Why Alpert JFS Inspires Me? Gary Lesser 

Managing Partner at Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith

Ann Landers once observed that, “it is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.” This is so true, and the Alpert Jewish Family Service’s “Relationships and Decisions Program” trains Jewish teens to educate their peers about healthy relationships, signs of potentially unhealthy relationships, dating abuse, bullying and stereotyping, self-esteem and other related issues.

One of the greatest joys a parent can feel is watching their children climb new heights and accomplish things that were unimaginable only a few years before. We have watched our daughters Lillian and Josie participate for several years in the “Relationships and Decisions Program” program. In the beginning, we couldn’t wait to pick them up and hear what they learned through the program. With the passage of time, they began driving to these programs and became the leaders, and we would wait for them to come home to get their report. We have watched our daughters, and the other participants, grow up from teenagers to young adults by participating in this program, gaining confidence and awareness about healthy relationships and related issues.

This program is open to all Jewish teenagers in Palm Beach County. Students are encouraged to become leaders, working with other students to address these issues. Through workshops or “gigs” throughout our community, the teens facilitate interactive presentations to educate their peers on healthy and unhealthy relationships, including both dating relationships and friendships.

My mother Staci Brenner, of blessed memory, was involved with Alpert JFS from the very beginning. I know she would be so proud of the great work that her granddaughters and other local students have been doing. This program is producing self-confident, socially aware young adults, helping their peers and ready to make a difference in our community. What could be better?

Gary Lesser is the Managing Partner at Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith. The Firm represents clients and their families who have experienced serious injury or loss of a loved one due to the negligence of another. For over 90 years and with no formal advertising, the Firm continues to grow as the preeminent personal injury law firm in South Florida from referrals of satisfied clients, other professionals, and friends in the community.

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