The Cheryl and Victor Azrak Lev Hatikvah Division at SBH Community Service Network
When life changes in an instant, the path forward can feel overwhelming. For widows, single mothers, and orphaned children, the emotional and financial challenges often arrive at the same time, creating a reality that few are prepared to face alone.
Recognizing this need, SBH Community Service Network recently launched a new division dedicated specifically to supporting these families: The Cheryl and Victor Azrak Lev Hatikvah Division. The division’s mission is simple yet profound. To ensure that no widow, orphan, or single mother must navigate life’s most difficult transitions without compassionate guidance, practical assistance, and a community standing behind them.
Lev Hatikvah focuses on meeting both emotional and practical needs, from counseling and trauma support to employment assistance, financial guidance, and provide essential goods and services that might otherwise be out of reach. One story, among many, illustrates the impact this new division is already making.
Sarah’s Journey: From Loss to Renewal
When Sarah* lost her husband, the world as she knew it changed overnight. A young mother with a small son, she suddenly faced the emotional weight of grief while also confronting the practical realities of raising a child alone. To ease the financial pressure, Sarah moved back in with her parents. While the arrangement helped stabilize things temporarily, the emotional toll of her situation remained heavy.
Eventually, Sarah reached out to Lev Hatikvah seeking something simple but powerful: emotional support. The Lev Hatikvah team responded immediately, surrounding Sarah with warmth, empathy, and understanding. Beyond listening and providing encouragement, they helped in tangible ways, offering gift cards for her young son’s clothing and providing vouchers for an overnight getaway, giving Sarah a desperately needed moment to breathe and recharge. Still, Sarah was hesitant. Having endured such trauma, accepting help didn’t come easily. That’s when another SBH division stepped in.
Healing the Trauma
Sarah needed to heal, and we provided trauma-focused therapy from within our Mental Health Division. With the right professionals walking beside her, Sarah began regaining confidence and emotional strength. But, as Sarah was starting to rebuild internally, another challenge emerged. She lost her job.
Discovering the Right Path
While the job loss might have felt like another setback, it ultimately opened the door to something better. Sarah had been working behind a desk, something that never truly suited her personality. She is naturally creative, energetic, and thrives in dynamic environments.
Through Lev Hatikvah, Sarah was connected with a job developer within SBH’s Career Division. After learning about Sarah’s personality and talents, the job developer immediately recognized that Sarah needed a role that would allow her creativity to shine. They introduced her to a company seeking a creative employee to plan and decorate events. It was the perfect match. The position allowed Sarah to move around, express her artistic talents, and contribute creatively to celebrations and events. Even better, the job came with higher pay and opportunities for advancement, giving Sarah both financial stability and personal fulfillment. For the first time since her loss, Sarah could see a clear path forward.
Building a Home Again
Despite the progress she was making, Sarah still had a dream: she wanted a home of her own for herself and her son. For a long time, the numbers simply didn’t work. Rent, furniture, and daily living costs felt out of reach. But, with her new job and increased income, that dream slowly became possible.
With a little help from SBH, including donated furniture and basic household necessities, Sarah was able to secure an apartment and move out on her own. Now she and her son had a place to call home, a space where Sarah could continue rebuilding her life while providing stability and love for her child.
Looking Toward the Future
Recently, Sarah reached out to her Lev Hatikvah social worker again, but this time not because she was in crisis. She had a new goal. Sarah wanted to learn how to financially plan and invest for her and her son’s future. Lev Hatikvah continues to guide her through this next stage as well, helping her develop financial skills that will create long-term security for her family.
From the moment she first asked for help to where she stands today, Lev Hatikvah has walked beside Sarah every step of the way. Her story is a powerful example of what happens when compassionate support meets determination and resilience. And Sarah is not alone.
A Growing Network of Support
Today, Lev Hatikvah is actively supporting 48 families, each guided by specially trained case captains who understand the unique emotional and logistical challenges facing widows, single mothers, and orphans. The division’s support also extends to community life and holidays, moments that can feel especially difficult for families experiencing loss.
This past Purim, Lev Hatikvah ensured that every child in the program felt the joy of the holiday:
- Each child received a Purim costume
- Families were given Mishloach Manot to share with friends
- Lev Hatikvah arranged proper Purim Seudot
- Prepared meals were delivered to homes
- Families received significant Matanot La’evyonim
As Passover approaches, the support continues. Lev Hatikvah will be distributing:
- Supermarket gift cards to Moishe’s
- Clothing cards to Zara
- Pesach food boxes filled with groceries and prepared meals
These efforts ensure that families facing difficult circumstances can still celebrate the holiday with dignity and peace of mind.
The Heart Behind Lev Hatikvah
The Cheryl and Victor Azrak Lev Hatikvah Division embodies the core mission of SBH. To strengthen families and restore hope. For some, the support may begin with a conversation.
For others, it may mean counseling, employment guidance, financial planning, or simply knowing someone is there to help. But for every family, the goal is the same. To help them move from survival to stability, and ultimately, toward a hopeful future.
Sarah’s journey is just one story among many already unfolding.
We would like to thank the incredible team behind Lev Hatikvah, our dedicated staff, captains, volunteers, and, of course, our generous sponsors, whose support allows this sacred work to be carried out with dignity, compassion, and the utmost confidentiality.
Name changed to ensure confidentiality.
