This unique set of programs which is designed to advance impoverished and poorly-integrated families is reaching and assisting some 1,250 families across Northern Israel.

Well Families and Empowerment Centers

The Well Families national pilot scheme ("Noshmim Lirvacha") was launched by the Ministry of Social Affairs together with JDC-Israel and the Rashi Foundation in April 2015 in 95 towns across the country. Northern Goals was selected to run the program in the North, for approximately 5,500 people in 61 localities. The goal of the program is to improve the situation of families living in poverty, and create social mobility for them by means of:

• Improving abilities and exercising rights
• Finding or upgrading employment
• Improving domestic financial management skills
• Improving the family's ability to function independently, reducing their dependence on welfare services
• Expanding connection with community support systems and encouraging belonging and contribution to the community

The program's target group is families who are coping with financial distress and social exclusion, along with various obstacles and difficulties in dealing with service-providers and institutions, and who are willing to embark on a process of change and improvement. The families are assisted by a social worker and family escort, who together provide a flexible and holistic response the family's needs.

Alongside this program, the Ministry has set up Empowerment Centers ("Merkaz Otzma") that focus on complementary services for participating families, as well as for other local residents that are dealing with financial hardship. These services include workshops and group and individual sessions on relevant topics, such as preparing for work, citizens' rights and financial guidance.

The Get-Together (Mifgash) Program

This program impacts families by guiding and supporting parents in their critical parenting roles. It also emphasizes aspects of community and social engagement that shape these families. We are reaching 50 families in 3 northern towns through this program.

Employment

Northern Goals is working with the Koret Foundation in this program which provides help and guidance to women entrepreneurs in launching or expanding their business. The assistance is in the form of microfinance (loans) which are reaching some 125 women business owners in the towns of Tzfat, Hatzor Haglilit and Merom Hagalil regional council.

For more information, please contact:

• Email: nurita@yeadim.org

  Phone: 04-9027700