The Power of Determination

The Four Brooklyn Ladies

One hundred and fifteen years ago, four courageous women in Brooklyn saw people desperately needing care and loving kindness. Determined to do something, they made it their mission to change what they saw.

The women knew change wouldn’t be difficult because the challenges were vast. At the turn of the 20th century, people experiencing poverty flooded the streets of New York City. Illness was everywhere, and help was scarce. So these four women — Sarah Webelovsky, Emma Rosenthal, Sarah Berlin and Flora Grodin — focused on their community and cared for those who needed help.

The Four Brooklyn Ladies went door to door seeking charitable support for their vision. They were resilient. They were passionate. And, most of all, they were determined.

In 1907, their determination paid off. Based on the values of compassion, dignity and respect, they formed an organization to provide quality health care and a loving place to call home. And so began the story of MJHS Health System.

For 115 years, these values have guided us every step of the way. Although we’ve grown from caring for dozens of patients to thousands, our mission to provide the best care and comfort possible has never wavered. Since 1907, the organization has expanded from a tiny building among the tenements to one of the largest not-for-profit health systems in the region that provides home care, two centers for rehabilitation and nursing care, palliative and hospice programs, a research-based institute for innovation in palliative care, as well as health plans. Many MJHS Health System programs and services are aided by grants from MJHS Foundation, supported by private and corporate donations.

Today and every day, The Four Brooklyn Ladies inspire.

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