YES KOSHER FRIENDSHIP (YKF)
B"H | Established 2021
About Us
Thank you for visiting Yes Kosher Friendship.
YKF is part of a growing network of community organizations working together to connect individuals and families with the support, resources, and relationships they need to thrive. We don’t just provide services—we walk alongside people every step of the way.
Our programs are inclusive and intergenerational, serving youth, seniors, women, and individuals of all abilities. We believe our community is our greatest strength, and our elders are our deepest source of wisdom and inspiration. Our services and programs run on a weekly and monthly basis, creating consistent opportunities for connection, growth, and support.
Our Story
Yes Kosher Friendship was born out of profound loss, and a powerful decision to transform pain into purpose. In memory of a child taken too soon, our founder created a living legacy: an organization dedicated to bringing light, dignity, and connection to those who feel isolated or vulnerable.
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside rising costs of kosher food and increasing food insecurity across Alberta, many individuals, especially seniors, youth, and those with mobility challenges, became disconnected not only from essential nourishment, but also from community, education, and emotional support.
YKF emerged to meet this urgent need, not only to provide assistance, but to empower individuals to rebuild, reconnect, and thrive.
Rooted in timeless Jewish values:
Chesed (חסד) – kindness
Tzedek (צדק) – justice
Arevut (ערבות) – mutual responsibility
Our mission is to open doors, build bridges, and ensure that no one is left behind.
Our Mandate
Yes Kosher Friendship is a dynamic, mobile organization delivering comprehensive, wraparound support to those who need it most. With a central office in Edmonton and a dedicated volunteer network across Alberta, we reach individuals wherever they are, especially those facing barriers such as limited mobility, isolation, or access to services. We connect people to essential resources, supportive networks, and meaningful opportunities.
Our board reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, with strong representation from women and individuals with lived experience who guide our work with empathy and insight.
Inspired by the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s call to “Uforatzta”—to expand outward in all directions, we are driven to act with courage and compassion:
Westward (Yamah)
Eastward (Kedamah)
Northward (Tzafonah)
Southward (Negbah)
This vision pushes us to reach further, serve deeper, and uplift more lives.
Through strong partnerships, we create inclusive programs that do more than meet basic needs,they unlock potential. Our initiatives include:
Paid internships and job readiness programs
Creative arts and recreational programming
Educational opportunities
Emotional wellness and community building supports
We are not just providing services, we are nurturing future leaders, caregivers, and changemakers.
Our Vision
We envision a world where differences are celebrated as strengths, where inclusion is the foundation of every community, and where every voice,no matter how small, has the power to inspire change.
Guided by the teaching:
"ואהבת לרעך כמוך" — “Love your neighbor as yourself"
we extend this responsibility to all, building a future rooted in compassion, dignity, and shared humanity.
Why Your Support Matters
Your support helps us:
Deliver essential food and services to those in need
Combat isolation and strengthen community connection
Provide opportunities for growth, healing, and independence
Reach vulnerable individuals across Alberta
Together, we can ensure that no one is forgotten, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.