Rachel’s journey from crisis to college.
Earlier this year, our CEO Judy Kluger received a letter from one of our clients, Rachel, that reminded her why Sanctuary for Families exists.
Rachel shared that Sanctuary had changed her life.
Rachel had come to Sanctuary in tears. A Jewish Orthodox woman, she was trapped in an abusive marriage and found little support within her community. Rachel felt isolated, frightened, and unsure how to protect her children. She was also confronting the trauma of sexual abuse she had endured as a child.
From that moment on, our legal, counseling, and economic empowerment teams worked alongside Rachel as she rebuilt her life. Sanctuary helped her leave her abuser, navigate the courts, pursue justice, and regain her confidence. When Rachel couldn’t afford food or rent, we provided assistance.
“Never once was I turned away, no matter how many times I broke down,” Rachel shared.
When Rachel doubted herself, our counselors reminded her she could succeed. Later, through our Economic Empowerment Program, she earned her GED and began to believe in her own potential.
Today, Rachel has a home of her own. Her children are thriving in school. And this fall, she’s starting college, determined to become a lawyer and help others find the freedom she once thought impossible.
In Rachel’s own words, “I discovered I could learn. I could succeed. I could dream again.”
