Dear partners,

In difficult times, dignity matters just as much as daily needs.

Over the past two years, unemployment and economic hardship have deeply affected families across the Bethlehem area. Many parents are no longer asking for comfort — they are simply asking for a chance to work to provide their daily bread.

Through your support and our local partnerships, we continue responding not only with relief but also with opportunities for more than 108 families.

Today, more than 108 individuals are employed in various workplaces, such as schools, universities, churches, factories, NGOs, special-needs centers, and elderly homes. These opportunities are helping fathers, mothers, and young adults regain stability and support their families with dignity.

Every job created provides not only a daily bread, but also enables:

• families to stay together,
• children to return to school with confidence,
• and individuals to rediscover purpose after months of uncertainty.

In addition to these employment initiatives, our Elderly Food Program continues to provide jobs for around 8 families, while also serving approximately 170 meals daily to the most vulnerable. What began as emergency assistance has become a source of income, purpose, and hope for many households.

We also continue to stand with families in Gaza through humanitarian support, hot meals, and essential assistance, believing that compassion and hope must continue even in the midst of ongoing hardship. (Let us not forget about Gaza)

We believe sustainable support changes lives far beyond one moment of relief.

Thank you for standing with us, praying with us, and helping us continue this mission of compassion, dignity, and restoration.

With gratitude,

Shireen Awwad Hilal

Outreach Department Director

Shepherd Society

P.S. Stay connected with us on social media to follow the stories, updates, and ongoing impact of your support.