A large number of teens have no place to call home; some girls are literally sleeping on park benches. Forced to leave their homes because of neglect, abuse or conflicting values, these youths have no place to go but the street where they are embraced by a very destructive culture.
Established to fill this tremendous gap in our community, Imeinu dba Rachel’s Place is a Transitional Independent Living Program (TILP) for females between the ages of 16 and 21 with the primary objective of helping adolescent girls gain the skills and courage to change their lives in a way that will guarantee them a brighter future. Over the years we serviced hundreds of homeless girls in a residential capacity.
Girls from dysfunctional families who are primarily functional yet cannot reside at home.
Girls thrown out of good homes or girls who leave on their own, that have the potential to transition back to home or to independent living.
Girls who are failing in their environment due to extreme pressure, and need to reclaim themselves with self knowledge and self reliance.
Our objective at Rachel’s Place is to develop a suitable discharge plan for these girls within an 18-month period. This may include a placement within a residential school facility, an independent living arrangement paired with a job placement, or at best a successful return to their families along with family therapy. Meanwhile, their medical, dental, nutritional, clothing, educational, mental health, vocational and social needs are addressed.
Significant need has been established through interviews with community patrol groups, volunteer emergency medical service groups, private community schools, as well as the youth themselves.
Rachels Place services GIRLS 16-21 average length of stay is 18 months. Rachels Place assists an
average of 65 runaway/ homeless youth annually, 15 in a residential capacity
The residence is located in the Marine Park section of south Brooklyn and has easy access to subways and buses.
Services provided: food, shelter and medical care, counseling, educational and vocational opportunities and a comprehensive youth development program to transition these young women into successful future independent living situations.
Rachel’s Place organizers and founders have renovated and furnished the full site that they acquired and continue to fund raise as needed.
We provide a safe and secure home; a clean and neat living environment where the warm atmosphere makes Rachel's Place shelter a place where the girls are proud to live
We coordinate Independent Living Skills Retreats that include gourmet meals, stimulating workshops and therapeutic programs
Our food is prepared by the combined efforts of residents and staff, with nutritionist consultation as necessary
We supply clothing with emphasis on personal style choices that are seasonally appropriate
We arrange transportation to off-site programs and services (public or private when indicated)
We develop an Individual Service Plan-ISP which details short and long term goals, sets priorities, and sequences interventions
Medical and dental care is readily available to the girls
We have access to an array of recreational opportunities
We have workshops run by successful professional women
We coordinate intensive counseling: family, individual and group
We provide accessibility to legal assistance
We determine and access entitlement services
We offer educational services which include basic skill testing and proficiency exams, access mainstream high school setting or high school equivalency programs; with encouragement to earn this very necessary diploma, and access to post-secondary training such as college where indicated
We arrange employment skills, vocational skills training, on-the- job training and internship where appropriate
We stress the importance of substance abuse education and prevention
We teach independent living skills / life skills / social skills
We organize the discharge planning and follow up care for a minimum period of ninety days
Simi
Ever since I came to Rachels Place, my view on life has changed and I’ve gained a whole new perspective that I’ve never felt before. I’ve realized that people are kind hearted, people are caring, and people will go out of their way to make sure you’re safe.
That’s Rachel’s Place in a nutshell. I came from an abusive home; there was trauma, death, and lots of pain. It was very unhealthy and I needed to get out. Rachel’s Place welcomed me with open arms and that’s when I started my journey towards independence. They taught me to care for myself, to stand up for myself, and to live up to all my potential. I’ve gained so much in the past year that I’ve been here. I will forever be grateful to Rachel’s Place.
Miriam
There are certain questions that most people can answer without blinking an eye. Questions such as; where do you live, what are you having for dinner tonight, and where is the place you call home?
As a teen, those were questions that scared me to death, made me pale in the face, and nauseous at the pit of my stomach. Because of my painfully difficult home situation, I never felt safe and secure. Rachel’s Place was the first place I called home since my childhood. It was the only door to a future. Without its stability, I would still be on the streets. I am now, Baruch Hashem, married and because of Rachel’s Place I was able to bring with me a taste of what ‘home’ is all about. Rachel’s Place not only helped me, but with Hashem’s help, the generations that will come after me.
Shifra
I ran away from home a little over a year ago to escape abuse and neglect. My mother was constantly threatening me and telling me that the officials were going to cart me away, I figured I’d run away before that happened.
I spent 10 months couch-surfing with different friends in the community. Nobody wanted to take me in on a permanent basis. I actually slept on the beach a few times when I had nowhere else to go. I came to Rachel’s Place in May of this year. It was the first place I ever felt safe. Now, I am beginning to see a huge difference in myself. I’m doing well both academically and socially. I plan to go to seminary in Israel next year and live my life like a normal frum girl. Rachel’s Place really works for everyone because the service plans and programs are tailored for each girl. More than that, the reason that Rachel’s Place works for so many girls is because we feel their love and care for each one of us.
Shonnie
I walk in the world
Seemingly sure
I shout in my mind
To keep my head up
To tell myself I’m ok
If I let go for a second
The fall’s far back
It’s dark down there
And none dare come near
For fear they’ll become
Something like me.
I’ll pray and I’ll try
Just once more
I’m perched at the entrance
Of the Rachel’s Place door
Blimie
There are people who live eternally in my dreams and haunt me during my waking hours. People who have hurt me more than words can describe – the ones who are supposed to protect me, help me, and guide me through this world.
I’ve been hurt verbally, emotionally, and physically. I kept praying to God that I would be safe, and that He would save me. And He has. Fast forward through the suffering, the confusion, the couch surfing, and the uncertainty of where I was going to sleep next, I found my way to Rachel’s Place. Or rather, a broken path led me straight there. Too many events collided for it to have been a coincidence. The chances and the complete and utter randomness that somehow came together to perfection, was not something I, nor anyone else could have created. And as I sleep in my own bed for the first time in over two and a half years, as I live with others who understand me in some way because we’ve all been broken a time or two, I think that maybe, somehow, I am worth something. People tell me they love me, and I hate how I can’t believe them because of those who’ve hurt me. But maybe I’m starting to believe just a little bit. Maybe I’m not a failure. Maybe I am beautiful. Maybe I really am a kind, caring, and sensitive person. Maybe one day, I’ll know for sure. But right now, in this place. I have to heal. And it’s not easy and I know it may never be. But I have a road ahead of me, with people who care about me standing in the sidelines, cheering me on, willing me to succeed and ready to help me whenever I need it.
Faigy
When I moved into Rachel’s Place at the age of 19, I was completely lost. I had no money, no job, no home, and was struggling to find myself emotionally.
I was dealing with so many battles and didn’t know what my next step was. Rachel’s Place took me and taught me stability, values, and most of all, love. They helped me grow and succeed in more ways that I can describe. Fast forward a few years later, I graduated from RP and am now working there, giving back to girls who were just like me. I will forever be grateful for Rachel’s Place for helping me get to where I am now.
Tziporah
I was so young, yet I’ve been through a lifetime of pain because of my dysfunctional and abusive background. On the outside, I seemed happy and all smiles. But inside I was hurting.
I wanted to rid myself of my horrible memories and horrible thoughts. But the more I pretended,the more it hurt. I used to have such horrible questions race through my mind. Why am I not normal like all other kids? What did I do? How could I, at age 9, feel so worthless, without the will to live? At 14 years old, I looked in the mirror and just cried and cried. Who am I? Of what value? None, I was sure. I tried many things to dull the pain. At age 16 I had had enough, and I tried to seriously harm myself. Some guardian angel from Shomrim took me and led me to Rachel’s Place. What I thought was my worst moment was actually my best. I would not believe what greeted me there. What? Other girls like me? I decided to give it a try, and that’s how I entered my safe zone. I was no longer the target for abuse like in my old home. At Rachel’s Place I found Me- a worthwhile girl who can hope and dream. I graduated high school with beautiful grades and then had a year of seminary in Israel. Rachel’s Place connected me to Mrs. E., an extraordinary woman with an extraordinary family. She and Rachel’s Place are my anchor, my safe haven. They serve as a template for the functional, viable home I hope to build some day. And that is not an idle wish. I recently married with the support of Mrs E. and my Rachel’s Place family and I hope to pass on the legacy of love and hope that I received from Rachel’s Place.
Perel
You made me see what I never saw
As I look back I stand in simple awe
You helped me grow so very much
With your gentle but firm and caring touch
I don’t know where I’d be today
Had I not found RP on the way
How to express gratitude with not enough paper or ink
I’ll simply say thank you With an all knowing wink
Gittel
Although I come from a Chassidish background, I was living on the streets, although I would call that time period surviving, rather than living. When I initially applied to Rachel’s Place, I was just looking for a roof over my head and some food in my stomach.
But RP gave me so much more, they helped me reinvent myself. They taught me the meaning of freedom and the value of structure, chores, goals, education, and support. When in Rachel’s Place, I tested every rule and every source of authority. They never gave up on me despite everything I did to push people away. When I realized how much they cared about me, I began to accept their help. I am now on my way towards healing, working hard every day. I recently graduated from Rachel’s Place and they set me up with the most extraordinary family. I want to reinforce all the good I acquired. I am so proud of myself and so grateful. I intend to be a nachas to all who have stood by my side.
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