How does Crossroads help homeless young people forge a healthy and successful life?
It will probably come as a surprise to learn that there are hundreds of English-speaking teens living on the streets of Jerusalem. All too often this vulnerable group are mistakenly stereotyped as being part of a wealthy and integrated immigrant community. Left to fend for themselves, they struggle with poverty, addiction, isolation, and neglect.
In 2001, Crossroads was created specifically to help these young people. At night, Crossroads’ team of social workers and volunteers approach youth on the streets. For the first time, these teens discover there are people wanting to help them, and they are offered both immediate assistance and long-term services. Many of them initially struggle to accept help but the Crossroads’ team develop bonds of trust until they feel ready to take their first steps to leaving the streets behind forever.
At the Crossroads Centre, they find the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives. They receive access to safe shelter, counselling, and a host of recreational activities. They engage in expressive art programmes ranging from creative writing to cooking and martial arts, all designed to provide the teens with a safe space to explore their feelings. And they take part in study and employment opportunities tailored to support their individual needs and develop healthy friendships and a positive outlook.
Crossroads’ teens leave the centre confident, happy, and ready to make a success of their lives.
Every story matters
MEET MILA
17-year-old Mila had a very turbulent relationship with her parents and after a serious of fallouts, left home with nowhere to go. Her situation spiralled quickly and when Crossroads found her on the streets of Jerusalem, she expressed suicidal thoughts and wasn’t willing to engage with Crossroad’s team. But Crossroads’ social workers didn’t give up. They returned each night, ready to listen…until Mila finally relented and started coming regularly to Crossroads’ Centre. Through a mixture of therapy and social activities, Mila found her emotional state improving and Crossroads was even able to reconnect her with her family and help their relationship slowly heal.
Today, Mila is in a much healthier place. Crossroads has helped her find an apartment and secure a job. She has even joined Crossroads’ Leadership programme which is testament to how far she has come.
