I was raised Ultra- Orthodox and when I started attending college, I had a very rough time. My parents were not proud that I was in college and were very discouraging. Through Footsteps, I received a lot of support and especially financial support which has allowed me to continue my education. I am so proud to be graduating with my Masters degree in a few months.
I was raised in an Ultra-orthodox community and when I left I was lost and had no idea what to do next.
Simple stuff such as finding a job, getting my High school equivalency and even socializing was tough and near impossible.
Even though I had the opportunity to succeed, I just didn't know enough and had no guidance.
At this point I found Footsteps and it was definitely one of the best things that ever happened to me. I got connected with other members and had a safe space.
I specifically received guidance for my education goals and in 3 months I was enrolled in a college program (from a point of having no High school degree), after getting my HSE and a pre-academic program.
Thank you Footsteps!
Footsteps is an amazing organization that helps people like me - people who were raised in religious Judaism and who are no longer religious / looking to leave. I left religious Judaism on my own, but Footsteps provides me with support to live my full life now that I have left. Because of Footsteps, I will be graduating with my Bachelor's in Graphic Design this year. Winter party, cabin camping, a college education... Footsteps has provided me with experiences I may never have had otherwise. Thank you, Footsteps!
Sadly, most people who leave Haredi/Hasidic Judaism are absolutely alone with only the skills of mother nature. I, and a lot of my friends, stopped my secular education at the end of the sixth grade. Afterward, it was strictly religious teaching (Talmud, specifically). We learned immensely, but only in the religious domain. I was brought up to close my ears if "God forbid" the secular radio was on, (usually only in the rare case of being in a car which a less religious driver was driving me in), to prevent "the pollution of my soul" from outside knowledge.
We are all immigrants from another century. Without footsteps, the hurdle of getting a G.E.D. would be to high, for most of us. Footsteps is our only family, more often than not. We are all supremely motivated, individually minded, leaders and seekers, or we would not have gone through the tremendously heart wrenching journey that leaving the Hasidic/Haredi world is. Helping one of us, you are helping someone who will statistically become a leader and leave a mark. We may all be young and poor now, but we are as motivated as can be!
Thank you for your interest in our family(Footsteps)