Kivunim: Urgent support needed in the face of the Iron Swords War

Kivunim, established in 2003, aims to create an equitable society for people with disabilities. Our main activity, the Life Preparatory Programs, focuses on instilling self-management skills tailored for community integration among young adults (18-30) with physical, sensory (hearing/vision) disabilities and ASD. These two-year programs serve as a transition from their parents' home to independent living. Beneficiaries reside in accessible apartments within the community while receiving training in various life aspects such as household management, living with roommates, health and financial management, leisure, and social involvement. We currently serve 130 beneficiaries from across the country in 45 training apartments in Nahariya and Haifa. For a short video, please click here. Emergency Preparedness of the Preparatory Programs for Independent Living The ongoing war in the South is now expanding to the northern front, where our training apartments are located, specifically those in Nahariya. Kivunim is considered a Vital and Essential Enterprise by the Ministry of Labor, and therefore continues to provide services that have been modified and enhanced to better address our beneficiaries' war-time needs. Our Preparatory Programs for Independent Living last only two years, which means we have limited time to train young adults, reduce functional gaps developed in their childhood, and prepare them to manage their lives independently. Therefore, any break in the program, even temporary, could lead beneficiaries back to their previous state of family dependence, which could become entrenched and reduce their motivation to return to the program and promote their independence following the current crisis. Consequently, it has become our utmost priority to adjust the program according to the present circumstances. We are putting forth significant efforts to establish a support and safeguard mechanism for the participants, covering their emotional, social, and logistical security needs. This encompasses assisting those who have moved back home with their families during this time, as well as those remaining within our apartments. By persisting with the program, we uphold their opportunity to continue their training, while simultaneously mitigating the possibility of any disruption and unenthused behavior among the participants when the crisis concludes. Our current efforts and needs include: • Equipping 45 program apartments with emergency supplies accessories, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, first-aid kits, water and food supplies kits, and more - serving 125 participants with disabilities. • General emergency equipment: generators, mattresses, communication devices, etc. • Providing emotional and psychological assistance to about 400 beneficiaries of Kivunim to help them cope with their current difficulties and anxieties, including the fear of war in the northern region. Our support is tailored to individual needs and includes sign language interpreters if necessary. Moreover, we support and train program staff, especially younger instructors, to enhance their coping abilities in emergency situations, thus also better support the program participants in these situations. We value and appreciate any support you will deem appropriate to help us better prepare for the current crisis and future emergencies. Your assistance will greatly enhance the safety and well-being of our beneficiaries during these times of turmoil and struggle.