How does Susan’s House bring solace and purpose through works of art?
Many vulnerable teenagers grow up without stable support systems, positive role models or safe spaces to process trauma and hardship. Since October 7th, the emotional strain on at-risk youth has intensified dramatically. Without intervention, many young people can easily fall through the cracks, struggling with isolation, low self-worth and a lack of direction for their future.
Founded in memory of artist Susan Kaplansky, Susan’s House uses the healing power of art to give vulnerable teens a renewed sense of purpose, confidence and belonging. Through creating beautiful glasswork, ceramics and jewellery, young people not only learn valuable artistic and vocational skills but also earn wages and experience the pride of seeing their work appreciated and purchased by others. Supported by artists, social workers and volunteers, Susan’s House provides a warm, nurturing environment where teenagers can rebuild self-belief, develop independence and begin imagining a brighter future.
Today, Susan’s House employs 110 at-risk youth aged 15 -18, and over the past two decades has helped more than 1,000 teenagers transform their lives. With the growing needs created by the war, the organisation is now working to expand its model into additional cities, particularly in Israel’s north and south, bringing vital emotional support, opportunity and healing to vulnerable populations who desperately need it.
Every story matters
MEET MICHAL
By the age of 10, Michal had already experienced significant trauma through the loss of her mother. Soon after, it became increasingly clear that her father was not able to look after their family alone and by the age of 16, Michal was living on the streets. The local welfare department referred Michal to Susan’s House.
“I couldn’t find any source of comfort or love and felt like if I died, no one would even know,” she explained. “And then I started working in the glass workshop at Susan’s House.”
Michal was not very proud of the first few pieces she created in the workshop and preferred for her pieces to be destroyed but her therapist thankfully decided otherwise.
“I couldn’t even fathom that someone would spend money to buy something I had created,” Michal said. “And then it suddenly happened, one afternoon, when I noticed a woman discovering my plate and bringing the plate to the front of the store to purchase it.”
Michal approached the woman with excitement, and some trepidation, to tell her that she was the artist.
“Seriously?”, the woman responded, “These are gorgeous! Now I will always remember your face whenever I use these plates in my home!”
That was the moment Michal began to feel like she was worthy- like she was no longer a nobody.
After her release from the army, Michal enrolled at a College of Education, where she recently graduated with a MA in Education and is aiming to work with children with special needs.
