How does Beit Yossi give hope to young, vulnerable lives?
For children living in crisis and distress, Beit Yossi gives them the physical and emotional support they need to cope each day. 50-60 children come to Beit Yossi every day after school and receive two hot meals, academic tutoring and individual therapy ranging from art and animal therapy to self-defence.
Beit Yossi also works with the whole family to improve relations and transform their current situation. Each family is assigned a social worker and every mother attends a weekly group therapy session as well as individual and couples therapy if required. The team at Beit Yossi work hard to understand each family’s dynamic and needs, identify how best to rehabilitate them, and assist them with future planning and financial security. They help fight addictions, secure employment and break negative cycles of violence and abuse.
For the families they support, Beit Yossi is the catalyst to a brighter, happier, successful future with 85% of parents securing employment and 80% able to come off welfare support.
Every story matters
MEET DEENA
After divorcing her abusive husband, Deena was left as the main provider for her children. With finances severely strained and her 7-year-old son, David, exhibiting very violent behaviour, Deena moved to Ashdod to live with her mother.
The situation didn’t improve and in September 2021, through the Welfare Department, Deena’s family joined Beit Yossi’s programme. The team at Beit Yossi assessed the needs of the family and found that David was struggling at school, had severe social anxiety and was quite isolated. David started coming to Beit Yossi every day after school for a hot meal, various therapies and individual tutoring. Deena also attended regularly and began rebuilding her life with the help of individual and group therapy.
Two years later, the family are in a very different place. Deena now has a job, has moved into her own apartment and receives the extra help of a large food basket, twice a month. The Beit Yossi social worker visits the family often to ensure the children are progressing well and that Deena is providing a stable home life as she strives to become completely independent.
Deena said: “When I joined Beit Yossi, life was too hard, and I wanted to give up. Beit Yossi gave me the strength to care for my children, find a job, and have a place for them to call home. Beit Yossi gave me my life back and are helping me make that life something that my children and I can be proud of.”
