Breaking Down the Walls of Loneliness and Isolation
Project Ezra is an independent, not-for-profit, grass roots organization, serving the frail elderly on New York’s Lower East Side. Over 400 elderly who suffer from economic, physical or psychological difficulties are being helped by services provided through Project Ezra. Old age necessitates that the walls of isolation and loneliness are broken down and Project Ezra does this by creating a Community of warmth and caring. Their mission is to make the last years of our elders’ lives gentler.
Some of Project Ezra’s services include direct relief to those whose Social Security benefits are insufficient to last the entire month, group programs and outings, intergenerational programs held at synagogues, housekeeping services, art therapy, volunteer home visits, transportation, a food pantry, food package distribution at holiday time, and a burial fund. They depend on direct public support to keep their programs afloat.
Our Involvement
We work with the social workers at Project Ezra. They told us about the kinds of people who need the monthly subsidy, because there just is not enough social security or other income to make it through the month. Often, these proud people must choose between paying for rent, medications or food. We also heard of elders who need relief now and then and of emergency situations that arise. Hands On Tzedakah purchased a hearing aid for a deaf 88-year old woman with the hope of re-opening up the world for her; a twin bed for one of their mentally disabled elders who had not had a new bed in 40 years and a supply of adult diapers for a 97-year old woman who wanted to continue going on the Project Ezra bus trips, but her incontinence was preventing her. There are many more that need help. We need to raise additional funds to expand this program to reach more poor elderly.
Contact Information:
Project Ezra, Misha Avramoff, Executive Director, 465 Grand Street - 4th Floor, New York, NY 10002; 212-982-4124; www.projectezra.org; codirector.projectezra@verizon.net
