A Recipient’s Story

The M’Yad L’Yad program is all about our recipients. Our recipient list includes single parents, adult couples, young families, senior adults, and every other family configuration. Our recipients live across Long Island, from the Hamptons to the Rockaways, with a few located in New York City as well. While it is important that we maintain the anonymity of our recipients, it is also important that we know their stories and recognize that they are not simply charity cases, but human beings with interests, with hopes and with needs. The following article features Molly and her family.

Molly is a 43 year old single mother of two little boys, Justin, age 7, and Simon, age 4. When Simon was 9 months old he was diagnosed with cancer. He has been in and out of the hospital since then, undergoing chemotherapy and other painful treatments. Molly’s husband, the father of Justin and Simon, deserted the family. He has stopped paying child support.

Molly is constantly exhausted and suffers from enormous stress. Her older son, Justin, is dealing with having a little brother with cancer, his father’s abandonment, and having his own issues put on the back burner due to the pressing nature of his brother’s situation.

Molly is struggling financially, emotionally and physically. She doesn’t have the time or resources to take care of herself. Her life is a series of crises.

Molly, Justin and Simon have a generous sponsor who helps them a great deal. They have also benefited from holiday collections from some of our Synagogue Partners. Molly wrote the following: “Dear Janet, our sponsor, and the synagogue, I am deeply touched by your continued compassion, generosity and support! Please know you have truly made a difference in our lives and have helped to make this a beautiful holiday season! Thank you for caring about us! With love and gratitude, Molly, Justin and Simon.”