The mission of Help Our Friends is to provide financial assistance to struggling business owners who have been running their enterprises for a minimum of one year.

Our goal is to guide them back to profitability and success, eliminating the need for them to rely on charity to support their families. Through a comprehensive approach, we offer tailored support that addresses the unique challenges these business owners face.

To seek our assistance, business owners approach us with a reference from a Rabbi who can vouch for their genuine need.

Our range of support includes:

A. Biannually, before significant holidays such as Pesach and Sukkos, we assist struggling business owners by covering Yom Tov expenses.

B. We offer interest-free loans that give business owners the financial security required to focus on getting their business back on track. These loans are repaid at a pace that aligns with their financial situation.

C. Our team of skilled business coaches and analysts conducts a thorough evaluation of the business, identifying where it deviated from success. They then provide guidance to help steer the business in the right direction.

Our success is measured by the revitalization of businesses and their return to profitability. We offer personalized solutions, addressing the unique situation of each business. Our support extends beyond the business realm, aiming to secure the personal income of the business owner.

At present, we operate primarily in Lakewood, NJ, and its surroundings. As our capacity grows, we hope to expand our coverage area. Our grassroots fundraising efforts rely on the support of friends, family, and the business networks of our organization's founders.

While still in the early stages of development, Help Our Friends has already made a positive impact by assisting business owners in covering Yom Tov expenses. As we continue to evolve and expand, our commitment to fostering business success and family stability remains strong.

The genesis of our Yom Tov Campaign lies in a profound moment when we witnessed a fellow business owner on the brink of closing down, just before Pesach. Struggling to cover his Yom Tov expenses, he faced an uphill battle that threatened not only his business but his family's dignity and well-being. This heartbreaking experience served as a turning point, prompting us to take action and offer a lifeline to others facing similar challenges.

Through the Yom Tov Campaign, we offer more than just financial aid; we offer a lifeline of hope and support during times of immense stress.

One particularly impactful story comes from a recipient who tearfully shared that the funds they received directly translated to being able to afford necessities like food and clothing for the holiday. By ensuring that they had the means to embrace the joy of the holiday, we were able to alleviate stress and create a calm atmosphere that resonated throughout their family.

Our approach is rooted in a collaborative effort with respected Rabbis who vouch for the authenticity of the need. This collaboration not only ensures that those who truly need assistance receive it, but also encourages recipients to seek help from other sources within their community.

The Yom Tov Campaign's profound impact is twofold: first, by relieving the financial strain associated with Yom Tov expenses, we enable business owners to make informed decisions based on clarity of mind rather than desperation.

Secondly, our broader mission aims to help business owners regain their profitability and self-sufficiency, reducing the need for assistance in the future. This resonates deeply with one of our founders who, having experienced adversity due to the pandemic, utilized the support received to stabilize his business and personal life.

From its humble beginnings, the Yom Tov Campaign has grown into a beacon of hope, raising over $50,000 in our latest effort and assisting 13 families. As we continue our journey, we aspire to expand our reach, enabling more business owners and families to experience the relief, joy, and stability that come from our Yom Tov Campaign.

Ultimately, the Yom Tov Campaign is a manifestation of our dedication to empowering business owners, transforming challenges into opportunities, and fostering a sense of community and resilience that extends far beyond the business realm. We envision a future where businesses flourish, families thrive, and the need for assistance becomes a distant memory.

“Helping Our Friends” – it’s just what friends do!