House with a picket fence…two car garage…children playing in the yard. While these stereotypical facets of the American dream might not be what every person is seeking, almost everyone wants a companion to share their life with and to have children whom they will love and that can carry on their legacy. But this can be more difficult for some based on struggles they have faced,

Aliza*, a 22-year old woman ready to begin dating so that she could fulfill her dreams of building a family, reached out to us for assistance as she felt stuck and did not know how to move forward. She had previously donated to Amudim through our United to Heal campaign and was receiving the weekly emails, where she saw many others who had been helped through various challenges. Feeling that she had nothing to lose, Aliza called us.

As a child, Aliza was bullied in school for several years; and while she had been to different therapists over time, she had never fully dealt with and resolved the trauma and insecurities that developed based on how she had been treated by her peers. Aliza had almost no lasting friendships that continued beyond high school, and she was feeling alone and in pain; on the one hand, she still believed that a happy future was possible, but Aliza knew that she had to work beyond the difficulties of her past in order to find something healthy and meaningful.

Our case manager listened with compassion and reassured Aliza that healing was possible. We connected her with a new therapist who specializes in childhood trauma and family work and is located near Aliza’s home. After six weeks of sessions, Aliza reports feeling calmer and more positive about getting to a place soon where she can begin dating and look forward to painting the picture of what she wants for her life a reality.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Amudim is just a phone call away and here to help.

*Names and details have been changed for privacy purposes