RELI Group’s Commitment to First Fruits Farm: A Cornerstone Community Partnership

RELI Group’s commitment to corporate responsibility begins at the top with founder Mohammad Elias. Leading by example, he established his own philanthropic organization, the Elias & Sultana Foundation (E&S). As part of its mission to help under-represented communities find meaningful access to healthy food, both E&S and RELI Group have chosen to support First Fruits Farm, a unique organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity through hands-on agricultural experiences. This support is echoed through the corporate responsibility activities at RELI Group, which include multiple trips annually to provide hands-on help at the Farm.

 

RELI Group and E&S have found supporting First Fruits Farm to be so valuable that RELI Group has elevated its support to become a Cornerstone Community Partner, and we hope that after learning more about our commitment below, your organization may choose to do the same.

 

A Unique Approach to Social Responsibility

Our involvement with First Fruits Farm goes beyond conventional philanthropic activities. Unlike typical food drives or standalone financial contributions, RELI’s support is rooted in active participation. “What drew us to First Fruits Farm was their hands-on approach,” shares RELI Group Founder Mohammad Elias. “It’s one thing to donate money, but it’s another to roll up your sleeves, get involved, and truly understand the impact of your efforts.”

 

First Fruits Farm offers a distinct opportunity for volunteers to engage directly in the process of growing and harvesting food that will be distributed to those in need. This hands-on approach aligns perfectly with the values of E&S and RELI Group, emphasizing not just financial support but active, personal involvement in making a difference.

 

The opportunity to involve families, including children, in this volunteer work is particularly important to the culture at RELI Group. “We believe in teaching our children the importance of giving back,” Elias explains. “The Farm provides a space where our employees and their families can come together and contribute to something meaningful.”

 

The Heart Behind the Farm

The connection with First Fruits Farm began in May 2022, when Mohammad Elias and his team first visited the farm. The visit left a lasting impression, not just because of the farm’s mission but also due to the warm and welcoming nature of its founders, Rick and Carol Bernstein. Rick’s passion for the work he and his wife have dedicated their lives to was palpable during the tour. Over the course of three hours, Rick shared the story of how First Fruits Farm came to be, demonstrating a deep commitment to their mission of feeding the hungry through sustainable farming.

 

“Rick’s dedication was inspiring,” Elias recalls. “He’s not just talking about making a difference—he’s out there doing it every single day. That’s the kind of passion and commitment we want to support.”

 

This personal connection played a significant role in RELI Group’s decision to support First Fruits Farm. The Bernsteins’ dedication and the tangible impact of their work resonated with the values of RELI Group and E&S, making it clear that this was an organization worth investing in. First Fruits Farm’s approach to addressing food insecurity through volunteer-driven farming efforts was not only effective but also aligned with E&S’s vision of community-centered philanthropy.

 

From Site Tour to Cornerstone Community Partnership

What began as a simple site tour in May 2022 quickly evolved into a deeper commitment. After witnessing firsthand the impact of First Fruits Farm’s work, RELI Group began supporting the farm through in-person events. Volunteers have participated in multiple harvesting activities, contributing to the farm’s efforts in meaningful ways.

 

In 2024, E&S took their support to the next level by becoming a Cornerstone Community Partner. This decision was driven by a desire to provide more substantial, long-term support to the farm’s mission. As a Cornerstone Community Partner, E&S commits to a higher level of financial support, ensuring that the farm can continue to expand its operations and feed more people in need. “We believe in the long-term impact of what First Fruits Farm is doing,” says Elias. “Becoming a Cornerstone Community Partner allows us to help them grow and reach even more people.”

 

Making Memories While Making a Difference

Volunteering at the Farm is a unique experience that leaves a lasting impact on those who participate. Upon arrival, volunteers are greeted with a sense of purpose and organization. The farm’s operations are well-planned to ensure that every volunteer’s time is used effectively. Volunteers are divided into teams based on their group affiliations, and then assigned tasks based on the farm’s needs at the time.

 

One of the most memorable tasks for RELI Group volunteers was harvesting potatoes during their first visit. This involved not only pulling the potatoes from the ground but also learning about the process and the importance of the crop to the farm’s mission. On another trip, the group took on the challenge of harvesting 50 pounds of peppers, while others gathered tomatoes. These activities vary depending on the season, the volunteers’ abilities and the farm’s immediate needs, but they all share a common goal: to provide fresh, healthy produce to those who need it most.

 

“The experience of volunteering at the Farm is incredibly rewarding,” shared Samantha Carey, a Project Coordinator at RELI Group who organizes the company’s volunteer efforts. “It’s not just about the physical work—it’s about understanding that what you’re doing is directly helping to feed those in need. That’s a powerful feeling.”

 

The Future of the Partnership

The partnership between the Elias & Sultana Foundation and First Fruits Farm is one that both organizations hope will continue to grow. For E&S, supporting the farm is more than just a philanthropic endeavor; it’s an opportunity to live out its mission to directly provide food to communities in need. The foundation’s commitment as a Cornerstone Community Partner ensures that the farm will have the resources it needs to continue its vital work.

 

Looking ahead, both E&S and RELI Group look forward to organizing more volunteer events, continuing their financial support, and exploring new ways to collaborate. “This is just the beginning,” Elias says. “We’re committed to finding new ways to support First Fruits Farm and help them achieve their mission.”

 

This partnership serves as a model for how organizations can engage in meaningful, impactful philanthropy that goes beyond writing a check. It’s about rolling up your sleeves, getting your hands dirty, and making a difference. As these organizations continue to grow their partnership, they set an example for others to follow, showing that true social responsibility involves more than just giving—it involves doing.