Abigail’s Story: A Journey of Resilience, Hope, and Support

Abigail, a 57-year-old Jewish woman, has always prided herself on her independence and resilience. A hardworking single woman, she dedicated herself to supporting herself while also being the primary caregiver for her aging mother. For years, she found pride in managing her life and responsibilities, even when challenges arose. But last year, everything changed when she unexpectedly lost her full-time corporate job in the hospitality industry.

At first, Abigail relied on her savings, piecing together income through various part-time jobs. She worked as a private chef, collaborated with catering businesses, and even took on telemarketing roles. While these positions were commission-based, they typically covered her monthly expenses. But as the months went by, her savings dwindled, and the strain of balancing multiple jobs became too much to bear.

By February, Abigail found herself in a desperate situation. Her rent was already three weeks overdue, and despite her best efforts, she couldn’t keep up. The weight of it all was compounded by her role as the primary caregiver to her mother, whose health had deteriorated rapidly due to chronic conditions. To make matters worse, her brother had recently lost his job, and Abigail was the one carrying the financial burden of her mother’s care. Just two months earlier, she had to travel to support her mother, further depleting her already limited resources.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, Abigail refused to give up. She had recently earned her real estate license and was excited to start a new career with a reputable brokerage. She hoped this would be the breakthrough she needed to regain her financial stability. But with mounting bills and no room to breathe, her dream seemed unreachable.

In the midst of this crisis, Abigail reached out to Alpert JFS for help. She was connected to a CALL Service Specialist who listened to her story and immediately began to help. Understanding the urgency of her situation, the specialist secured a one-time financial grant to cover her overdue rent. This immediate assistance allowed Abigail to breathe a sigh of relief. Without it, she feared losing her home and, with it, her ability to focus on her new career and future.

But the support didn’t end there. The CALL Service Specialist went above and beyond, connecting Abigail to AJFS’ food pantry to ensure she wouldn’t have to worry about food security during this challenging time. And, recognizing the importance of long-term stability, Abigail was introduced to the Jewish Federation’s Career Connection program, where she received career coaching and financial guidance to help her through this transition.

Thanks to Alpert JFS, Abigail was able to move forward with renewed hope and focus. She no longer had to worry about eviction, giving her the mental space to pursue her real estate career and continue her part-time jobs. The support she received from the CALL Service Specialist and the community at large gave her the strength to keep going, knowing that the resources and support she needed were available to her.

Abigail’s story is one of unwavering strength, resilience, and the power of community. With the help of Alpert JFS, she is now on the path to financial independence and can continue caring for the people who matter most to her. Abigail’s journey proves that, even in the most difficult times, there is always hope—and with the right support, we can overcome any obstacle.

If you or someone you love is facing a similar challenge, please reach out to us. The CALL Service can provide guidance, resources, and support when it’s needed most. Call 561-684-1991 today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved ones navigate life’s toughest moments.

Leave a Reply