(Courtesy of Project Ezrah) Project Ezrah, a cornerstone of support within the Bergen County community, is transforming its annual Elul appeal to help broaden its reach and expand the goal of meeting the ever-increasing needs within the community. The “Care for our Community: Bridge the Gap for Bergen County Families” campaign is being launched on September 21 and will be live for a week in coordination with almost every shul in Bergen County and in partnership with the RCBC. This critical initiative seeks to address the widening gap between the needs of our community and the resources available to meet them.

Why Now? The Urgent Need for Increased Community Support

The statistics speak for themselves: Project Ezrah has seen a 40% increase in clients, a 35% rise in direct assistance, and a significant 25% surge in job help requests in just the first half of 2024. The organization also provided over $1.5 million in financial assistance last year to its Bergen County neighbors, marking a 35% increase from 2022. These numbers underscore a stark reality—our community’s needs are growing, and so must our capacity to help.

Project Ezrah’s services are diverse, ranging from financial assistance programs like grants and scholarships to employment support and community engagement initiatives. However, to continue offering these vital services and maintain the level of support the organization is giving within the community now, we need to rally the community like never before.

A Goal for All:
$1 Million and
100% Participation

The campaign’s target is ambitious—$1 million—but reaching this financial goal is only part of the mission. Equally important is achieving near-total participation from the community to support the organization that supports local families in times of need. Whether it’s a major contribution or an $18 donation, every dollar counts and demonstrates a collective commitment to supporting one another.

As Rabbi Krohn, president of the Rabbinical Council of Bergen County (RCBC), emphasized: “All the RCBC fully endorses this initiative. It’s not just about meeting a financial target; it’s about galvanizing our community to act together. We believe that every family in Bergen County has a role to play in ensuring that Project Ezrah can continue to provide essential services. Your involvement, no matter the size of the donation, makes a difference.”

Get Involved:
Your Community Needs You

Project Ezrah is more than a charity; it’s a lifeline for many families facing unexpected challenges. By contributing and participating in this campaign, you are directly supporting your neighbors and strengthening the fabric of our community. Project Ezrah encourages everyone to not only participate financially but to join as ambassadors. Every shul has a goal and you can sign up as an ambassador under your shul or the Friends of Ezrah page to help meet their goals. If you have any questions be in touch with your shul representative (names listed below) or [email protected]

Together, we can bridge the gap and ensure a brighter future for all Bergen County families.

**Join Project Ezrah. Act now. Every donation counts.**