Helping Hands for the Disabled of NYC has been fortunate to be a part of the lives of so many wonderful people. Here are some of their stories starting with the Director Alice Crespo's memoir Never Be Discouraged: With God All Things Are Possible, which can be found at https://www.ebay.com/itm/355201856289 . Proceeds of $5.00 per copy sold will be donated to HHD of NYC!!
I have M.S. Up until a few months ago I had never heard of Helping Hands for the Disabled of NYC. A friend of mine had to have back surgery, this left me alone with no help to go to my doctor appointments, hair salon, bank and shopping. I was told by the M.S. Society to call 311.
I called the Mayor's Office for the Disabled, it was from this office that I was told to call Alice Crespo from Helping Hands for the Disabled of NYC.
For me they have been a God send. I now have reliable, responsible and nice people to help me. If it weren't for Alice Crespo and Helping Hands, I don't know what I'd do as I had no one to help me out.
I also would like to mention that Helping Hands for the Disabled schedules entertainment and enjoyable activities for all of it's members on a regular basis."
- V. Brown
I am 61 years old, I live alone and I am totally blind. I have been a friend of Alice Crespo since the late 1970s. When she first founded Helping Hands for the Disabled of NYC, I never dreamed that this organization would be of such great help to me. But it has turned out to be very important in my life.
In May of 2004, I suffered a major heart attack. When I was released from the hospital, I realized that I was very isolated, and that I needed help and companionship. I discussed this with Alice, and she found me a volunteer helper, his name was John. He was of tremendous help to me.
He visited me, talked with me, read my mail, ran errands, and we took walks together. My walking was affected by my illness, so we couldn't go very far, but he was very patient, and we took short walks. I began to realize the importance of Helping Hands, and their invaluable assistance to me.
Fast forward to the year 2011, Helping Hands is still a very important part of my life. I have a very nice volunteer, who visits me, and who continues to help me. We take walks, read mail, go to a neighborhood restaurant for lunch, and I look forward to his visits.
New York can be a lonely place. The expression "alone in a crowd" can be applied to this bustling city. For those of us who live alone, and have a major disability, it is sometimes possible to spend an entire day without human contact.
Alice has worked very hard and diligently to address the problem. She works to match disabled people with caring volunteers who give their time to be of service.
I am truly grateful to Alice for the work she has put into Helping Hands, I want people to know how much this organization has helped me and others. "
Thank you Alice!
- R. Feinstein
Helping Hands for the Disabled Of NYC
P.O. Box 9174
Astoria, New York 11103
718-606-9712
[email protected]