Young Women at-Risk Contribute to the Country
Over the past decade Bat-Ami has shepherded over 1,000 young women from at-risk background through the program and thus enabled them to increase their self-esteem and sense of personal empowerment and competence, as well as to provide them with the skills and tools they need for personal growth and to motivate them to achieve meaningful goals in education and employment.
The program acts as a bridge into the world of work, studies and normative family life.
Program Activities
All program participants volunteer 32 hours/week in childcare centers, preschools, elementary and high schools, afterschool program for children/youth at-risk. They have all elected to volunteer despite their rejection from the Israel Defense Forces and mainstream sherut leumi programs. In addition to their volunteer work, each week they convene as a group with the coordinator for and 8 hr. enrichment day. This day includes group and individual counseling and problem-solving sessions, experiential activities and learning, all focused upon developing social skills, learning to assume responsibility, making informed decisions, and developing a personal vision for the future.
“Without the guidance of the coordinator I would never have persevered. There were periods when I didn’t want to stay with the program, but the coordinator was always there for me. She continued to call me, to meet with me, she showed genuine interest and concern, and this sustained me. She proved that someone really cared about me.” (G., program graduate)
Program Partners
The Authority for National Civilian Volunteer Service, the Ministry of Social Services, the Ministry of Education, the Hizdamnut fund, the Glencore Foundation, the Gruss Fund, the Matanel Foundation, the Friedberg Foundation – Beit Olot, the Hineni garin – Kiryat Gat, the Youth Centers, Tel Aviv University, the Sapir College, and private donors.
