Program Development

Dozens of State-funded programs in the areas of education, employment and national/military service exist for a variety of population sectors in Israel. However, up until a few years ago, no sector-specific programs existed for former Haredim with a focus on their particular talents and needs. Our goal is to create partnerships with academic and government institutions, as well as the IDF, to develop programs geared to meet the needs of former Haredim. Our dream is the recognition by the State and its institutions of former Haredim as a population sector requiring particular attention in creating programs but whose success percentage rate is high. Once the State recognizes the special needs and talents of this sector, its inclusion in programs will hopefully be automatic.

Our work in program development has focused on the creation of pre-academic programs in universities and colleges, a national service program, and working with IDF to ensure that former Haredi soldiers receive the right to study a profession, with full funding, during their army service, an invaluable benefit that is given to (current) Haredi soldiers. In the future, we hope to develop a unique employment placement program, with a particular focus on the hi-tech sector.

Our goal is to offer professional counseling adapted to the needs of each individual in the areas of higher education, military service, employment, life skills and legal advice, as well as psychological counseling and mentoring. Our dream is to ensure that every young person in our community receives the help s/he needs in order to fulfill his/her potential, whether via our services, public agencies or other organizations.

Every young person who comes to our center receives a package of assistance including personal guidance, courses and tutoring. In 2019, our package will expand to include a volunteer mentoring program (social/cultural and professional), psychological treatments and a full-time social worker in each center that will serve as a case manager for each individual, ensuring that they receive everything they need. In 2018, approximately 300 individuals received guidance and 150 participated in courses and workshops. We aim to raise that number by 30% each year in the next three years.