When seven-year-old Dini’s father was incarcerated, her world changed forever. Abba was suddenly gone—no more hugs, no more bedtime stories, no more help with Chumash homework. Heartbroken and traumatized, Dini retreated into an isolated shell.
That’s when an Angel entered her life.
The Aleph Institute connects social-work interns, called “Angels,” with family members impacted by the criminal justice system, to provide one-on-one emotional support and counsel on a weekly basis. For kids like Dini, who are grappling with an unfamiliar and terrifying new reality, this support is transformative. Slowly but surely, Dini returned to her happy-go-lucky self. Although her life is full of challenges, her Angel gives her the tools to overcome each hurdle.
Dini’s mother told Aleph, “I wanted you to know that my daughter loves her Angel so much. On Friday night when we light Shabbos candles, she davens for her Abba to come home and for her Angel. Just a testament to how amazing your program is. Thank you so much.”
Another woman who takes part in the Aleph Angels program said: “My Angel is truly an angel! She gives me purpose and lets me just be me. I connect with her so easily; it feels like she is my long-lost relative. Speaking to my Angel once a week is like coming home to family.”
When someone is incarcerated, the entire family pays a heavy price. They are innocent victims too—yet they are often seen as complicit. When the rest of the world turns their back, the Aleph Institute is there for these families with unconditional love, support, and acceptance. Today, you can be there for them too.
Aleph is raising $1 million in the next 48 hours so they can continue to provide help, hope, and healing to people living through the darkest chapter of their lives. Please open your heart and make a donation so that Dini, and countless others like her, get the support they need to survive.
