For whatever the reasons, Miss A and her sisters were kept at home, despite numerous reports of abuse. As a social worker confided, "it would be impossible to find a foster home for these girls." A group of community activists became involved and helped Miss A be admitted to the Mt. Sinai Adolescent Unit. At Mt. Sinai, Miss A was diagnosed as suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome. It was recommended she be removed immediately from the trauma-inducing circumstances at home. Through much effort, the activists found a certified foster home willing to host her for a year. Within that year (with the unconditional support of the activists), Miss A had transitioned in to a resilient, self-sufficient young lady. Today, she is graduate of an Ivy League University and a viable, productive citizen.
The group of women who helped Miss A soon found themselves inundated with calls. Each call was harrowing. One girl had been sleeping on a park bench. Although her case was being monitored by an ACS agency, no solution was found to her homelessness. One night she was assaulted, ending up in the hospital. When it came time for her release, her mother refused to pick her up. A cousin picked her up and called for help. Another girl got on a bus and announced, "I have nowhere to go – please someone let me stay by you." Another young lady, with severe learning disabilities, was simply told by her parents (when she was 19) she could no longer live at home because she was "embarrassing" them.
Each one of these girls needed a roof over her head, a safe place to stay until she could sort out the issues which led to her homelessness and address those issues. Each one could be transitioned into stability.
This is the mission of Imeinu's Rachel's Place.