Pregnancy is often described as a time of joy and anticipation, but for Leora, discovering she was pregnant came during one of the most tumultuous periods of her life. Struggling with emotional challenges, health issues, and a strained marriage, she felt overwhelmed and unsure of how she could care for another child. Her journey from despair to hope is a testament to the life-changing support provided by SHIFRA.
A Time of Crisis
“When I found out I was pregnant, I was devastated,” Leora shares. “I didn’t feel physically, emotionally, or financially capable of taking care of my child.” Already grappling with health problems and a difficult marriage, the news of her pregnancy felt like an insurmountable burden.
Leora turned to social media for answers and stumbled upon SHIFRA—a Jewish organization dedicated to supporting women through unplanned pregnancies. Feeling hesitant but desperate, she reached out.
A Lifeline of Support in Embracing Motherhood
When Leora called SHIFRA, she felt seen and heard in a way she hadn’t experienced before. “They were calm, sweet, and immediately took action to help me,” she recalls. The team at SHIFRA didn’t just focus on her pregnancy; they cared about her as a person.
“They helped me with every single aspect throughout my pregnancy and the first year of my baby’s life,” Leora explains. This included therapy, financial assistance, and even sending an organizer to her home to create a routine that worked for her family. SHIFRA’s holistic approach ensured that every part of her life—her physical health, emotional well-being, household management, and relationships—was supported.
Practical Help That Made a Difference
SHIFRA’s assistance extended far beyond emotional support. They provided tangible resources like baby clothes, care packages, and connections to local networks that could offer additional help. These gestures reminded Leora that she wasn’t alone in her journey.
“They made me feel special and good about myself,” she says. “Not just like someone in a rough situation but like someone who could get through it with their help.”
Breaking the Silence
One of the most profound aspects of SHIFRA’s support was giving Leora a safe space to express often taboo feelings. “You can’t just tell your family you’re unhappy about having a child,” she explains. “It’s not socially accepted.”
With SHIFRA, Leora found people who understood her fears without judgment. “They validated me and pulled me upwards,” she says. “They helped me through pregnancy, childbirth, and the first year.”
A Ripple Effect of Healing
Today, Leora thrives as a mother and feels immense gratitude for SHIFRA’s role in her journey. “They saved my life, my baby’s life, and my other children’s lives,” she says emphatically. The impact of SHIFRA’s work extends far beyond one individual—it creates a ripple effect that strengthens entire families and communities.
Leora now channels her gratitude into loving her family and applying the lessons she learned from SHIFRA to her everyday life. “I hope one day I can pay it forward in a big way,” she says. “For now, I show my gratitude by being the best mother I can be.”
A Message to Women in Crisis
To other women facing unplanned pregnancies or crises, Leora offers words of encouragement: “You’re not alone. Some people understand you and want to help you get through this.” She credits SHIFRA with giving her the strength to see past her fears and embrace motherhood with love and resilience.
How You Can Help
Leora also has a message for those considering supporting SHIFRA: “There’s no way to repay someone for saving your life or your child’s life,” she says. “But by donating to SHIFRA, you’re giving mothers like me a chance to thrive—and that’s priceless.”
SHIFRA provides free counseling, material aid such as maternity clothes and baby supplies, financial assistance grants, parenting classes, and more to Jewish women across the U.S., ensuring no woman has to face an unplanned pregnancy alone.
If you or someone you know needs help during an unplanned pregnancy and would like to support this vital work, visit SHIFRA or contact us at (646) 632-8547 (text) or (888) 360-5872 (helpline). Together, we can ensure that every mother has the support she needs to turn fear into hope and crisis into blessing.
