Goal To allow mentally handicapped adults to lead independent lives in their own home.

Overview A sheltered home for mentally handicapped adults was set up in Sderot in 1998, initiated and operated by the Gvanim Association. The residence comprises two adjacent apartments, with four men in one, and four women in the other. With the support and assistance of professional staff (a coordinator and four counselors), the residents lead independent lives in the home, which contributes greatly to their rehabilitation and personal advancement within the community. During the morning, all the residents go out to work, some in the free market and some in rehabilitative frameworks. In the afternoon they attend a social club or spend time at home.

The success of the sheltered home led to the idea of expanding it, both in order to increase the space and comfort of the apartments and to enable the inclusion of four more residents. True to the Gvanim approach, the residents – as primary beneficiaries of the project – have been full partners in the architectural planning and interior design of the extension. At present, the plans are complete and awaiting approval by the relevant official bodies, and 80% of the funding has been secured. Until the expansion project has been completed, the residents have moved to a temporary, more comfortable apartment.

Sacta-Rashi's Involvement Operating costs, as part of our Regional Services to the Handicapped