A Rockland business owner is coming to the aid of workers in the restaurant and hospitality industry hit hard by the pandemic.

Tappan resident and Women of the Vine and Spirits owner Deborah Brenner knows firsthand the difficulties people who work in the restaurant industry are going through.

"My husband owned a restaurant in Piermont, New York, for 24 years," she said. Brenner added he retired from the restaurant and was bartending until March, when he was furloughed.

To help struggling workers in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Brenner has launched a new assistance program through her company's foundation.

Women of the Vine and Spirits is a membership organization dedicated to empowering women in the alcohol and beverage industry. It offers services from legal aid to financial advice. To help with these stressful times, mental health assistance is also provided.

All services are free and confidential, and available to not only restaurant workers, but also their families.

Enrollment in the assistance program is on a first come, first served basis.

Those applying for the assistance program must be employed in the restaurant and or hospitality industry for a minimum of three years, or currently unemployed, or working fewer hours.