Brooklyn, NY – Special Needs Group From BP Washes Cars For Local Police Precinct

    5

    Brooklyn, NY – Five police cars got the royal treatment today as a group of special needs men dedicated their afternoon to washing squad cars as a way of thanking the local precinct for its continuous efforts on behalf of the Jewish community.\

    Join our WhatsApp group

    Subscribe to our Daily Roundup Email


    The four expert car washers are part of the job training program at Harmony Services, located in Borough Park. The group was so well received after volunteering to wash ambulances at Midwood Ambulance several months ago that they are now part of the Midwood team, returning twice weekly to wash ambulances in order to keep them looking their best.

    Shmuel Russell, Harmony’s coordinator of special activities, decided to take his group to the next level, this time with a visit to the 66th Precinct in Borough Park.

    “A lot of time special needs individuals don’t get a chance to shine,” Russell told VIN News. “I reached out to Joe Vitale, community affairs coordinator at the 66, and he arranged the whole thing.”

    Captain Kevin Quick, commanding officer of the precinct, described today as a resounding success.

    “It is great that they could do that service for us so now we can serve the community even better,” said Captain Quick. “They are very special people and the fact that they were looking for a way to serve their community is very admirable.”

    The four volunteers, ages 18 and up, spent approximately three hours at the precinct, enjoying a lunch of kosher pizza with members of the precinct, cleaning vehicles, meeting with officers and enjoying a quick ride in the squad cars.

    “They were a huge hit,” said Russel. “People kept asking them if they could hire them to wash their cars.”

    Russel said that in addition to having a chance to express their appreciation to the precinct, his car washing team got a huge boost in self esteem.

    “By giving them an opportunity to be part of the community they feel better about themselves,” said Russel. “When people stop them in the street and say they saw them in the video, it makes them feel like they are in seventh heaven.”

    Russel said that his men thrive on positive social interaction with others.

    “Next time you see a special needs person, don’t stare and don’t cross the street,” said Russel. “Walk over and say hello. Nothing makes them happier.”


    Listen to the VINnews podcast on:

    iTunes | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Podbean | Amazon

    Follow VINnews for Breaking News Updates


    Connect with VINnews

    Join our WhatsApp group


    5 Comments
    Most Voted
    Newest Oldest
    Inline Feedbacks
    View all comments
    harry32
    harry32
    7 years ago

    Wow!! This Russel guy really goes above and beyond for these kids! Kudos to him and harmony!!keep up the great work!!

    7 years ago

    Super!

    sighber
    sighber
    7 years ago

    Are they really training them for a job or using them to do unpaid work, (slavery)?