Project Shifra
Project Shifra is named for a midwife in ancient Egypt who disobeyed the Pharaoh’s decree to murder all Hebrew male babies. Committed to protecting human life and ensuring that families thrive, the Aleph Institute embodies the spirit of Shifra’s legacy in a community-based program supporting women, children, and families.
The Shifra Program
The Shifra program began in 2014 to serve those in the community who are struggling with life’s curveballs. Many individuals and families — in every community, including ours — struggle with a host of issues.
The Taylor family (name changed for privacy) was referred to Aleph Institute, as Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth, and Families (CYF) was investigating child neglect and other concerns in the family. The family lived in Squirrel Hill, was Orthodox, and felt comfortable turning to Aleph for support.
After helping the family navigate the services available to them, it became apparent that there were many other families like the Taylors who were in need. With the encouragement of Allegheny County DHS, we developed a program that became known as Shifra.
Today the Shifra Program offer services to those in dire need – because of child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, and substance abuse – as well as other supports, long before there is any serious crisis. Services include a food pantry (the Shed), support groups, and after-school programming.
Employment
The Shifra Program works with families to find and secure dignified and stable employment. We help families transition from lay-offs and terminations, and assist individuals with career counseling services such as resume edits and cover letter reviews to help clients seek employment to support their families.
The Shed
Many clients, especially children, in the community suffer from food insecurity. In the Summer of 2022, the Shifra Program erected a 'Shed' behind Aleph Institute.
Housing Stability
Clients who fear eviction or who are having difficulty making rent payments on time can reach out to the Aleph Institute for guidance. The Aleph Institute seeks to ensure that families have safe housing.
Mental Health and Well Being
We offer services aimed at addressing substance abuse, including counseling from religious leaders and a volunteer licensed clinical social worker available at no cost. Mothers, especially single mothers, often experience isolation and loneliness as caregivers, and we aim to alleviate that stress.
Family Dynamics
Parenting challenges, personal conflicts, tension, and trauma can all impact the dynamics in a family, and the Aleph Institute can provide resources to help navigate family relationships.
School Supplies
Many children lack basic school supplies. The Aleph Institute identifies that need and attempts to provide basic resources so that families have one less expense to worry about and so that children can be equipped with the necessary tools to succeed in their education.
After-School Program
The Shifra Program has started an after school program to give kids a safe place to stay, socialize, and receive food while parents work. This allows families to secure employment while alleviating childcare pressure.
Miriam's Center
A community support group for women to navigate life together, build natural support networks, and learn about agencies in the community. Currently, Project Shifra supports over 90 different families and over 300 children.
Get in Touch
If you or someone you know could benefit from the services offered by the Aleph Institute’s Project Shifra, please contact us.