The “Ohel Family Center” In Lawrence, New York
LAWRENCE, NY, September 18, 2025 –Ohel celebrated the launch of the new Ohel Family Center – an expansion of pre-vocational and day habilitation programs located at 359 Central Avenue in Lawrence. This center offers programs for adults and children with developmental disabilities as well as programs and educational seminars designed for parents of all children, both those typically developing and those with disabilities.
The Ohel Family Center welcomed hundreds of Five Towns families for a fun-filled community celebration. Guests were greeted by clowns, enjoyed cotton candy, popcorn, and smoothies, and participated in activities including face painting. While children played, parents toured the center and learned about the services offered. The event underscored the Ohel Family Center’s role as a valuable new resource for the Five Towns—offering inclusive, community-based support that meets the diverse needs of local families.
In remarks at the grand opening, the Honorable Mayor Samuel Nahmias stated, “Ohel is an amazing organization that provides cutting-edge services. This center is an achievement for Lawrence that will support our village and all the neighboring towns.”
Building on Ohel’s existing programs, the Ohel Family Center embraces a person-centered approach, providing individuals with developmental disabilities meaningful opportunities for hands-on job training. Each participant works closely with Ohel staff, including a dedicated job coach, to identify personal strengths, explore job interests, and pursue paid employment opportunities that foster both purpose and pride.
In addition to job support, the Ohel Family Center provides families with access to respite programs, parent education workshops, and sibling support groups. These services are designed to support the entire family unit, equipping parents with tools to advocate for their children, giving siblings a safe space to share and connect, and offering much-needed breaks for caregivers.
In addition to Mayor Nahmias, the grand opening was attended by Ohel Board Co-presidents Mel Zachter and Jay Kestenbaum, Village of Lawrence Trustee Tammy Roz, and Village of Cedarhurst Trustee Izzy Wasser.
Over the last two decades, Ohel has built, implemented, and sustained best-in-class services for individuals with disabilities and their families. The Ohel Family Center continues Ohel’s legacy of supporting families. Beginning this fall, the center will also offer community-based parent support groups, open to all local families and led by licensed Ohel clinicians. These groups will create a safe, supportive environment where parents of all children can gain insights and receive professional guidance on navigating the complex journey of parenthood.
To schedule a time to visit The Ohel Family Center and learn more about pre-vocational, day habilitation, respite-based offerings, and support groups, contact us at 800-603- 6435. More information is available at www.ohelfamily.org.
About Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services
For more than 50 years, Ohel has provided transformative social services and mental health services. Beginning as a foster care agency for Jewish children in New York, today Ohel cares for thousands of individuals through a broad range of programs, including mental health services and counseling, housing, and programs for people with developmental and psychiatric disabilities, older adult services, safe dwellings for domestic violence victims, and outpatient addiction treatment services. Ohel’s Camp Kaylie welcomes children of all abilities to a summer of inclusive fun. To help us continue our essential services, donate at www.ohelfamily.org/donate.
