In continuation of our enthusiastic endorsement of the many chesed organizations in our communities, we are happy to introduce our readers to the very important work being done by Project Ezrah.

When and how did Project Ezrah begin?

Project Ezrah was created over 20 years ago by Rabbi Yossi Stern and a group of devoted community members who saw there was a need for a safety net in the community and moved forward to create it.

Please describe the services Project Ezrah provides.

Project Ezrah offers a wide range of services to the community which, to a great extent, are not known by most. At the highest level we offer financial assistance and counseling to families who are dealing with different degrees of financial challenges. We partner with them and help connect them with the proper resources both inside and outside of Project Ezrah. In addition, there is a Job Development department that assists with resume and interview preparation, as well as networking. Families are supported in major crises as well as other challenges which they may face. Throughout the year various programs have been established to provide support with assistance during Pesach and school breaks, scholarships for day camps, and gift cards to local grocery stores.

Who is eligible to receive your services?

Our commitment is to every family facing difficulties in Bergen County.

Are services anonymous?

Yes. Our number one priority is keeping our clients’ privacy. Once one communicates with Project Ezrah clients must sign a release for any staff member to speak to anyone on the clients behalf.

What are some examples of various ways that you offer assistance to clients?

Recently assistance was provided to a family that was facing a stressful situation, resulting in changes to the household dynamics. Over a period of several months, the family was educated on budgeting and expense tracking and given financial aid. They were able to gain control of their finances and during a meeting with Project Ezrah staff, a household member exclaimed, “I finally understand! This is better than just receiving money, you’ve given us control over our lives!” The approach taken by our staff is to empower families to manage their money, rather than allowing their finances to control them.

In another case a community member was unsure how to switch career paths and sought advice from the Project Ezrah job development team. During that particular meeting, the person’s transferable skills were identified, their resume was revised to align with their desired field and interviews were arranged. As a result, the individual successfully transitioned to a new career with the guidance of Project Ezrah and the person is now happy in their new role.

What volunteer opportunities does Project Ezrah have available for members of the community?

Members of the community who feel they would be available to contribute to the list of pro bono supporters are urged to sign up at ezrah.org. Individuals with skills such as advice or counseling in any field, please do so.

What other services should the community be aware of?

Project Ezrah is honored to act as both an umbrella organization and a safety net within Bergen County, connecting people to needed services and other community resources. They work diligently in catching those individuals who have fallen through the cracks to immediately find them the proper resources within the community.

For further information, please contact [email protected] or 201-569-0942.