Their stories

Yael came to social services and simply said, “I have nowhere to go”

Yael came to social services and simply
said, “I have nowhere to go”

YAEL'S STORY

If you met Yael today, you’d see a tall, confident teenager with sparkling eyes and an intelligent demeanor. You’d never believe that a few short years ago, Yael came to social services and simply said, “I have nowhere to go”.

Abused and neglected at home, 8-year-old Yael was bruised and hungry. She lived in the shadows of physical and emotional assault, with horrific memories that kept her up at night. With no adults to protect and care for her, she was truly on her own. Thank G-d, she was directed to Lev LaLev, where she became part of the Lev LaLev family.

Fast forward to today: Yael is a bubbly teenager with many friends at Lev LaLev. She enjoys her stimulating classes, achieves very high grades, and is looking forward to creating her own loving family one day.

Fast forward to today: Yael is a bubbly teenager with many friends at Lev LaLev.

Esther came to us as a chubby baby with sad blue eyes

ESTHER'S STORY

Esther came to us as a chubby baby with sad blue eyes. Her father had been in jail for years, and her mother was mentally unwell, neglecting Esther and her sisters.

Esther grew up here in Lev LaLev, becoming a graceful and soft-spoken young adult. Esther was always attracted to the medical profession and dreamed of becoming a doctor. With grit and determination (and help from the Lev LaLev family), Esther is now in her fourth year of medical school.

Esther looks forward to a bright and fulfilling career. She hopes to be a surgeon in Laniado next year, where she will mend her patients’ hearts and bodies with professional care and warmth. Esther proves that with love and assistance, every girl can make her dreams come true.

Esther proves that with love and assistance, every girl can make her dreams come true.

Chana saw her world crumble before her
eyes.

Chana saw her world crumble before her eyes.

CHANA'S STORY

Chana grew up in a mostly-functioning home. Although her mother was mentally unwell, Chana’s father was a loving, stable adult who took care of Chana and her siblings. When Chana was twelve, her father got cancer. The doctors gave him months to live.

Chana saw her world crumble before her eyes. She resorted to dangerous behaviors like cutting herself, trying to numb her tremendous pain. When Chana ended up in the hospital for ten days, she was brought to Lev LaLev.

Today, Chana knows how to face life head-on, with strength and courage. Chana occasionally goes back home to visit, but she says her real home is Lev LaLev. With help from her therapists, teachers, and friends at Lev LaLev, Chana is building a beautiful new life for herself.

Today, Chana knows how to face life head-on, with strength and courage.