(Courtesy of Project SARAH) Aliza^* had never felt so helpless and lost. After working up the courage to leave her abusive husband, she suddenly found herself with two young children depending on her and without a place of her own. She was finally free from the clutches of her controlling husband, but freedom had come at a cost. How would she start over? How would she give her children a home?

That’s when Project SARAH, the statewide domestic and sexual abuse program for Jewish families, stepped in.

After calling the Project SARAH helpline, Aliza and her children were quickly and efficiently placed in safe housing through a hotel program without feeling an iota of judgment. Over the next few weeks, Aliza and her children received trauma-informed case management and psychotherapy through Project SARAH to help them begin to process their harrowing experiences and start rebuilding their lives. Eventually, Aliza was back on her feet and secured a job that allowed her to provide for her children.

Unfortunately, Aliza’s story is not unique. This past year, Project SARAH has assisted 31 women, men and children affected by domestic violence and sexual abuse from Bergen County alone. And there are over 30 more statewide on the waiting list. For these survivors,

Project SARAH is a lifeline — a beacon of hope in the darkness of unspeakable trauma.

This program provides support and guidance for anyone in need regardless of their income or background. All services are absolutely free to clients, offering a three-pronged approach to combating domestic violence and sexual abuse:

• Clinical services, such as therapy, case management and support groups.
• Legal aid to survivors, assisting in attaining culturally specific legal representation and consultation for civil court and beit din.
• Prevention education, delivering education on how to identify warning signs and prevent tragedy. Project SARAH tailors its trainings to suit students, teachers, camp staff, mikvah attendants and local rabbanim.

Additionally, Project SARAH’s helpline provides an additional invaluable resource to individuals, families and community members seeking trusted guidance, information, assistance or referrals. The impact of Project SARAH’s work is felt by so many more than just those directly impacted by abuse. Every single member of the community benefits from their tireless efforts to educate and increase awareness, breaking the cycle of abuse and fostering community-wide compassion and unity.

But now this program that has helped so many needs the community’s help. With the demand for their invaluable services far outweighing their current available resources, Project SARAH is turning to generous supporters. So many victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse are calling out for help, and Project SARAH is turning to the community to help answer the call.

With an ambitious goal to raise $200,000 in just 36 hours beginning Dec. 22, this is everyone’s chance to make a real difference in the life of someone like Aliza.

So many victims suffer in silence, going through daily life without hinting to anyone around them about the trauma they endure at home. But with the community’s help, these extremely vulnerable members of the community can get the support they urgently need.

Project SARAH is uniquely positioned to help, but the extent of the impact they can have is dependent on the community. When donating to their crowdfunding campaign this year, individuals empower Project SARAH’s clients to overcome their trauma, rebuild stronger than ever, and write a happy ending to this chapter of their lives.

If you would like to contribute to Project SARAH’s campaign and have a part in the incredible work they do that benefits every single family in our community, visit their campaign website: causematch.com/projectsarah.

To contact the Project SARAH helpline or for more information about Project SARAH’s services and their unwavering commitment to nurturing a culture of safety, respect, and sanctity within the Orthodox Jewish community, call (973) 777-7638, ext. 300 or email [email protected].

*Names changed to protect anonymity..