For the children with Down Syndrome in southern Israel

Our afternoon club was founded thanks to Erez, who was born with Down syndrome 47 years ago. Back then, doctors said he had no chance of developing or becoming independent. Against all odds, today Erez works, studies, and lives independently – a living testament to the fact that with consistent, personalized, and dedicated support, one life can be transformed! That’s how Yated Club was born – established by Erez’s parents, Yekhiel and Rina, to be a second home for children and adults with Down syndrome in Southern Israel. Beyond being a space for social connection and inclusion, the club provides support and guidance for children and their families, while fostering learning processes, educational growth, enrichment, and essential life skills for our participants. At Yated we believe every child deserves the opportunity to become the best version of themselves, and that real change comes from real love. Every child who walks through our doors immediately becomes part of Yekhiel and Rina’s extended family – the grandparents of us all. Yated is a place full of light and magic! Everyone who comes in leaves with a huge smile, a full heart, and never wants to leave. Especially over the past year and a half – and particularly in light of the security situation in the south – the club has been, and continues to be, a haven of calm, goodness, and optimism for our participants, families, and volunteers. To this day, dozens of children, families, volunteers, and good-hearted people have joined our YATED family. And now, this is where you come in. To keep spreading joy and lighting up lives, we need your support! Yated is sustained almost entirely by donations and the generosity of people who believe in the light we bring to the world. For over a year and a half, we've been fully focused on building partnerships and securing funding so this magical place can continue to thrive – so our home won't have to close. Yated is a beacon for all of us – staff, family members, mentors, volunteers, parents, and most of all, the children. Our shared wish is simple: to keep the light on.