Sara’s Story: Finding Hope and Strength Through SHIFRA

March 18, 2025

For many women, pregnancy is a time of joy and anticipation, but for others, it can be overwhelming, especially when it’s unexpected. Sara’s story is one of those times when the journey to motherhood was clouded by fear, uncertainty, and physical exhaustion. Yet, through the support of SHIFRA, Sara found the strength and resources she needed to navigate her crisis pregnancy, and today, her baby is not just a blessing—she’s a miracle made possible by compassion and care.

An Unexpected Pregnancy and the Fear of Facing It Alone

Sara had just found out she was pregnant with her fifth child when the world as she knew it began to shift. Her husband was about to deploy overseas, leaving her to navigate the challenges of pregnancy, motherhood, and life without her primary support system. To make matters worse, Sara was battling severe morning sickness and was even hospitalized twice for fluids due to dehydration. She could barely care for herself, let alone her four children.

With so much uncertainty and fear, Sara reached out to SHIFRA. It was a moment that would change the course of her pregnancy—and her life.

“The first thing they asked was if I was safe and if my children were safe. It was so validating to feel like I wasn’t just ‘my pregnancy,'” Sara recalls. “They were concerned for ME. It was the first time in a long while that someone showed concern for my well-being, and that made all the difference.”

SHIFRA’s Life-Changing Support

From the very first call, SHIFRA’s team began working to fill in the gaps in Sara’s support system. They didn’t just address the pregnancy—they considered her entire situation and began providing practical help, emotional support, and the guidance she needed during an incredibly tough time.

Sara was connected with a counselor who supported her throughout her pregnancy. This ongoing support was far more than Sara had anticipated, and she found herself relying on it in ways she hadn’t imagined. “I’m immensely grateful for my counselor,” she says. “She supported me more than I ever thought I would need.”

The support didn’t end with counseling. When Sara’s baby was born, SHIFRA continued to walk with her every step of the way. They followed up to check in on her needs, sending baby clothes, a crib, vitamins, books, a reusable water bottle to help with hydration, and much-needed emotional support.

The Gift of Community

Sara’s connection with SHIFRA didn’t stop at material items or emotional support; it blossomed into a supportive community of women who shared similar experiences. Today, Sara’s daughter is seven months old, and Sara is still in regular contact with her counselor. SHIFRA continues to offer her free parenting classes and a support group for moms in situations just like Sara’s.

“These resources have been invaluable,” Sara shares. “I’ve learned so much through the courses and feel less isolated knowing there are other moms going through similar things. It’s not just the counseling or the material support—it’s the sense of community that makes all the difference.”

The Impact of Donor Support

For Sara, SHIFRA’s generosity has meant more than just financial aid—it has provided the emotional validation and resources she needed to be the mother she wanted to be. “I’ve always been told that money doesn’t buy happiness, but your donations buy food, toys, clothing, and diapers for a mom who feels like she isn’t enough,” Sara says. “That’s better than happiness. That’s hope.”

Sara’s message to donors is clear: by supporting SHIFRA, you’re giving much more than material goods. You’re offering a lifeline to mothers in crisis, providing them with the tools, support, and confidence to make it through one of the most difficult times in their lives.

From Fear to Blessing: A Journey of Transformation

“Unexpected pregnancies are really scary,” Sara admits. “Everyone kept saying, ‘Babies are a blessing,’ but I wasn’t ready for more blessings. I was scared, overwhelmed, and unsure if I could handle it. But SHIFRA was the blessing for me, and now, as scary as it was in the beginning, with everyone at SHIFRA’s help, my baby is truly a blessing.”

Sara’s journey reflects the impact of SHIFRA’s work—a reminder that pregnancy crisis support goes beyond just helping with immediate needs. SHIFRA is about transforming fear into hope, uncertainty into security, and isolation into community.

How You Can Help

Sara’s story is just one example of how SHIFRA’s services have transformed lives. Whether it’s providing counseling, practical resources, or creating a supportive community, SHIFRA helps women in crisis find their strength and embrace motherhood.

If you’re able to support SHIFRA, your donation can make a world of difference. It’s more than just giving—it’s empowering women to believe in themselves and providing them with the resources they need to thrive.

Thank you to those who make SHIFRA’s life-changing work possible. Together, we can continue to support more mothers like Sara and help them realize their full potential as they embark on the journey of motherhood.

Donate to SHIFRA today and help transform lives. Your support could be the hope a mother needs in her time of crisis.

If you or someone you know is facing an unexpected pregnancy or pregnancy crisis, remember that you’re not alone. SHIFRA is here to provide the support, resources, and community you need to navigate this journey. Reach out today and take the first step towards turning your crisis into a blessing.

Contact SHIFRA: