Yaacov Zeev Graduates’ Home: A Helping Hand Towards Independence

In accordance with Ministry of Welfare guidelines, children can remain in Orr Shalom programs until the age of eighteen. As they reach this age, these youth, many of whom do not have homes to return to, are expected to become fully independent. Most normative Israeli youth gain a certain degree of independence at this age, as they go to the army and or to study, but unlike the youth from Orr Shalom, they are not expected to become fully financially and emotionally responsible upon reaching age eighteen and continue to receive support from their parents and family.   Many Orr Shalom graduates are not yet able to become fully independent, and they need a supportive framework at this time to ensure a successful transition to full financial and emotional independence.

The Yaacov Zeev Graduates’ Home responds to this need, helping up to 16 graduates at a time transition financially and emotionally into the adult world, and learn to care for themselves. With the help of the Home's director, social worker and two counselors, the graduates learn to manage their own finances and take care of their home and belongings. Each graduate has a program which teaches practical life-skills including how to shop smartly, prepare food for nourishing meals and seek work, as well as skills such as decision-making under pressure, personal relationships etc. Graduates who serve in the army spend up to three years in the apartment, while graduates who are not in the army stay for approximately two years.

The Yaacov Zeev Graduates' Home, situated in a large house in Kiryat Ono just outside Tel Aviv, was donated in memory of Yaacov Zeev Rusanow by the Lowy family from Sydney, Australia through Keren Hayesod.

Click on the following link to donate.