Sarah’s Journey
When Sarah’s pregnancy test came back positive, it was her worst nightmare coming true. As a 28-year-old single Jewish woman in college, finances were the black cloud in her life. Her job as a waitress barely covered her rent, and bills? Shoved in the darkest recesses of her brain. The idea of raising a child was terrifying.
Sarah immediately made an appointment for an abortion. Raising a child like this wouldn’t be fair, would it?
But then, she found SHIFRA.
Sarah reached out to SHIFRA after hearing about their services from a friend who had gone through a similar situation. She wasn’t sure what to expect, but the kindness she was met with took her breath away – in a good way. Sarah was able to speak with a counselor who listened to her fears without judgment and gently steered her towards a more positive outlook.
“I had no idea there was any help for someone like me,” Sarah said. “I felt so alone in my financial struggles. But SHIFRA helped me see that there were ways to manage it all, even when I felt like there was no way out.”
How SHIFRA Helped
Sarah’s financial situation was daunting, but SHIFRA didn’t just offer her a listening ear. They immediately connected her with financial assistance options that could make a real difference in her life. Through SHIFRA’s financial aid grants, Sarah was able to get some breathing room. The grants covered some of her immediate needs like maternity clothes she could wear to work.
SHIFRA also provided her with baby care packages that included maternity clothes, baby essentials, and other vital items. These resources helped Sarah feel less burdened by the weight of her responsibilities and gave her a sense of stability she hadn’t felt in months. SHIFRA connected her with a job coaching program, helping her find ways to increase her income-earning potential while navigating her pregnancy.
“I never thought there were options for me,” Sarah reflected. “I felt like I had no choice. But SHIFRA showed me that there are ways to make things work. They didn’t just give me money; they gave me hope.”
Now, two years later, Sarah’s little girl is the light of her life. What once felt like an insurmountable obstacle now fills her heart every day.
With SHIFRA’s support, Sarah not only found the strength to embrace motherhood but also discovered a sense of purpose and confidence she never thought possible. Raising her daughter hasn’t been without its challenges, but Sarah feels equipped and empowered, knowing she has the tools and community to handle whatever comes next.
Financial Assistance That Makes a Difference
For many women, the cost of raising a child, especially during an unplanned pregnancy, can feel insurmountable. Finances are one of the most significant factors that lead women to feel as though abortion is their only choice. With mounting bills, the fear of an uncertain future, and the worry about how to provide for a child, the situation can feel overwhelmingly bleak.
But SHIFRA’s services ensure that financial challenges don’t have to lead to despair. Through their financial aid grants, women like Sarah can get immediate help with everyday expenses, reducing the pressure that comes with an unplanned pregnancy. It’s about giving women more time and space to make an informed, thoughtful decision, without being solely driven by financial stress.
SHIFRA’s Impact: More Than Just Financial Help
While financial aid is crucial, SHIFRA’s support extends far beyond that. They offer comprehensive resources designed to help women not only survive but thrive during their pregnancy. For Sarah, it wasn’t just about getting financial support—it was about empowerment.
SHIFRA’s counseling services provided Sarah with emotional support, helping her process the emotional and psychological challenges she was facing. Parenting support programs, including classes and access to community resources, helped Sarah feel prepared for the future. And the connection she found with other women in similar situations made her feel less isolated.
“I felt like I had nowhere to turn before I found SHIFRA,” Sarah shared. “But now, I feel ready to become a mom. I know it’s not going to be easy, but I have the resources and support I need.”
You Have Options
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and feel overwhelmed by financial strain, know that you are not alone. SHIFRA is here to help, providing financial aid, baby essentials, job coaching, and emotional support. These services are designed to give you the space to make the best decision for yourself and your future, without the pressure of financial stress.
If you’re feeling like there’s no way forward, contact SHIFRA today to learn about the support available to you. You deserve to have options, and you deserve to have the support you need to navigate this challenging time.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
If you or someone you know in the Jewish community is facing financial difficulties during an unplanned pregnancy, don’t wait—reach out to SHIFRA today. Contact SHIFRA for confidential support and discover the resources available to you. You have options, and SHIFRA is here to help.
