
In 1998 several community activists recognized a worrisome and growing phenomenon in the community; yeshiva boys were dropping out of school and ending up on the streets of Brooklyn. House parties were rampant and many teens were literally homeless with nowhere to hang out, leaving them to the dangers of the streets. These boys were struggling with drug and alcohol use, truancy, and assorted psychological and emotional challenges. Many of these boys had grown up in dysfunctional homes, had experienced intense rejection, and/or had been victims of abuse or trauma as children. They desperately needed a place that would offer unconditional love, support, and safety - an alternative to roaming the streets. Spearheaded by Moshe Binik, Z”L, the team jumped into action to create a drop-in center that would be guided by a devoted and loving staff, providing a truly non-judgemental environment, nightly fresh dinners, and amazing recreational activities. Armed with the support of the Novominsker Rebbe ZT"L and other Rabbinic leaders, as well as the clinical training of Rabbi Shimon Russel, LCSW, the Our Place Boys Drop-In Center was born.