In 2012, Hurricane Sandy changed the life of Andrew Lesnak dramatically, as he fell victim to the storm. He went from living in a beautiful waterfront home and successfully thriving in business, to falling into a horrible depressive state due to his losses suffered. It has now been 8 years since the hurricane, yet Andrew continues various methods of mental health counseling weekly. Andrew found that coming to the “realization” of his personal losses, is a much bigger challenge than he had ever thought possible. Andrew was also introduced to some specialized mental health facilities, that were filled with people intensively suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues. These facilities are reserved for the victims that require daily counseling, as well as being on a regimented medication program, to help in the recovery process. Once Andrew saw the unfortunate experiences of these victims personally, he decided to volunteer and offer his services to them. Since he had embraced mental health therapy for himself, it was an easy transition for him to communicate directly and with conviction, on how to overcome the overwhelming obstacles that they had to face. A big part of his success to wellness, had to be done with an approach of being “hands on”

Andrew Lesnak has embraced becoming an advocate to those “truly lost souls”, which now includes speaking with the victims who have been diagnosed with suicidal tendencies and substance abuse addictions. Unfortunately, due to the “once in a lifetime” storm and related factors, the rates of suicide and addiction, have increased immensely. Andrew also contributes by fundraising for the non-profit organization called Hope Sheds Light, in Toms River, NJ.

About Andrew Lesnak
Andrew considers community service and volunteerism as a true meaning and purpose for his life. So much so, that he has created his own “Community Outreach Program” to assist the victims of catastrophic events, similar to what he had experienced. Andrew decided to devote most of his time and money to volunteering with the organizations that focused on mental health and substance abuse issues.
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