After escaping an abusive relationship during the height of the pandemic, a mother of three found herself alone in a new city, without a job, a support system, or even access to her own bank account. Fear of the unknown kept her from seeking help—until desperation pushed her to take a leap of faith. Through the Jewish Federation, she was connected to Boca Helping Hands, and her life slowly began to shift.
With assistance for rent, utilities, food, and childcare, she was finally able to breathe. “It was like being reborn,” she shared. That support gave her the foundation she needed to find work—first as a substitute teacher, then in a full-time position doing what she loves: helping children with learning disabilities discover their strengths.
Though the challenges haven’t disappeared, she no longer faces them alone. Her children, once scared and uncertain, now cling to her not in fear, but in love. They fight over who gets to ride with Mom, craving every moment they can get.
Today, she gives back however she can—through donations, through teaching, through love. “We are free,” she says. “And our voices are no longer shut down.” Boca Helping Hands gave her more than assistance. It gave her hope.
