From Tragedy to Hope: Young Chabad Founder Launches Bereishis Foundation to Fund Therapy for Children in Need

After losing his cousin Dovid Horowitz to mental illness, Azriel Boymelgreen, a young Chabad Jew raised in Crown Heights, turned his pain into purpose by launching a nonprofit to help other families in crisis.

In Dovid’s memory, Azriel founded the Bereishis Foundation, an organization that provides financial support for children’s psychotherapy, giving families access to life-changing mental health care they otherwise couldn’t afford.

“Far too many children are struggling with their mental health, but their families just can’t afford the help they need,” says Boymelgreen. “I started the Bereishis Foundation to change that—to make sure no child is turned away from therapy because of money.”

What makes this mission especially personal is that Azriel isn’t just helping others, he knows the journey himself. Diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, he credits therapy with giving him the tools and strength to heal.

“Therapy saved my life. It helped me navigate things I didn’t think I could get through. But it’s expensive, and too many people never get that chance. That’s why I’m doing this.”

In its early months, the Bereishis Foundation has already helped families across the U.S., covering therapy costs for children facing anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. With a growing waitlist, the foundation is working to expand its reach and impact.

How You Can Help:

Donate: 100% of your gift goes directly toward funding therapy for a child in need (Donate Here)
Refer a Family: If you know someone who needs support, visit bereishisfoundation.org
Spread the Word: Share the mission with your community

“The word Bereishis means ‘beginnings,’” Azriel shares. “That’s what we want to give these kids, a real beginning. A chance to feel better, to move forward, to build a future.”

For interviews, partnerships, or to get involved, please email bereishisfoundation@hotmailhot.com