SOCIAL SERVICES
Social Services
SUPPORT FOR STRUGGLING FAMILIES
In Or Yehuda, there are many poor families who struggle because of extremely limited economic means. The families receive great support from the municipal social services, but these services fail to encompass all these families’ needs. Members of Garin Torani choose to live within Israel's older and more difficult neighborhoods in order to achieve close relationships with these people. In this way they hope to be available to provide answers and solutions to the many difficulties as they arise.
Food Distribution
Members of Garin Torani partner with the State of Israel in distributing food to the needy. Every Wednesday, food packages are prepared for the poor of Or Yehuda, as well as for those outside the town. There are also major distributions which occur biannually, before the New Year and Passover holidays. We also provide Shabbat meals for families in need.
Family Support
The Institute of Family Living provides counseling, advice, and support for families in need, with a focus on financial management and budgeting. This is accomplished through workshops, study days and support groups.
'Warm Home' Kids' Program
The Department of Social Services refers fifteen children in grades two to five whose families cannot provide for their basic needs. We provide a range of support, from after-school care and homework help, to lunch and supper meals, to social and therapeutic intervention. In addition to the care and encouragement, we also ensure the children maintain close contact with parents. The goal is that the responsibility for raising and educating these children ultimately be returned to their parents.
'New Page' Kids' Program
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This program was set up for 30 pupils, Ethiopian and native Israeli alike. These are children who have not adequately mastered basic learning skills on the elementary school level. The children receive added study hours in the 3Rs, until the gap
is closed and they are able to hold their own for the upcoming stage. This is
done to ensure their chances of standing proudly for the acceptance exams
they must pass to qualify for good schools. The devoted staff of this program
includes a clinical psychologist, English and math teachers and two National
Service girls.
Oriya Child Care Facility
The Oriya ' care facility for children at risk, one of our main social activities, operates in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and local government. The recreational room operates six hours from Sunday through Thursday, taking care of 15 children from Ethiopia and other Israelis referred to us by the municipal Welfare Department. Children receive two hot meals, lunch and supper. In addition to this, they receive help in their school studies along with professional treatment by a social worker for both social and emotional problems. We also provide exciting extra-curricular activities such as dog training, arts and crafts and more.