Footsteps

Footsteps envisions a world in which all who choose to leave insular religious communities are able to live self-determined lives, have the resources to flourish and thrive within them, and are fully supported in achieving the educational and cultural acclimation necessary for a richly integrated life within mainstream society.

Footsteps is the only organization in North America providing comprehensive services to people who have left, or are contemplating leaving, their ultra-Orthodox communities as they embrace the challenge to redefine their identities. Based in New York City, Footsteps offers members peer and emotional support groups, education, and career programs, divorce and custody support, social events and celebrations, and referrals to partner organizations for additional resources. Since Footsteps began in 2003, we have served over 2,300 individuals as they work to define their own identities, build new connections and communities, and lead meaningful lives on their own terms.

Every year, hundreds of people from insular communities attempt to explore the wider world. Yet, too often, they’re told that leaving the community will lead only to a lifetime of failure and ruin.  At Footsteps, we know that’s not true.

Even when faced with tremendous hurdles — punitive reactions from family and friends, little if any secular education, a lack of experience with modern gender roles, and, in some cases, a limited command of English — they persevere and find their own paths.

With an emphasis on personal choice and agency, Footsteps provides a safe and stabilizing space as members are shifting from a world where every element of life was predetermined for them to a new world full of uncertainty and bursting with possibility.