Vocational Nurture Center for People with Autism

SHEKEL's Vocational Nurture Center for People with Autism addresses the needs of 25 employees aged 21 and up from across the Autistic Spectrum, including autistic people on the edge of the functional range, as expressed by extreme inner seclusion, significant communication difficulties, disorganization, and behavioral problems – including life-threatening ones. The multidisciplinary staff work closely with each employee in small groups defined according to the level of functioning, and supervision required. The Center provides a source of strength, security and hope for families dealing with the difficulties of raising their children. The Center's objective is to expose employees to different forms of employment and creativity, while strengthening daily skills, and providing enjoyable rehabilitation activity and opportunities for interaction. Activities include the following: music, movement, gardening, drama, sports, crafts, field trips in the neighborhood, enrichment activities etc. What am I? Only a human being Living and working like everyone else. I see a future and always think That intentions build faith. I don't understand what's happening, and I think Who will hear what the heart says. I see a future and always think That intentions build faith. (Translated from Meir Banai z"l, Shiro Shel Shafshaf. Lyrics: Yair Nitzani) SHEKEL's operational budget for running the Center is primarily based on funding from the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. Unfortunately, these funds are insufficient for providing our employees the quality of professional treatment and supervision we believe they deserve. The Campaign's objective is to raise sufficient funds to enable the Center to continue providing professional staff as well as suitable equipment (to run movement and music therapy activity, the sensory room, and kitchen classroom), development of the Center's exterior (including sports installations, a therapeutic garden, sitting areas, and suitable outdoor leisure equipment), and obtaining advanced technological systems for developing employees' current potential in order to enable them to connect with others and with the world around them. If only we look, if we don't get scared We will show the world that together we stand Together, yes, to walk together Yes, walk together towards the light Together, this is the time to be together And with you, together, to love.