Dear Project Ezrah Team,
A few years ago after a series of difficult discussions with our family, it became clear to us that one of our family members was in deep financial trouble. This had not been evident to us before. They would ask us for financial help from time to time, but we did not realize the extent of the terrible hole they were
in. Not only were they in tremendous debt, but it became clear that they had no idea how to manage their finances. I think you, their guardian angels understood the unique challenges they faced. On top of all that they are also raising children, with all of the typical challenges that come with child rearing, including school, camp and all of the other expenses of a family. While they were by no means living extravagantly, they were running into the ground. We had no idea how to help them. We sought advice from others, and we will forever be grateful for them putting us in touch with Project Ezrah.
From our first call, your team took charge, and the Partner Program has literally saved them. You taught them how to make a budget, and the strict parameters of the program kept them on track. You lifted them out of debt, negotiated scholarships for school and camp, connected them with a network of vendors who offer discounted or free services, and provided access to organizations.
You navigated them to better, higher paying jobs.
We know that your entire team has been involved on an ongoing basis helping our family and that each of you has contributed greatly on their road to recovery. In particular, it has been an incredible privilege to work so closely together with Tamra Ackerman. She is a master of her trade- part social worker, part psychologist and part financial manager. She is able to wisely, sensitively and patiently teach her clients the life management skills they need, while always conveying respect. She is the embodiment of kindness, even when she must deliver a firm message, and her care and empathy are always palpable. Each step forward on our journey has been the direct result of Tamra’s guiding hand, which is surely guided from Above.
We are forever grateful to Project Ezrah for your dedication to their success. The Jewish community of Bergen County is incredibly blessed- your organization is truly outstanding and there is not another like it. In helping people to help themselves, you give them the ultimate, most enduring gift. You are a small team with huge talent and have found a way to make the impossible possible.