Guiding Families To
A Peaceful
Future

Roizy Waldman

Founding Director

Roizy Waldman is the heart and soul behind Reprieve for Families. Dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children from single-parent homes, Roizy founded Reprieve to honor the memory of her beloved brother, Moshe Yidy Lebowitz.

Moshe Yidy passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 31, leaving behind a wife and six young children. In his own short life, Moshe Yidy embodied the spirit of generosity and compassion. He “adopted” a yosem from Bayit Lepleitot in Jerusalem, demonstrating his aspiration to making a difference in the lives of others. Each year, he personally bought and wrapped Chanukah gifts not only for his adopted daughter but also for all the other children in the orphanage.

A writer and translator by trade, Roizy carries on her brother’s legacy through Reprieve, ensuring that his spirit of kindness and generosity lives on. With her dedication and commitment to serving those in need, Roizy continues to have a profound impact in the lives of children from single-parent homes, one therapy session at a time.

Freida L. Mermelstein

Director of Operations

Freida Mermelstein is an integral part of the Reprieve for Families team, serving as the Director of Operations. In this position, Freida is the first point of contact for families seeking assistance from Reprieve, as well as the one to follow through in every aspect needed to support our clients. Her warm demeanor and attentive approach make clients feel welcomed and cared for as they navigate the process of accessing therapy services for their children.

Freida’s dedication to her role stems from her deep commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of children who have suffered trauma or loss. She understands the challenges faced by yesomim and children from divorced homes, and is passionate about connecting them with the resources they need to overcome adversity.

Yoely Drummer, MHC-LP

Board Member and Advisor

Yoely Drummer is a dynamic and compassionate professional, dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those in need. His distinctive background in healthcare and mental health support services bring formidable experience and expertise to his role as a Board Member of the Reprieve for Families team.

Presently working as a CMA supervisor at Comfort Health Care Management, Yoely ensures the smooth operation of essential support services for clients. In addition to his work at Comfort Health, Yoely is a mental health counselor, providing much-needed support and guidance to individuals facing behavioral health challenges. His compassionate approach and deep understanding of human psychology make him a trusted ally for those traversing a difficult mental journey.

Beyond his work in mental health, Yoely is the Founder and Executive Director of JCCSG (Jewish Crohn’s & Colitis Support Group), a nonprofit organization that supports people with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. He is also a co-founder of Belly, a virtual IBD clinic, where he is currently building a mental health division. Through Belly, Yoely aims to revolutionize the way mental health support is delivered to individuals living with IBD, helping them receive the comprehensive care and support they deserve.

With his zeal for helping others, Yoely is a force behind Reprieve’s efforts to provide therapy and support for yesomim and children from divorced homes.

Yoel Felberbaum

Board Member and Advisor

Yoel Felberbaum brings unparalleled experience and expertise to the Reprieve for Families mission. With a background rooted in financial leadership, Yoel serves as the CEO of Brooklyn Financial Group (BFG), where his strategic vision and acumen have propelled the company to new heights.

Yoel is a staunch supporter of Reprieve’s initiatives, leveraging his keen understanding of finances to drive impactful change. His dedication to philanthropy and his community shines through in his work with Reprieve, where he combines his professional expertise with a genuine desire to make a positive impact. Yoel plays a crucial role in advancing Reprieve’s mission, ensuring that single-parent families receive the assistance and support they need during difficult times.

Zev Freund, MSW

Board Member and Referral Advisor

Zev Freund brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as both a Board Member of Reprieve and our referral advisor. With a strong background in healthcare and mental health support services, Zev is deeply committed to the organization’s mission.

He currently serves as the Director of the Mental Health Department at Ahava Medical Center, where he oversees and supports the delivery of vital mental health services. His compassionate approach and attention to detail make him an invaluable asset to both his workplace and Reprieve, as he works diligently to help ensure that vulnerable children receive the care and support they need.

Zev’s dedication to mental health advocacy extends beyond his professional role. With a master’s degree in social work, he continues to bring both expertise and heart to every aspect of his work.

His unique combination of experience, insight, and genuine care for others ensures that Zev plays a vital role in advancing Reprieve’s mission to provide therapy and support for children in need.

Rav Daniel Hirsch

Board Member and Advisor

Reb Daniel Hirsch brings a unique perspective and depth of understanding to his role as an advisor for Reprieve for Families. With a background in guiding chassanim and advising couples on shalom bayis, Rabbi Hirsch’s expertise extends far beyond the traditional realms of support. His guidance and wisdom have helped numerous couples navigate the complexities of married life with grace and understanding.

But Rabbi Hirsch’s connection to the mission of Reprieve runs even deeper. Having experienced the profound loss of his mother at the tender age of 10 and tragically losing his extraordinary wife, who left behind nine children, he intimately understands the trauma of being a yosem. (Boruch Hashem, both have remarried.)

Through his own personal experiences, as well as his specialized knowledge, Rabbi Hirsch brings empathy and good sense to his role as a Board Member of Reprieve. He is dedicated to providing vulnerable children from single-parent homes the support and resources they need to heal and thrive.

Reizel Perlstein, MSW

Board Member and Advisor

Reizel Perlstein is a compassionate and driven professional whose career spans across the healthcare and social services sectors. Currently serving as the CMA site supervisor at Comfort Health Management, Reizel plays a pivotal role in ensuring that each client’s mental health needs are met. In her capacity as Board Member and Advisor, she contributes significantly to the organization’s mission of providing a safe space for children from single-parent households, advocating tirelessly for their well-being and mental equilibrium.

Driven by her passion for mental health advocacy, Reizel is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work. Her commitment to helping individuals navigate behavioral health challenges and access resources and quality care is unwavering. Reizel channels her energy into connecting individuals with professionals who can address their mental health needs, ensuring that they receive the support and care they deserve.

With her diverse skill set, unwavering determination, and heartfelt commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, Reizel is a driving force behind Reprieve’s efforts to create a brighter future for vulnerable children.

Ruchy Rubin

Board Member and Advisor

Ruchy Rubin brings a deeply personal perspective to her role on the Reprieve board. Having lost her mother at a very young age, she intimately understands the emotional landscape of children experiencing parental loss or family separation. Her personal journey of navigating childhood grief provides her with profound insights into the critical importance of therapeutic support for children facing similar challenges.

As a mother of five, Ruchy offers a unique blend of lived experience, maternal empathy, and emotional intelligence that enriches the organization's mission. Her personal narrative of resilience and healing drives her passion for the organization's work, ensuring that children receive the emotional support needed to process complex family transitions and loss.

Hendy Landau

Director of Referrals

Hendy Landau serves as Director of Referrals at Reprieve, bringing strong judgment, discretion, and a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families through complex challenges.

Over the past decade, she has guided individuals through a wide range of personal struggles, with particular experience in supporting those facing eating disorders. Hendy is known for her steady, thoughtful approach during critical moments.

She began her work at Eis Laasois, a school for children with disabilities, where she developed a foundation in personalized, patient-centered care that continues to inform her work. At Reprieve, Hendy evaluates each referral with care and precision, ensuring families are matched with the most appropriate resources. Her ability to listen, assess, and guide with clarity makes her a key member of the team.

Chanie Banda

Client Support Coordinator

As Reprieve's Client Support Coordinator, Chanie is the warm, steady presence that families can count on long after their initial therapy placement. She serves as an ongoing point of contact for clients and their parents, conducting regular check-ins to monitor progress, address concerns, and ensure that each family continues to feel seen, supported, and cared for throughout their journey with Reprieve.

Chanie brings a genuine attentiveness to every interaction — whether she's following up on how a child is adjusting, helping a parent navigate a new challenge, or simply checking in to offer encouragement. She understands that the path to healing isn't always linear, and she is committed to making sure no family feels alone along the way.