End of Year Campaign 2024

Naftali and Shifra Shapiro, a determined couple in their 30s with five young children, arrived at Lema'an Achai two and half years ago. They were deeply entrenched in poverty and seeking a way out. Despite their hard work and dedication, the weight of financial hardship was overwhelming. Living on less than 8,000 NIS a month, they struggled to meet even the most basic needs, with over 60% of their income going towards rent and utilities alone.

Shifra, pursuing further education, and Naftali, a talented freelance graphic artist, were committed to improving their family's circumstances but found themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty. Their entrepreneurial spirit led them to launch a small business, but it was not enough to lift them out of poverty. Shifra was unable to afford the therapy she needed to heal from past traumas, further compounding their struggles.

At Lema'an Achai, we provided the comprehensive support they needed to break free from the cycle of poverty. Through a series of meetings with a financial advisor and business coach, they mastered home budgeting and developed a robust business plan. Our advisor helped them explore marketing opportunities and crafted a specialized management tool, enabling both to actively grow their business.

With our support, the wife pursued more courses to enhance her professional skills. Personal therapy sessions, monitored by our social worker staff, were also crucial for her personal growth and ability to move forward.

Today, they continued to expand their business together and the close cooperation between the financial advisor and the career counselor was highly effective. The Shapiro family truly rose to the myriad of challenges that they faced and have emerged as an example to what perseverance can accomplish.

This year, when it came to providing the Rosh Hashana assistance for their family, they were proud to report that it is not necessary, they are doing well and the family is on solid economic standing.

Your support can empower families like the Shapiro's to rise from poverty and achieve their dreams. By donating, you provide the lifeline they need to break free from financial despair and build a stable, prosperous future. Join us in transforming lives and creating lasting change. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact. Together, we can turn the tide of poverty and pave the way for success and self-sufficiency.

When Dina and her four children arrived at Lema'an Achai, their lives were in turmoil. As a widow in her 50s, Dina had just been evicted from her home in Beer Sheva. The family was forced to move in temporarily with relatives. Even when they found a small apartment, it was in disrepair.

Lema'an Achai became their lifeline, providing the immediate help they needed—day-to-day expenses, therapy for the trauma they endured, and guidance in navigating complex educational challenges.

Yet it was the organization's long-term focus on education and training for Dina's children that ultimately changed the course of their lives.

Lema'an Achai recognized that while Dina's earning potential was limited, her children had a powerful opportunity to break the cycle of poverty. From the very start, the team worked to ensure the children received the support and resources they needed to succeed in school.

The children, shaped by years of economic instability, displayed incredible maturity and resilience. Each began working at a young age to be able to pay for their own basic needs, and Lema'an Achai made sure that their education remained the top priority. We provided academic prep courses, tuition assistance, and mentoring every step of the way, giving the children the tools to thrive in a competitive world.

Against the odds, all four of Dina's children have now graduated with academic degrees—a feat they never imagined possible during their years of struggle. Today, they are employed in stable, fulfilling careers. They've built lives of dignity and independence, and have laid the groundwork to be able to provide for their own families with the stability they lacked as children.

The education and training they received, coupled with their determination, didn't just change their own lives. It created a ripple effect, breaking the cycle of poverty that had gripped their family.

Dina's children are living proof that with the right help, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.

Your donation to Lema'an Achai can help ensure that other families, like Dina's, receive the support they need to break free from poverty. By investing in Smart Chesed, you're not just helping one family—you're changing the future for generations to come.

Together, we can give every child the chance to succeed.

David and Rivka Cohen, once the epitome of stability, found their world turned upside down when their small business, the backbone of their livelihood, collapsed. Parents of a large family, from older teens to young children, this sudden shift left them grappling with uncertainty, as their once-secure life unraveled.

David, despite his best efforts, found it difficult to secure stable employment due to a lack of opportunities. The family was caught in a cycle of poverty that seemed unbreakable.

The financial strain seeped into every aspect of their lives, leaving the children's needs unmet and causing tension and worry. Under immense pressure, David's mental health began to deteriorate, leading him to alcohol as a refuge from his depression. Rivka, already stretched thin managing the household, felt powerless to help.

In their darkest hour, David and Rivka reached out to Lema'an Achai, seeking a lifeline. Our team swiftly crafted a comprehensive plan to help them rebuild sustainably.

The journey began with financial counseling, where David and Rivka learned to manage their limited income effectively. We arranged therapy for David which was pivotal in helping him regain his stability and strength, enabling him to be present for his family once more.

Recognizing the impact of their struggles, Lema'an Achai also provided therapy for the Cohen family's older teens, helping them heal from the emotional scars left by their time living in poverty and the dynamics in the household. We also provided a mentoring program for three of the children and subsidized tutoring to the kids who were struggling academically. Throughout the entire period, Lema'an Achai provided holiday support and essential vouchers for clothes and school supplies, empowering the Cohen family to rebuild with dignity.

To secure their future, Lema'an Achai supported Rivka in pursuing training for a flexible and reliable career. Soon, she was earning enough to contribute significantly, balancing work with caring for her children. David also completed training as a project manager in the construction industry, a role with promising earning potential and a clear career path.

Today, David and Rivka stand as a testament to transformation. They are financially stable, emotionally strong, and able to provide their children with everything they need. In a powerful full-circle moment, they have joined Lema'an Achai as donors, giving back to help others as they were once helped.

David and Rivka's story is truly one of light, made possible by the compassion and support of donors like you. Every contribution to Lema'an Achai fuels more stories of hope, resilience, and independence. Join us in making a difference today.

Meet Sarah, a courageous single mother in her mid-twenties, who, just six months ago, was engulfed in the depths of poverty. With two young children relying on her, Sarah's daily life was a relentless battle against financial despair. Living on less than $1,200 a month, she struggled to provide even the basic necessities for her family, with over 70% of her income consumed by rent and utilities.

Her past was marred by challenging relationships within her family, and the sudden, tragic loss of her husband in a freak accident left her not only heartbroken but also burdened with unforeseen debts and no life insurance to fall back on. Despite these daunting obstacles, her unwavering determination to provide a better life for her children shone through.

At Lema'an Achai, Sarah found the lifeline she desperately needed to begin her journey out of poverty. Our dedicated social work case manager has been instrumental in helping Sarah navigate the complexities of her situation, empowering her to take control of her life. With our support, Sarah increased her assistance from Bituach Leumi and moved into a new apartment, where we provided essential furniture to create a safe and welcoming home.

Encouraged to seek help for her health and emotional issues, Sarah has taken courageous steps towards recovery. Finding employment was a pivotal moment, and we ensured her children could attend summer camp, allowing her to focus on her job. Through virtual meetings with a financial advisor and career counselor, Sarah is balancing work and personal growth, paving the way for a brighter future.

Today, Sarah's income covers her basic needs, and with our help in managing her debts, she is on the path to a fresh start. Her transformation over the past six months is a testament to her resilience and the power of community support.

Your contribution can help Sarah continue her journey out of poverty towards stability and independence. By donating, you provide the critical support she needs to overcome financial despair and build a hopeful future for her family. Join us in making a lasting impact.