Rabbi Ozer Babad: Creating Safe Havens for At-Risk Youth
And don't think that if you save one person, you didn't save the world because you did.
Imagine dedicating your life to helping teens who are struggling with mental health and substance abuse. That's exactly what Rabbi Ozer Babad has done. In this episode of 'BrainStorm with Sony Perlman', Sony sits down with Rabbi Babad to discuss his incredible journey and the impactful work he's been doing for over two decades.
Known for his kindness and authenticity, Rabbi Babad has opened multiple drop-in centers and founded the Anuvim yeshiva and camp, all aimed at providing a safe space for Chassidic youth in Brooklyn and Boro Park. Starting with his first drop-in center 22 years ago, Rabbi Babad created a sanctuary for at-risk youth battling mental health and substance abuse. His initiatives didn't stop there.
In 2010, he opened Anuvim yeshiva as a prevention program for struggling teens, followed by Camp Anuvim in 2011. Both have been monumental in offering support and guidance to young people in need. In 2015, he expanded his efforts by opening another drop-in center called 'Our Home', affectionately known as '1225'. Throughout the conversation, Rabbi Babad shares the challenges faced by the Hasidic community and the importance of early intervention and strong family values in mental health.
He also discusses his vision for creating new communities that foster growth and change, emphasizing that helping even one person can make a significant difference. This episode offers a heartfelt look into the world of mental health and substance abuse advocacy. If you're interested in stories of resilience, community support, and the power of kindness, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.