The disastrous Hurricane Sandy, which made landfall in 2012, left Andrew Lesnak in a state of shock and hopelessness. Every time he tells of his tragic experiences, it is accompanied by tears and sorrow. After the storm hit on October 29th of 2012, his life changed dramatically. He had gone from living in a beautiful waterfront home, with a successfully thriving business, to falling into a horrible depressive state. The storm left him without a home, his personal belongings and his business of 25 years.

Andrew has used volunteerism, in the field of mental health counseling, to be a great form of therapy for himself. Since he is intimately aware of the pains and struggles of victims like himself, he is very “in tune“ with how to help those with similar heartfelt conditions, from the Hurricane Sandy aftermath. The mental health effects of this disaster, which are addressed regularly at his sessions, include Severe depression, distress, anxiety, substance abuse, hopelessness, along with many other psychiatric disorders.

Andrew Lesnak volunteers for many charitable organizations, mainly the ones that have been so instrumental in his life, on a regular basis. One group, in particular, was The Red Cross. They had been responsible for his shelter when his home was proven to be uninhabitable and labeled as a total loss. Andrew had also created a Community Outreach Program, to assist the victims of catastrophic events, where he serves as an advocate to those suffering victims. He helps people find quality affordable housing as well as providing them with the training to enhance their earning capabilities. He personally involves himself in helping them effectively communicate, plan, organize and make the proper decisions that can lead to a path of creating wealth and homeownership.

About Andrew Lesnak

Andrew Lesnak partnered with Hope Sheds Light and served as the advocate to the victims of the hurricane. He interacted with the victims who were diagnosed with suicidal tendencies and addictions. He also started The Spero Advocacy Group, whose motto is: While I Breathe, I Hope.