(Courtesy of Project Ezrah) No one knows what goes on behind closed doors. We only see everyone’s highlight reels. As a close-knit community, we all know that there is more to the story than what people want to show the outside world. Behind the scenes, many people are hurting. People struggle with so many challenges that are kept hidden from view. While we encourage everyone to pursue the support they need, our community understands that it is important for families to maintain their dignity. The question is, how do we provide discreet help to our neighbors? The answer in Bergen County is Project Ezrah. Project Ezrah is the unsung hero to thousands of families in our community. They take care of our neighbors the way others would if they knew their pain. They are the shaliach.
Over the next month Project Ezrah would like to help spread deeper awareness about the work they do and the issues faced within the community. They will be sharing stories from some of your neighbors who they have helped. No names will be revealed and identifying information has been altered.
“As a single mother, I worked very hard to make sure I was able to take care of my family. I worked multiple jobs and took classes at night. I had a plan and I was making it work. My plan was never to be diagnosed with cancer. People plan and God laughs, but God also had a plan. I didn’t even know about the services that Project Ezrah offered. I had no family near and no support system. I could not work. For the first time in my life, I felt stuck. I had no idea how I was going to pay for food let alone rent or tuition for my children. Project Ezrah immediately was there for me. They connected me with multiple organizations and services and worked together with my rabbi to make sure that my needs were all met while I was undergoing treatment. I always had someone to call to help me sort out any issue. Not all problems are solved by money, sometimes you just need to have someone who is kind and knowledgeable help guide you. Project Ezrah coordinated all of my support so I was able to focus on healing. Without Project Ezrah I do not know how we would have made it through. It is a testament to our community that an organization like Project Ezrah exists. Thank you.”
Project Ezrah is looking forward to sharing more stories with you and giving you a peek behind closed doors. For more information about Project Ezrah visit www.Ezrah.org.
