There is still light during the storm

There is Still Light During the Storm

April 24, 2026

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Seeing a child in pain is a terrible experience for a parent, especially when it feels like there’s no way to help them out of it. There are challenges that cannot be faced alone, that require outside support, resources and compassion. But when those are available, the possibility of assisting our children through a difficult time becomes that much stronger.

When Shira* reached out to Amudim, she was exhausted, overwhelmed, and running out of options. Her 15 year-old daughter, Aliza*, was spiraling, grappling with intense anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. School had become impossible, daily functioning was a struggle, and the weight of it all was becoming too much to bear.

Shira had tried everything she could think of. She scoured the internet for treatment centers, asked around for referrals, but found herself with more questions than answers. Could she trust the facilities she found? Would they understand her daughter’s needs? And how could she even begin to afford the level of care required?

Then, she saw an ad for Amudim in a local Jewish publication and decided to call.

Shira’s case manager listened carefully and compassionately, asking questions to understand the full picture. Together, they explored appropriate treatment options, considering not just clinical fit but also logistics and long-term healing. The case manager took time to guide Shira through the process of finding the best possible placement for Aliza and work with the family’s insurance company to ensure optimal coverage.

Eventually, Shira chose an inpatient facility recommended by the case manager. It turned out to be exactly what her daughter needed; and Aliza made the brave decision with her mother to voluntarily enter the program. There’s still a long and challenging journey ahead, but Shira feels hopeful that Aliza is taking the first steps towards healing. Our case manager remains in contact-checking in, providing guidance, and ensuring that Shira and her family still feel supported.

Because no parent or child should ever have to navigate this alone.

If you or a loved one 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 to protect privacy.

Week Ending April 24, 2026

Each week, Amudim fields calls covering a wide range of crises and addressing various human concerns, including addiction, depression, abuse, health and domestic emergencies and many others. We track the calls and breakdown of issues for many reasons, foremost of which is to consistently improve and strengthen our knowledge and ability to address community’s needs.

When Kids Can’t Find the Words

Kids don’t learn emotional language from one big conversation.

They learn it by how we talk about our own feelings, and by nudging them to go a little deeper to name what’s underneath the surface.

Over time, they begin to understand that feelings aren’t good or bad – they’re signals better described as comfortable or uncomfortable. With that reframing, it becomes easier for them to connect their emotions to a cause .

And that’s when it starts to click.

It’s the everyday, small moments and conversations that collectively help build their self-awareness. Maybe it’s at the Shabbos table, or on the drive home.

There is Value in Validation

When we validate our children’s feelings, we are saying, “Your feelings are welcome here, and you matter so much. I’m going to stay with you in this.”

Our instinct as parents is to jump straight to fixing, because it’s hard to watch them struggle.

But to a child who’s upset, that can feel like we’re downplaying what they’re experiencing. What they really need is the space to feel it fully, with the safety of our presence and support.

When we take a moment to slow down and sit with them, the intensity of their emotions softens. What they’re feeling becomes less scary and more manageable.

Coming Up: