Around 300 children and youth from the ages of 3 to 18 receive services through Ahava Programs. For them, we are their “home away from home”.
The children are referred to us after removal from their homes by social services.
Most of our children face emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges.
They come from diverse backgrounds and remain with us for varying lengths of time, depending on the needs of each child and their family.
Regardless of each child’s unique circumstances, they are bound by the unspoken unity that arises when you have faced great challenges – a truth only their peers can fully appreciate. As they walk this journey side by side, the friendships and memories formed at Ahava blossom into a resilient, lifelong support network that accompanies them long after they leave our walls.
At the start of their journey our children feel distrustful of others, of themselves and of their own abilities.
We strive to create for them a home-like, safe, encouraging and supportive environment in all aspects of their lives. We approach this responsibility with heartfelt sincerity which allows us to build a foundation of trust with each child, and this trust allows them to open up, express themselves, and excel.
Scattered throughout our village are playgrounds, sports and recreational facilities, gardens, a petting zoo, horse stables, music rooms and spaces for other extracurricular activities, a school, a health clinic and more.
The physical and ideological structure of the village allows each child to choose meaningful figures who provide an anchor for them. In addition, this bond and connection invites varied spheres of connection– starting with the family home care unit, the enrichment activities, the therapeutic groups, and above all- belonging to a strong and enveloping community.
At the same time, we encourage meaningful, ongoing connections between our children and their biological families whenever possible. While we remain a sturdy pillar throughout their emotional development, our ultimate hope is for family reunification when it is in the child’s best interest. We work closely with professionals who assess and offer recommendations, as well as follow the guidance of the Ministry of Welfare, to determine the most appropriate path for each child based on their individual needs and circumstances.
We tailor our care to be comprehensive and suited to each child.
No child is left behind and we provide each one with limitless opportunity to grow, heal, and thrive.