FULFILLING THEIR DREAMS
A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
This past year has been one of unimaginable trials for our children. In Romania, TiKVA’s children and alumni displace far from home struggle to rebuild their lives, carrying with them the profound weight of emotional and psychological wounds. In Odessa, they have faced the terrifying reality of bombings and relentless drone attacks shattering their innocence and sense of safety. No child should ever have to endure such horrors, yet they confronted it with a courage that humbles us all.
Our mission is clear as we stand at this pivotal moment: to bring healing, stability, and hope to our children and alumni. We pray and look forward to the end of the wars in Israel and Ukraine. Then, we will begin the critical work of resettling.
TiKVA will support alumni seeking to create a new home and build a community in Israel. TiKVA will also be there for those returning to Ukraine to rebuild their lives amid a war-torn landscape. Additionally, we anticipate a heartbreaking but urgent reality the significant need to care for war orphans whose lives have been irrevocably changed by these conflicts.
s unwavering: to rebuild Jewish life in Odessa, restore hope, and ensure that pportunity for a better tomorrow.
er 2025. We hold onto hope hope that this will be a year of peace and
friends, supporters, and family. Your generosity has been our lifeline in n bring light to the darkest of times and build a future filled with promise,
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
As I reflect on this past year, I am filled with immense pride and profound gratitude for the resilience and courage of the TiKVA community. In a year marked by unprecedented challenges from the devastating impacts of war in Ukraine to the ongoing struggles of integration in Israel TiKVA has stood as a beacon of hope for so many in need.
My personal journey with TiKVA is deeply rooted in the values of service, compassion, and dedication. I grew up understanding the power of community and the importance of giving back. Over the years, I have been privileged to witness TiKVA transform thousands of lives through its holistic programs that address education, mental health, and basic survival needs. Beyond that, TiKVA offers something even more profound a sense of belonging, purpose, and hope.
This year, we have seen children thrive in the face of unimaginable adversity. We’ve witnessed lone soldiers in Israel find support and community through TiKVA’s programs, and we’ve welcomed hundreds of families in Romania who have lost everything but still dream of rebuilding their lives. These stories are testaments to the extraordinary work we accomplish together.
As Chairman, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you who has supported TiKVA’s mission. Your generosity has enabled us to persevere in times of crisis and create opportunities for a brighter future. Together, we are not just rebuilding homes and schools; we are restoring hope and dignity to those who need it most.
L t ti this vital work together, ensuring that every child, every family, and every life touched by TiKVA has hrive.
nkel an, TiKVA Children’s Home
PROGRAMS & HIGHLIGHTS
TiKVA’s programs and highlights for 2024 emphasize the organization’s extraordinary ability to adapt and respond to the profound challenges faced by those most vulnerable. Across three countries, including two war zones, TiKVA has implemented innovative solutions to address the urgent needs created by war, displacement, and poverty while fostering resilience and long-term stability. Each initiative exemplifies our inclusive approach to care, weaving together education, food, mental health, housing, and cultural enrichment. In the following sections, we delve into TiKVA’s transformative work in Ukraine, Romania, and Israel, illuminating the strength of the communities we serve and the far-reaching impact of your support.
PROVIDING SAFE HAVEN & STABILITY
IN ROMANIA
In the aftermath of displacement and uncertainty, Bucharest has become a haven for 1,066 orphans and war refugees seeking safety and stability. TiKVA’s programs in Romania are a testament to the organization’s ability to provide more than just temporary solutions. By offering essential necessities, such as housing, education, mental health services, and pathways to employment, TiKVA creates a foundation for recovery and renewal. This section highlights the profound impact TiKVA has made in Bucharest, transforming despair into hope and uncertainty into opportunity.
TiKVA houses refugee families within 230 furnished apartments in a secure residential complex. Each unit provides refugee families with private living spaces designed to ensure safety, comfort, and dignity.
SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
We provide secure and stable housing for 1,066 individuals, including orphans and alumni refugees in Bucharest, providing a vital lifeline to families escaping conflict and devastation. These accommodations include 230 furnished apartments within a residential complex. Each unit offers refugee families private living spaces emphasizing safety, comfort, and dignity. These homes are more than just shelters they serve as places of healing where families can begin to rebuild their lives in an environment that nurtures security and hope.
We have converted the administrative building into living quarters to house 237 orphans, with separate floors allocated for girls, boys, and infants. TiKVA has also acquired new community sites to include a synagogue, general storage for dry goods, an indoor recreational area, kitchens for dairy and meat, and cooler rooms, which have eliminated the need for expensive refrigeration trucks.
The communal areas within the complex encourage interactions and foster a sense of belonging, helping to rebuild the social fabric disrupted by displacement. In addition to these accommodations, TiKVA also offers emergency housing solutions for newly arrived refugees. These facilities come equipped with essentials such as bedding, hygiene kits, and food supplies, ensuring that no family is left unsupported during crucial moments of transition.
TiKVA’s housing initiatives extend beyond simply providing physical shelter; they also address the psychological and emotional needs of orphans and displaced alum families. By creating environments that combine practicality with comfort, TiKVA helps families regain a sense of stability, allowing them to focus on healing and planning for a brighter future. Our holistic approach reflects our commitment to restoring dignity and hope for those who have lost everything.
TRAUMA-INFORMED EDUCATION
TiKVA offers adapted schooling for 452 children in Bucharest. These schools aim to educate and heal, incorporating trauma-informed curricula that tackle the unique psychological challenges faced by children displaced by war. Each classroom is staffed with teachers trained in emotional support, ensuring every child feels seen and valued.
The education program combines academic rigor with social-emotional learning to help rebuild the confidence of children who have experienced profound loss and instability. Romanian language courses are included in the curriculum to facilitate integration into the host country, while Hebrew and Jewish studies reinforce a strong connection to the children’s heritage. Extracurricular activities such as music, drama, and sports further support emotional expression and foster a sense of community among peers. Dimitry, a 9th-grade student, shared, "School has become my safe place it’s where I feel I can dream again." Our approach ensures that education focuses not only on academic achievement but also on nurturing hope and resilience in the next generation.
"School has become my safe place it’s where I feel like I can dream again."
COMPREHENSIVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Trauma counseling services include individual therapy, group support sessions, and specialized workshops focusing on resilience, stress management, and healing from trauma. TiKVA’s trauma-informed care framework serves individuals of all ages, providing personalized interventions that address the unique needs of children, adolescents, and adults. Children participate in expressive therapies like art, music, and play therapy to help them process feelings of fear, anxiety, and loss. These sessions also incorporate storytelling activities that enable younger children to express their emotions in creative and nonverbal ways, promoting a sense of safety and understanding.
Specialized peer support groups create an environment where teenagers can openly share their experiences, forge connections, and develop coping strategies. These groups are led by trained TiKVA facilitators who ensure a safe and supportive space while fostering resilience and mutual encouragement. Adolescents also have access to targeted workshops that focus on life skills, emotional regulation, and navigating the challenges of displacement.
"TIKVA’S SUPPORT HAS HELPED US DISCOVER OUR STRENGTH AS A FAMILY, GIVING US THE TOOLS TO FACE EACH DAY WITH HOPE."
To further broaden our reach, we integrate mindfulness and relaxation techniques into our programs, equipping both children and adults with practical tools to manage ongoing stress and anxiety. Family-focused counseling sessions are designed to rebuild trust and communication within households, emphasizing the importance of collective healing. Marina, a parent of two children under ten, shared, "TiKVA’s support has helped us discover our strength as a family, giving us the tools to face each day with hope."
Family-focused counseling sessions aim to strengthen family bonds, enhance communication, and support collective healing, laying a foundation for long-term recovery. These sessions often involve activities that promote collaboration and understanding among family members, helping them rebuild trust and emotional resilience after the turmoil of displacement and war.
These comprehensive mental health services address not only the immediate psychological scars of war and displacement but also establish a foundation for longterm emotional recovery and resilience, ensuring that everyone in our care feels supported on their healing journey.
KOSHER MEALS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Refugees benefit from daily kosher meals that provide essential nutrition and a deep sense of cultural continuity, anchoring families in their traditions during periods of displacement and uncertainty. More than 1,855 meals are prepared and served each day, necessitating a substantial logistical effort that entails sourcing high-quality ingredients, upholding strict kosher standards, and coordinating a committed team of staff and volunteers.
These meals go far beyond nourishment they serve as daily reminders of care and community, offering a beacon of stability for families facing the dual burdens of trauma and displacement. For elderly refugees, these meals often represent their primary source of sustenance, delivered directly to their homes to ensure they remain connected and cared for. Families gather at shared mealtimes in community spaces, fostering moments of connection and restoring a sense of normalcy amidst upheaval.
Integration initiatives, such as language lessons, cultural exchange activities, and volunteer opportunities, further enhance this program's impact. These efforts empower refugees to engage with their new communities while preserving their heritage, helping them regain confidence and a sense of agency.
Through these combined services, TiKVA nourishes the body and uplifts the spirit, providing the foundation for families to rebuild and thrive.
PATHWAYS TO EMPLOYMENT AND
ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE
We recognize that dignity stems from self-sufficiency, so we offer tailored employment programs aimed at rebuilding livelihoods, hope, and self-confidence. These initiatives include intensive language and communication skills training to help participants overcome barriers in their new environments. Professional development workshops, designed to align with individual strengths, range from resume building and interview preparation to skill-specific training in trades, technology, and administration.
We offer childcare support for parents, allowing them to pursue careers or participate in training programs without interruption. Collaborations with local businesses and international organizations have created on-the-job training opportunities, resulting in direct employment placements. One success story features Olga, a mother of two and a refugee from Odessa. She completed a TiKVA-sponsored digital marketing course and now works for a global tech company while independently supporting her family.
Through these extensive efforts, we empower refugees to transition from crisis to stability, equipping them with the necessary tools to thrive in new and challenging circumstances. TiKVA helps families regain their footing and rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose by fostering economic independence.
RESILIENCE & RECOVERY
In the heart of the ongoing war, Odessa remains a city under siege. Despite the destruction and daily threats, TiKVA has stood as a beacon of hope and resilience for the vulnerable. The following sections highlight how our programs in Ukraine are providing food, education, mental health support, and additional critical resources, such as generators, to children and families facing unimaginable hardships. Through unwavering commitment and adaptive strategies, we continue to ensure that those most affected by the conflict receive the care and stability they need to persevere.
ELDERLY SERVED IN OUR CARE
NEW ORPHANS TAKEN IN
WEEKLY HOT MEALS SERVED
CHILDREN ATTENDING OUR SCHOOL IN ODESSA
MEALS ON WHEELS DISTRIBUTED MONTHLY
On days without bombings, over 200 students at TiKVA schools in Odessa receive daily take-home hot kosher meals for their families.
EDUCATION
EMERGENCY MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
TiKVA’s comprehensive trauma-informed care addresses the deep psychological scars left by war, displacement, and ongoing insecurity. These services include various evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), art therapy, and trauma-focused group interventions. For children, specialized activities like play therapy, music therapy, and storytelling create safe environments where they can process feelings of fear and loss.
These sessions are crucial for children who have witnessed violence or experienced displacement, helping them regain trust and emotional stability.
TiKVA has also launched innovative mobile therapy units that deliver immediate psychological first aid to families in remote or heavily affected conflict zones. These mobile units, staffed by trained therapists and social workers, offer on-the-spot counseling, distribute resources like stress-relief kits, and connect families with ongoing support systems.
For adults, we offer individual trauma counseling to address complex emotional wounds such as grief, anxiety, and depression. Group therapy sessions create a sense of solidarity and community healing, promoting peer connections and mutual support. Additionally, workshops focused on resilience-building, mindfulness techniques, and practical coping strategies empower individuals to navigate their challenges and rebuild their lives amid ongoing crises.
This holistic approach addresses immediate psychological needs and equips individuals with the tools to thrive in the long term, ensuring that hope and resilience remain at the heart of TiKVA’s mission.
TiKVA provides crucial therapy sessions to help displaced children regain trust and stability, alongside a number of mobile units delivering psychological first aid to families in conflict zones.
FOOD SECURITY AND ESSENTIAL AID
TiKVA distributes over 18,900 monthly food packages to vulnerable families, disabled, and elderly community members despite the war disrupting supply chains and infrastructure. These packages are carefully prepared to meet nutritional needs, including fresh produce, staples like rice, flour, and legumes, and kosher-specific items to adhere to dietary laws. Each package is thoughtfully tailored to address the dietary and cultural needs of the recipients, ensuring that families not only receive nourishment but also feel a sense of dignity and respect.
In addition to monthly food packages, we operate a Meals-on-Wheels program that serves over 1,200 Holocaust survivors and elderly individuals daily. This program provides them with hot meals, companionship, and a vital connection to the community. For many of these individuals, TiKVA is their only source of sustenance and social interaction, underscoring the critical role this program plays in addressing physical and emotional well-being.
Despite ongoing challenges such as inflation, transportation disruptions, and safety concerns in conflict zones, TiKVA’s dedicated logistics team ensures that food reaches even the most isolated and vulnerable households. Collaborating with local suppliers and international aid organizations has helped sustain these efforts, guaranteeing that no one is left behind. This commitment to food security is not just about preventing hunger it is about restoring hope and humanity to those living in the most difficult circumstances.
community daily
food packages and meals.
TiKVA serves over Holocaust survivors and elderly individuals in our
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REBUILDING LIVES AND FOSTERING RESILIENCE
Israel serves as both a refuge and a new beginning for many of TiKVA’s beneficiaries. Here, the organization supports alumni and their families in building meaningful lives while preserving their cultural identity. After October 7th, TiKVA expanded its outreach to include families displaced by conflicts in Israel’s North and South, providing immediate and long-term support tailored to their needs. From assisting lone soldiers to integrating Ukrainian refugees and helping uprooted families find stability, our programs in Israel exemplify resilience, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to transforming lives.
TIKVA ISRAEL STUDENT CENTER -
SUPPORTING YOUNG IMMIGRANTS
Serving over 1,100 olim, this vibrant community hub has been a cornerstone of TiKVA’s support for young immigrants since its founding in 2007. It offers a holistic approach to integration, blending academic support, emotional counseling, and cultural education. Tailored Hebrew language instruction and workshops on Israeli culture ease adaptation and foster a strong sense of belonging and identity
Our career guidance programs at the center aim to equip participants with practical tools and the confidence needed to succeed both personally and professionally. These programs include resume-writing workshops, mock interviews, and mentorship opportunities that connect young adults with industry leaders.
One inspirational success story is that of 32-year-old Oksana, who secured a prestigious position at a leading Israeli tech firm after completing intensive vocational training and receiving personalized mentoring at the center Her journey exemplifies the transformative impact of TiKVA’s dedicated support in helping olim realize their potential and make meaningful contributions to Israeli society.
32-year-old TiKVA alumni, Oksana, successfully secured a prestigious position at a leading Israeli tech firm after completing intensive vocational training and receiving personalized mentoring at our center.
SUPPORTING LONE SOLDIERS IN THE IDF
TiKVA provides essential support for 259 alumni serving as lone soldiers in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), many of whom are former . TiKVA residents or refugees from Ukraine. These individuals often face immense physical and emotional challenges, navigating military life without the security of nearby family. TiKVA steps in to bridge this gap, offering a wide range of resources to ensure these soldiers feel valued and supported.
This includes emotional support through counseling and mentorship programs specifically designed for the unique pressures of military service. During holidays, we deliver care packages filled with necessities and personal touches to remind these young soldiers that they are not alone Housing is also provided during their leave, offering a safe and welcoming environment where they can rest and recharge. Communal meals and holiday gatherings further foster a sense of belonging, creating a familial atmosphere even in the absence of biological relatives. Alexander, a lone soldier in the Combat Engineering Corps, shared, "TiKVA became my home away from home. Their support gave me the strength to serve with pride, knowing I had people who genuinely cared about my well-being." By addressing lone soldiers' practical and emotional needs, we ensure that these courageous individuals can navigate their service with resilience and dignity while preparing for a successful transition to civilian life
of TiKVA’s graduates are serving in the IDF and in the reserves
INTEGRATION AND SUPPORT FOR UKRAINIAN
REFUGEES
We provide our services to 109 TiKVA olim who made Aliyah since October 7, 2023, offering a lifeline of tailored programs designed to help them rebuild their lives and integrate into society. These services include comprehensive Hebrew language courses to ease daily communication challenges and cultural adaptation workshops that assist refugees in navigating the nuances of Israeli life. From understanding local customs to accessing public services, these workshops deliver invaluable guidance for newcomers.
TiKVA helps families and individuals navigate bureaucratic obstacles, such as obtaining residency permits, enrolling children in schools, and accessing healthcare services. We also connect refugees with sustainable job opportunities through placement programs and vocational training, empowering them to achieve financial independence. Mentorship programs further support this transition by pairing refugees with seasoned professionals who guide them in career development and personal growth.
Tatiana, a refugee and single mother from Odessa, shared, "TiKVA gave me more than just a fresh start; it gave me hope for my children’s future. They helped us find a home, learn the language, and believe in ourselves again."
Through these thorough and compassionate efforts, TiKVA ensures that refugees not only survive but also thrive, rebuilding their lives with dignity, purpose, and a renewed sense of belonging.
"TIKVA GAVE ME MORE THAN A FRESH START; IT GAVE ME HOPE FOR MY CHILDREN’S FUTURE. THEY HELPED US FIND A HOME, LEARN THE LANGUAGE, AND BELIEVE IN OURSELVES AGAIN."
SUPPORT FOR DISPLACED FAMILIES
In response to escalating conflicts, we have provided vital support to families displaced from both Northern and Southern Israel. These families, forced to leave their homes and communities, have found a compassionate ally in TiKVA. We have offered emergency housing, access to healthcare, and assistance with enrolling children in schools to ensure stability and continuity during this crisis. Additionally, we have provided essential resources such as food, clothing, and household items to help displaced families rebuild their lives. Support groups and counseling services have been established to address the emotional toll of displacement, ensuring that families feel supported as they navigate this difficult transition.
EMPLOYMENT & CAREER
DEVELOPMENT
INITIATIVES
TiKVA’s employment programs are transformative pathways to independence and dignity for refugees rebuilding their lives in a new homeland. These programs integrate intensive language classes to address communication barriers, vocational training tailored to market demands, and mentorship programs that pair participants with seasoned professionals in their fields of interest. The goal is to equip refugees with skills and foster long-term economic stability and self-reliance.
Our partnerships with local businesses and international organizations create on-the-job training opportunities, often resulting in direct employment placements. For instance, Oleg, a father of three who evacuated from Ukraine, completed a TiKVAsponsored construction management course and now supervises housing projects in Israel. We ensure that parents, especially mothers, can engage in these initiatives without compromising family responsibilities by offering access to childcare support.
Through these efforts, TiKVA empowers participants to transition from crisis to career, transforming lives and contributing to their host communities. The success of these programs is evident in the increasing number of refugees who have not only attained financial independence but have also become active contributors to the economy and society at large. TIKVA
IMPACT IN NUMBERS:
A YEAR OF GROWTH
& CHANGE
Daily Kosher
Children Rescued Since Inception:
Behind every statistic lies a story of resilience, recovery, and renewal. TiKVA’s data and metrics for 2024 provide a quantitative glimpse into the profound impact of its work. These numbers are not merely figures they represent transformed lives, rebuilt communities, and hope restored in the face of adversity.
Meals Provided: 4,100 across Odessa and Bucharest.
Over 2,640 lives saved from dire circumstances.
Refugees
Supported in Bucharest: 1,066 total, including 452 children in adapted schooling programs.
Meettheorphans whosestorywe’ve transformed–TOGETHER...
Expanded to address the needs of 354 children and 282 adults across two countries. Mental Health Services:
Educational Outreach: 216 children served in Odessa’s schools.
ACCOUNTABILITY IN ACTION: FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
TiKVA’s 2024 investments are transforming lives across three countries, including two war zones, by addressing the urgent needs of displaced families, the Jewish community of Odessa, and olim in Israel.
Your support fuels TiKVA’s unwavering mission to provide safety, dignity, and opportunity, proving that hope and renewal are possible even in the darkest moments.
TOTAL EXPENDITURE FOR 2024
TOTAL EXPENDITURE FOR 2024
BUCHAREST PROGRAMS
$13MM
ODESSAPROGRAMS
$3.7MM
allocated for essential services, including food distribution, extensive mental health support, educational programs, and employment programs designed to assist families in rebuilding their lives amid conflict.
invested in safe housing, food, tailored education, trauma counseling, and emergency relief, ensuring stability and dignity for orphans and refugee families during displacement.
ISRAELPROGRAMS
$1.3MM
allocated to support lone soldiers, provide Aliyah assistance for Ukrainian alumni and refugees, organize programming such as Shabbatons and holidays, and offer tailored education and career pathways for young olim and displaced families.
*Detailed financial statements, including program-specific breakdowns and operational expenses, are available upon request to ensure transparency and accountability.
OUR SUPPORTERS DONORS AND PARTNERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
At the heart of TiKVA’s mission is you our incredible community of 3,038 donors and philanthropic partners in 2024 whose generosity enables everything we do. Because of you, children have safe shelter, warm meals, and access to education, and refugees find stability, independence, and hope for a brighter future.
Your impact reaches far beyond the immediate. You uplift communities, transform lives, and inspire resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges. Together, we’re not just providing aid — we’re building a future filled with possibility.
From all of us at TiKVA, thank you for being part of this journey. Your support isn’t just changing lives —it’s saving them!
LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE
EDWARD FRANKEL | CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
PHIL GROSS | VICE PRESIDENT
REFAEL KRUSKAL | CEO/VICE PRESIDENT
JEREMY POSEN | CFO
ELLIOT SCHNIER | VICE PRESIDENT
ANDREW J. STAMELMAN | SECRETARY
EFFY ZINKIN | VICE PRESIDENT
LORI DONZA | TREASURER
RABBI SHLOMO BAKSHT
EUGENE FERSHTEYN
YANINA FLEYSHER
LEAH FRANKEL
KEITH FRANKEL
ROSE GERSZBERG
JONATHAN GERSZBERG
MOREY GOLDBERG
CARLA HARMAN
RUSS KRIVOR
OLEG LANGBORT
SHERYL LIPMAN
STEVE POZNAK
MIRYAM REINITZ-KOPS
SCOTT ROSE
SANDRA SHOLL
WARREN STIEGLITZ
YANNA BEGELMAN | DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
LORI DONZA | TREASURER
KRISTA HUDSON | DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
REFAEL KRUSKAL | CEO
JEREMY POSEN | CFO
ARIELLE SETTON | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ROMANIA, BUCHAREST
MICHAEL BRODMAN | INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
YURIY KOLESNICHENKO | DIRECTOR OF BOYS HOMES
RABBI ARYE ROV | DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
ELENA SHALAY | DIRECTOR OF GIRLS AND INFANTS HOMES
UKRAINE, ODESSA
LILIYA KALINCHUK | DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
JULIA MIRZA | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PROGRAMMING
ISRAEL
BENZI FEIST | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
LOOKING AHEAD STRATEGIC VISION FOR 2025
TiKVA’s unwavering mission is to transform lives and build resilience for vulnerable communities. Guided by our vision of renewal, our 2025 strategic roadmap emphasizes creating impactful, sustainable change by addressing immediate needs and long-term challenges.
REBUILDING JEWISH LIFE IN ODESSA
STRENGTHENING REFUGEE SUPPORT IN ROMANIA
CONTINUING OUR OUTREACH IN ISRAEL
THANK YOU!
TiKVA is more than a lifeline; it signifies a promise of hope, dignity, and opportunity for war orphans, olim, and displaced families facing extraordinary challenges. With our goals for 2025, we are creating a future of resilience and renewal for thousands, ensuring that every individual we serve is supported, empowered, and never left behind.
Together, we are restoring hope, rebuilding lives, and creating brighter futures for TiKVA’s children. Thank you for being an essential part of our family.
