- Kfar Bialik, Haifa District, Israel
Ahava was established by Beate Berger in 1922 as an orphanage for Jewish children in Berlin. With the increase of the Nazi threat in 1933, Berger transferred Ahava to Kefar Bialik, Israel, in order to save the children from the holocaust. Since then, for 95 years, Ahava has been taking care of children and their families with moderate to severe socio-economic backgrounds.WHAT WE DOAhava non-profit responds to the needs of 250 children at risk who experience physical, sexual, verbal abuse and neglection, whose families come from north to central Israel and are not functioning properly. The children are sent to Ahava by the recommendation of the Ministry of Welfare, or according to a court order. In light of the situation in their homes, they suffer from emotional disorders, behavioral disorders and are defined as "special education" children. HOW WE DO ITThe home care units provide our children a with a calming, therapeutic environment with clear boundaries, enabling rehabilitation and healing of developmental processes that were hindered or disrupted due to inadequate life conditions. Each home care unit serves as a model of a proper home for the children, while a couple of parents function as instructors who answer every physical and emotional need of the children. OUR MISSIONOur vision and mission is to help children from these families grow up in a pleasant environment that simulates a home, to receive values and tools that will help them to live independently, to break the cycle of distress and to live as an inseparable part of Israeli society.HOW CAN YOU HELP THE CHILDRENThe organization is funded by the government, but the current funds are insufficient in order to operate therapy, education and social programs beyond the framework of current financing. Therefore, Ahava seeks to execute these programs through funds and support.