To report child abuse or neglect, please call 416.638.7800 x 6234. Outside of regular business hours, please call our after-hours answering service at 1-800-404-1393 to be redirected to one of our staff. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
I’m 15 years old, and this is my story on how Jewish Family and Child Service (JF&CS) helped me and my family.
Not long ago, my life felt pretty normal. I went to school, loved writing, played soccer, and counted down the days until sleep away camp. Camp was my happy place. It was where I felt most like myself. Friends, campfires, activities, and a whole summer that stretched out forever.
Things Change
My parents started fighting. At first it was quiet arguments behind closed doors, but eventually it wasn’t quiet anymore. I remember lying in bed at night hearing their voices through the walls and wishing I could fall asleep before it got worse. Then my parents got divorced.
Our house felt different. Quieter and heavier somehow. My mom, Rachel, tried to stay strong for me and my brothers, Sam (13) and Jack (9), who has Autism Spectrum Disorder. Many everyday situations at school and at home were challenging for Jack and for our family.
Even when she didn’t say anything, I could tell Mom was scared, sad, and stressed all the time. Things got tight. Raising three kids wasn’t easy.
One of the hardest parts for me was giving up camp. We just couldn’t afford it anymore. I tried to act like it didn’t matter, but I missed it so much.
When Life Becomes Overwhelming
Members of our community face difficult financial challenges. The Financial Empowerment and Problem Solving Program (FEPS) helps change that with debt support strategies and more.
*All statistical data is drawn from the 2025 calendar year
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