A sunny afternoon matched an uplifting mood as community leaders gathered to “cut the ribbon” on what was described as a state of the art residence for women by Women’s League located at 601 Dahill Road in Brooklyn that featured the participation of the Noviminsker Rebbe Shlita and elected officials. The inauguration of a new home for women with developmental disabilities is an important milestone in our community was the theme throughout the program that boasted a lineup of officials that included NYC Public Advocate Letitia James; State Senator Simcha Felder, Assemblymembers Dov Hikind & David Weprin, Councilmembers Chaim Deutsch & Brad Lander who emphasized their admiration of Women’s League’s founder Jeanne Warman.
Indeed, Women’s League was established in 1978, by Jeanne Warman, when seven young men ended years of rejection, institutionalization, and uncertainty by rejoining their community of birth. A home for men with developmental disabilities had been built, and these seven ‘pioneers’ were its first residents. This was the beginning of Women’s League Community Residences.
The inspiration for the establishment of Women’s League by Jeanne Warman was when she gave birth to a set of twin boys back in 1958, and was devastated to discover that one was severely brain damaged due to anoxia at birth with the future deemed very bleak indeed. At that time, individuals with disabilities were generally cared for in oversized institutions that, at best, tended only to their most basic physical needs and at worst, neglected and abused them.
For over 36 years now, Women’s League has been a growing provider of caring for those with disabilities.
Special recognition was given to State Senator Simcha Felder for allocating funding towards Women’s League new home; a cause near and dear to Senator Felder who has displayed great compassion for individuals with developmental disabilities.
{Matzav.com Newscenter}
