By VIN News and COLlive
Photos by Shimon Gifter / VIN News
Sparks, a Brooklyn organization helping women who suffer from postpartum depression and related illnesses, held a tribute luncheon last week in the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.
The honorees accepted appreciation awards from members of Congress and Esther Kenisgsberg, the visionary founder of Sparks, in acknowledgement of the dedication they show the organization.
A diverse group of Congress people, coordinated by The Friedlander Group, included Reps. Bobby Rush (D-IL), Danny Davis (D-IL), Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), Henry Waxman (D-CA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Shelley Berkely (D-NV), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Alyson Schwartz (D-PA), Ed Towns (D-NY) and Bob Filner (D-CA).
Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Executive Vice President of American Friends of Lubavaitch in Washington DC, delivered the invocation and recounted how appropriate it is that the luncheon is being held during the week where we read from the Torah about a mother giving birth.
“The Chinese have a saying “happy wife – happy life.” The battle of Sparks can be summed up that a happy mother can bear another,” Rabbi Shemtov said.
The Shliach in the Capital concluded, “I hope that Sparks will bring a blessing to so many people who will find the rejuvenation and nurturing they need so the world can continue to bring forth good people.”
Perhaps the highlight of the luncheon was when a young couple publicly addressed the audience recounting their own very personal battle with postpartum depression and how Sparks was with them every step of the way.
The crowd, visibly moved, gave this very special couple a rousing standing ovation and with Rabbi Shemtov’s prodding everybody pledged to help SPARKS continue its important mission.
The luncheon was closed by Sparks board member Rabbi Dr. Elie Abadie, founding rabbi of the Safra Synagogue on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, who recited the traditional prayer for the well being of the United States and its government in both Hebrew and English.
The day culminated with a meeting with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in her office. Susan Stone, MSW, LCSW fully briefed the Senator on all aspect of SPARKS and its need to grow.
Visibly touched, the Senator, who is a mother herself, profusely thanked Mrs. Kenigsberg and pledged her support as a Senator to helping with its growth.
She then individually thanked each honoree and the SPARKS board for allowing such a wonderful organization to take shape in her home state.
VIDEO:
Any postpartum woman in distress can call 718-2-SPARKS to speak to a trained professional. They help out a LOT of people. I know. I was helped. Spread the spark of recovery to all.
I asked for help and counseling – didn’t get it!
Hope they actually help someone.
Any postpartum woman in distress can call 718-2-SPARKS to speak to a trained professional. They help out a LOT of people. I know. I was helped. Spread the spark of recovery to all.
Go Mendy!!!!!!!!!!!!
What is the name of this organization?
This is an amazing program helping mothers if after giving birth, they get depressed and cannot care for their child. They get you the correct help support you and your family till you are out of it and then they are there to always support you in any way that they can. They have a hotline if you have any questions. They have a newsletter coming out a few times a year and they are always available. May the aibershte continue giving them kochos to do what they are doing.
I see a couple of more lubavitchers there…
http://www.shimongifter.smugmug.com
looks like a bunch of democrats to me.