Sony Perlman
New Hempstead, New York
How is your Hero working to make the world a better place?
For the past 14 years, Sony has dedicated his abilities and resources to working with struggling teens and their families at a tremendous sacrifice to himself and personal life. He has made himself available at all hours for teenagers or their parents in pain. He has made himself available as a listening ear as well as committed himself to trying to get whatever help is needed for each individual, whether it is funding or admission to a rehab, a yeshiva, a therapist, a job, a place to live, etc. He has sacrificed his nights to run the most amazing organization Our Place in Brooklyn, where teenagers are always welcome to come for free to hang out,eat, find a listening ear, caring adults and get help. Sony has shared in the sorrows and the joys of these teens' journeys. Sony represents a symbol of hope, compassion and healing for many families who feel despair. With Sony's contribution, the world has more healing, love, understanding, more healthy adjusted adults, more new marriages and more restored families.
How has your Hero impacted your life and inspired you?
The way in which Sony lives his life in service of the community has made a tremendous impact on me. This is because his genuineness and compassion is the driving force behind his actions. It is hard not to be moved and inspired by a person who so clearly puts himself out there to be a lifeline to others in pain at great sacrifice to himself, financially, and to his private life. He has inspired me to push myself to look outside myself and see others' pain and challenges. Additionally, I have been motivated to stretch outside my comfort zone to do more for others and open my home,heart,time and resources to others. His living example has shown me that every effort can have a positive impact on the world and it is worth putting forth.