disease, not a moral failing, not something of which to be ashamed. We also know the strong sense of family within the community and offer treatment to loved ones of those struggling with addiction. Addiction is truly a family disease and we treat it as such. We also have a deep understanding of holidays and traditions, especially those that involve celebrations where alcohol is present. We help prepare clients for how to manage the holidays and how to honor those traditions while maintaining sobriety. Another thing that sets The Safe Foundation apart is our connection to many other service providers and inpatient settings. Our Director of Community Resources works with these agencies to organize kosher meals and educate staff on Jewish customs and obligations.
Ike: Jumping off what Jessica mentioned, The Safe Foundation’s philosophy is not to tell anyone how to live their lives. We know the rituals and the social nature of the Jewish community and don’t condemn drinking or gambling. The Safe Foundation is here to support those for whom alcohol, drugs or gambling has become a problem. What is recreational for some causes devastating consequences for others.
Q – Say more about that- what would be considered a problem?
Jessica: When drinking, drug use or gambling affects your relationships, finances, health, work- those may be signs of a problem. If you are experiencing this, or someone you love is, or you are not sure, it’s best to call. We can assess what the appropriate next steps might be. That might be treatment here at The Safe Foundation, a referral to a different agency or maybe you don’t need help at all. That’s fine, too. But it is best to be evaluated so you can be sure. Regardless of what you may need, our team is here for you every step of the way. And while The Safe Foundation has an expertise in working with Jewish clients, we welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds. We provide the highest quality clinical services to anyone in need.
Call our confidential phone line 718-GET-SAFE with any questions you have.
