Single Mothers Overcoming Adversity Through Therapy

In the quiet corners of Haifa, a powerful cycle of trauma is being broken by the resilience of two women, Maria and Ludmila. For Maria, the road to this moment was paved with deep-seated fear and a "bad mental state". She recalls the suffocating anxiety of her past, noting that "there wasn't even a small hope that someone would be able to help me... it's like living in hell". As an immigrant raising two boys alone while managing health issues and the aftermath of an abusive relationship, Maria faced the daunting task of starting over in a country where she had no relatives and did not know the language. She vividly describes the constant hyper-vigilance of her former life: “You constantly need to control yourself, adapt to his emotions... ‘What kind of mood is he in?’ ‘Is he mad?’ ‘How is he going to react?’”. 

The turning point for Maria came through the support of CBN Israel, which provided both financial aid and a vital emotional connection. By being invited into a group of single mothers, Maria found the strength to move forward, realizing she wasn't alone. Central to her recovery has been her therapy with Ludmila, a woman whose own life serves as a blueprint for restoration. Ludmila’s own past was marked by tragedy; she escaped a home where her son almost died and initially survived by working as a cleaner just to "put bread on the table". During that critical time, CBN Israel provided her with grocery vouchers while she worked and studied to become a psychotherapist. Now, Ludmila uses her success to guide women like Maria, explaining, “A single mother couldn't afford therapy, but her soul is in need of healing... and CBN gives her that opportunity”. 

Today, the transformation in Maria is visible to everyone around her. She shares that people see "something new" in her, as if God is creating a beautiful new life in her heart. With the heavy burden of survival lifted, Maria has found the energy to dream again—she has started painting and hopes to get back into music. Ludmila observes that Maria is now a "new person" who is being equipped to eventually help others, just as Ludmila once did. Through the generosity of donors, this ecosystem of support ensures that these mothers and their children are safe both physically and mentally, moving from the shadows of abuse toward a future filled with hope. As Maria reflects on the help she has received from those she calls "angels," she offers a simple, heartfelt message: “I know I’m not alone... thank you for supporting me”.