Goal  To develop a full range of services for children and adults with handicaps (mental, physical or developmental) that are accessible either locally or at most, within a regional framework.  To establish regional organizations that can continue in the development of services for special-needs populations.

Overview In peripheral areas, where members of special-needs populations reside across a large region and there is no critical mass in any one location, the Foundation believes that the establishment of regional service offers the best solution to the lack of urgently-needed frameworks. Our strategy has been to provide start-up funds to local non-profit organizations; these funds serve as a catalyst for the development of a continuum of community-based services for handicapped adults and children. By pooling resources with local and national government agencies as well as the non-profit sector and other funding partners, it has been possible to address the needs of each region systematically and efficiently. Taking part in challenging sports at the Cochav Center in Ma'alot

Regional Operators Gvanim – Sderot and surrounding area (approximately 2,800 handicapped) Operating 32 programs, including: *School for severely mentally retarded children in Sderot *Sheltered home for mentally handicapped in Sderot *Sheltered workshop for mentally ill adults in Ashkelon *Afternoon social club for children with physical disabilities in Sderot *Programs for blind and visually impaired elderly, adults and children from the region Mercaz Cochav – Ma’a lot and the western Galil (approximately 3,000 handicapped) Operating 30 programs including: *Weekend respite program for physically handicapped children in Ma'alot *Construction of hostel for mentally retarded in Kfar Vradim *Multi-purpose center for mentally retarded in Carmiel *Sheltered workshop for mentally ill in Acre Yahdav – Be’er Sheva and the southern region (approximately 25,000 handicapped) Operating 21 programs, including: * Sheltered housing for mildly retarded adults in two training apartments in Be'er Sheva,and for retarded adults in Ofakim * Sheltered workshops for mentally ill young adults in Dimona, including assistance to find work within the community * Sports center for visually- and hearing-impaired in Be'er Sheva * Rehabilitative workplace for mentally retarded adults in Be'er Sheva and Dimona

Selected programs in more detail Sheltered Home for Mentally Handicapped Adults

Sacta-Rashi's Involvement  Concept and initiation of program  Seed funding for programs  Ongoing operating costs