Jeff's Fund

Created in honor of Heights and Hills former Board President, Jeff Helfgott, Jeff’s Space is a warm and comfortable safe space for families to spend time together. It is also used as a space for people to share their concerns and challenges in life with trained mental health professionals.

Jeff served on the Board from 2011-2020. As a longtime Brooklyn resident, he chose to serve Heights and Hills because he believed so strongly in our mission. His parents were aging, and he valued the quality care Heights and Hills provides to those who do not have the necessary support.

Jeff’s appreciation for Heights and Hills grew after his diagnosis with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer in November 2018. Despite a tough prognosis, Jeff found a sense of community and hope by joining the larger brain tumor community, journaling, participating in support groups and  individual counseling, having access to social work, and receiving care from an outstanding medical team. It was his intention that this room provide a source of healing to others facing similarly tough moments in their lives.

Jeff passed away in the early hours of Friday, June 12, 2020 with his loving husband, Peter, at his side.

Jeff was compassionate, pragmatic and always kind. His sense of humor, through good and bad times, lifted the spirits of those around him.

Through the generosity of Jeff’s family and friends, the funds raised for “Jeff’s Space” purchased new furniture for the room as well as new workstations for the social workers and case managers employed by Heights and Hills.

Jeff and Peter’s friends and families saw how much it helped them heal by giving to a purpose that meant so much to Jeff. Having fully funded Jeff’s Space, they have now decided to create a special fund at Heights and Hills. The frontline case management staff at Heights and Hills will be able to decide how these donations are used each year. This wonderful gift will allow staff to access flexible funds that come without government restrictions and which will meet the urgent needs of older adults and their caregivers.

Gifts can be made online or you can send a check payable to Heights and Hills, 81 Willoughby Street, Suite 302, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Please write “Jeff’s Fund” on memo line.