Spotlight: the Eliezer Project

Beacon of hope and assistance on first anniversary

By Gideon Bari

It is the heartbreak of a parent telling a child they can’t get the new outfit they are accustomed to buying for the next chag. It is the feeling of guilt that a breadwinner feels because he can no longer provide for his family. It is the feeling of shame and distance that a family feels as they live with extreme financial hardship while the community around them appears to live life and celebrate holidays as if the world is okay. Job loss and its ensuing economic hardship are the uninvited guests that have already taken a great toll on our community.

Scholarship committees struggle to satisfy an increase in applications while the size of the scholarship funds dwindle. Rabbis’ discretionary funds are stretched to their limit. Recognizing the need to establish a local organization that would focus on issues of job loss, financial mismanagement and economic hardship, The Eliezer Project (TEP) was created to serve The Five Towns, Far Rockaway and West Hempstead. As the organization completes its first year of service to the community, it is important to take notice of the exemplary record of  accomplishment.

Job seekers are provided with a host of services. The process begins with a private and individualized meeting in which job opportunities and career paths are discussed. We follow with a thorough review and critique of the applicant’s resume. Most importantly, clients are enrolled in our Yahoo group. Membership in that group provides access to a listing of employment opportunities that is updated 2-3  times daily. Group members also receive a steady stream of articles relating to all aspects of conducting an effective and successful job search. Topics often include networking skills, use of social media and upcoming job fairs.  TEP also offers numerous seminars that can aid the job seekers in their search and improve their skills.

Those families experiencing financial distress and/or economic hardship are encouraged to meet with our team of professional and skilled counselors. After reviewing a client’s existing budget our counselors can provide guidance so that income and expenses are brought into alignment and, in some cases, help implement cash management programs for families. More severe circumstances might require a consultation to better understand the benefits and consequences of loan modification, debt consolidation including credit card debt, bankruptcy and a variety of other options. Clients are able to avail themselves of the services of a highly qualified group of volunteer attorneys, accountants and financial advisors. Often we are able to develop and implement strategies that will allow for a new beginning without the constant pressure and fear brought on by these serious financial burdens.

The Eliezer Project addresses the social and emotional needs of our clients in a variety of ways. Our Job Clubs bring together clients from specific industry groups. In a comfortable and relaxed setting, clients are able to share common issues, challenges and strategies. This often helps clients to overcome feelings of isolation and loneliness as they leave these meetings reenergized. Our volunteer social workers offer support groups and are available for individualized consultation. Recognizing that some people “just need to talk”, these services are a valuable component of our holistic approach.

Holidays and chagim present an additional hurdle for our TEP clients and their families. Celebrating Yom Tov  is costly and stressful when you are watching every penny. We have helped out in several different ways. We provide financial assistance for food purchased through our local supermarkets. We recently distributed oil and wicks so that our clients may more fully enjoy the glow of  nerot Chanukah. Earlier this year we distributed lulavim and etrogim.  Enabling our clients to celebrate these Jewish calendar   milestones with dignity is a potent reminder that the community cares and is involved during these most challenging times. With our JCC partner, our Buy One-Bin One food program collects and distributes non-perishables throughout the year as well.

The TEP also provides financial assistance in various ways.  We fund re-training costs for qualified individuals, we help with utility bills and provide emergency funds as needed for food and shelter in certain circumstances. We also consider specific financial requests and, in limited situations, and after due consideration that such assistance will alleviate a long term situation, we secure appropriate approval for such disbursement.

There is so much that still needs to be done. Everyone can help and provide assistance in their own way.

Donations are our sole source of support. Your contributions allow us to continue and expand the quality and range of services that we provide.

Advising us about employment opportunities gives our clients a leg up in the application process. Is there any greater feeling than knowing that you enabled someone from the community to get back to work?

We value the volunteer services of our attorneys, graphic artists and plumbers to name just a few. TEP is enriched by the quality and diversity of our volunteers.

Please join us!

Our clients also benefit by establishing relationships with a mentor. Won’t you consider meeting and providing guidance to someone from your chosen profession or field that might benefit from your contacts and wisdom?

As we celebrate the Festival of Lights, let us join together and rededicate ourselves to fight the challenges of job loss and economic hardship and help our fellow neighbor leave the darkness and enjoy the light of financial freedom!

Gideon Bari is the Executive Director of The Eliezer Project.

Questions or comment? E-mail newsroom@thejewishstar.com