Helping Jewish couples conceive is only part of A TIME’s mission.
Orthodox rabbi Shaul Rosen knows all too well the emptiness associated with infertility. He and his wife Brany struggled to get pregnant almost three decades ago.
“We were alone. It was not a topic discussed even in the secular world and finding the right doctor to see was complicated. We would be given a doctor’s name only to find out he could not help us,” Rosen said.
He explained the experience inspired him to form his nonprofit A TIME, so that they could help others in their position. “One day, while on the train traveling to an appointment with a specialist, we made a promise that if we were helped, we would make sure there was one phone number people could call.”
Establishing A TIME
The initial goal of the New York-based non-profit was to make sure other people had access to information about physicians and their specialties.
“We fulfilled that promise in more ways than we ever thought possible,” said Rosen. “Today, our organization offers medical guidance, emotional support, educational events, and community awareness.”
Each person or couple who contacts the office receives individualized care.
“They are offered guidance regarding their specific medical situation, which insurance they have and what would make the most sense for them. They speak with a counselor who can follow their case and be with them for every step of their journey.”
Making a difference
With branches across the United States, Israel, the UK, and Belgium, A TIME coordinates resources for financial aid for costly fertility treatments. Emotional support ranges from an online forum, texting groups, a pregnancy loss support program and peer counseling.
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“The most common feeling is that of being a failure,” Rosen explained. “Many struggle with the idea that their bodies seem not to know how to do what everyone else seems to do so easily. Infertility brings with it a monthly reminder of that perceived failing. And that generates a great deal of sadness and pain.”
Offering hope at a critical time
“The journey to have a child is too difficult to do alone,” said Rosen.
“The strain it puts on a person’s physical and mental well-being cannot be overstated. The strain it puts on a relationship can be devastating. Having a place to turn to where you are understood and validated goes a long way to helping relieve that stress.”