The Dating Resources Network was founded about two and a half years ago to help those navigating shidduchim. It started as a simple hotline to help guys plan their dates and guide them to the proper venue. While dealing with so many young men, we realized a sore lack of resources available for those dating, and shortly thereafter we opened our dating gemachs. While many organizations focus on suggesting shidduchim, the complicated logistics of shidduch dating were largely ignored.
Today our hotline guides over 4,000 dates each year, and our national network of 12 gemachs is used over 18,000 times annually. While helping so many boys, and being involved in so many shidduchim, we came to understand that many families were being crushed by the high costs of shidduch dating. A simple first date can cost upwards of $160 after the costs of a rental car, gas. tolls, and parking, let alone later dates that entail restaurants and activities. There are families that struggle to give a yes as they simply cannot afford it. These families struggle to pay the grocery bill. Paying for their sons' dates is simply out of reach.
The financial aid program seeks to alleviate that stress. All applicants are thoroughly vetted through rabbanim before being added to our program. Once they are approved, they can plan a date properly without stressing about finances and can focus on the important decisions in front of them. B'h since launching our financial aid program last August, we have helped pay for hundreds of dates and numerous engagements, with our budget for financial aid alone coming to more than $15,000 each month.
But we cannot do it alone. Please join us in Shaping Klal Yisroel's future one date at a time!
"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous sponsorship of my son's dates. Your donation has made a huge difference in his life, and I am so grateful for your kindness. Your sponsorship has taken a huge financial burden off of our shoulders, and it has allowed us to focus without having to worry about money."
- Chaya B.
"We are seriously looking into a girl from LA, but the cost of the airplane ticket would most likely make it prohibitive for us. Is that something you would cover? If not, we totally understand. I just wanted to check before I get my son any more excited about the idea. Just want to make sure if we should even continue looking into her."
- Boruch K.
"I can describe how the assistance is helping the shidduch along. Besides that it slows the accumulation of credit card debt, there are expenses that cannot be put on credit card, like taxis in Israel, who only take cash. We would have no way to keep on funding without the help from above through his trustworthy shluchim like you and your organization."
- Rabbi Tzvi M.