"Facing the Future" Thanks to JDC Supported Baby Help Program and the Ariel Job Center

Alita, known to her friends as "Ali," lives in appalling conditions in a hotel room in Once, a traditional Jewish neighborhood in the city of Buenos Aires. She shares the bedroom with Fonda and her 18-month-old twins, Klaudia and Felicia. They do not have a private bathroom and she must prepare food for her children in a makeshift communal kitchen.

For as challenging as her life has been, Ali can recall when things were more manageable. She used to work as a salesperson in a women’s apparel shop and make just enough money to support herself and Fonda. But when the shop closed down in the aftermath of Argentina’s economic collapse, Alita could not find a new job. After she became pregnant with the twins, depression set in, as the young mother felt she would never be able to get herself out of the vicious cycle of poverty.

Learning of her situation, JDC professionals and volunteers began to take care of Ali, offering her the opportunity to begin a new micro-business at home. In consultation with the JDC-supported Ariel Job Center, she began making candles and bijouterie throughout the course of her pregnancy. Though the money she earned was minimal, social workers noted that the activity proved important in helping to rebuild Alita’s self-confidence. At the same time, JDC began providing her a monthly COTO supermarket debit card, which she continues to use to buy food for herself and the girls.

To assist with the twins, the Baby Help Program is providing Alita with bags of food, diapers, vitamins and hygienic supplies. And with the assistance of a "godmother" provided through the Baby Help Center, Alita is being mentored to raise her three daughters in a loving environment.

Last year Fonda started kindergarten on full scholarship at a Jewish school, which was a big step for both mother and daughter. Fonda began to socialize with other children, and Alita was able to tend to the babies and to accomplish some work. Alita’s mood and expectations have improved, and thanks to the guidance of social workers, she has been in contact with her two sons.

Determined to get her life completely back on track, Alita attends every workshop at the Baby Help Center. Thanks to the Center’s support, Klaudia and Felicia were able to have their Simchat Bat (baby naming) Ceremony, which was an important and deeply moving experience for the whole family as well as the social workers who have been working with them. "I now understand what belonging to a community can mean," said Alita, tears flowing down her cheeks. "I see the difference it makes in my life."

In the past months Ali has been able to earn a bit of money through the micro-business consultation she received at the JDC-supported Ariel Job Center. Nonetheless, she still cannot afford to move her girls from the cramped hotel room. "I am facing the future, even if with fear," she said. "I am trying very hard to rebuild my family."