When Sofia R., 54, first learned her only son had an autistic disorder, she gave up her job as a computer programmer to focus on his education. Despite his high IQ, his behaviorial issues kept him from being accepted to kindergarten or primary school—and there was no special educational framework for him anywhere in Moscow.
Formerly self-sufficient families have joined the ranks of the “New Poor” as a result of declining wages, forced unpaid “vacations,” unemployment, and burdensome mortgage payments. Among Bulgaria’s Jews, more and more families are turning to their community’s welfare system; hundreds are unemployed and unable to turn to their own relatives for help (as parents are usually unemployed as well and grandparents are living off meager state pensions).
Since closing the doors of the family clothing business in Athens for good last year, Rafail, 58 has had to count every Euro. Unable to afford the mortgage or sell the house, he and his wife, Sara were forced to cut spending back to a near halt—including pulling their small children, Lela, 10, and Moni, 6, out of Athens’ Jewish Community School.
After her husband’s tragic death, 56-year-old Hanna was left to care for her six children and elderly mother alone. Find out how JDC’s social relief services in Hungary secured this family’s day-to-day survival.
Nodar, 80, barely survived a critical injury and the destruction of his home in the Russo-Georgian war. Read how emergency assistance from JDC supported his recovery and helped him discover community for the first time.
To survive Moldova’s harsh January snowstorms, Tatiana, 11, and her family of five huddle desperately around the sole gas stove in their dilapidated apartment. Learn how JDC’s winter relief assistance is ensuring they will make it through this tough season.
Struck by tragedy, 23-year-old Avigail was raising her three young sons alone. Find out how JDC’s employment training program for disadvantaged Israeli women empowered this Kavkazi immigrant.
Following her mother’s death, Katya was left alone to care for her blind father in their run-down apartment in Ukraine. Learn how JDC rescued this family and is reviving Katya’s Jewish future.
Nataliya is a single mom struggling to support her son with cerebral palsy. Find out how JDC brought this desperate family relief—and a sweet surprise—this Rosh Hashanah.
Kevin hardly remembers Argentina’s economic collapse in 2001 because the crisis in his home started long before then. Find out how JDC answered this troubled family’s call for help and how Kevin is giving back to his community today.