Naama's Friends

Kaima Beit Zayit is launching an inspiring new initiative—Na’ama’s Friends—to provide people (18+) with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to fully participate in farm life, earn a salary, learn new skills, and contribute to the collective. Together with the rest of our intergenerational team, they work our fields, assist in the packaging house, and are now heading up our new undertaking—tea making. Na’ama’s Friends will cultivate pesticide-free herbal tea plants (chamomile, melissa, mint lavender, holy basil, lemon balm, etc.) from seed to sale, grown on a one-dunam (.25 acre) plot of land. The team will grow, harvest, dry, and blend premium teas to be sold under the Kaima label through The Pantry, our product-development experimental kitchen. The project is being carried out in partnership with the Shekulo Tov Group, an organization dedicated to vocational training and workplace inclusion and Bituach Leumi (Israel’s National Insurance Instiute). This collaboration will create new employment opportunities for people with disabilities and further enrich Kaima's diverse and inclusive community. However, more than simply offering a workspace, Na’ama's Friends will foster meaningful one-on-one relationships, build community connections, and encourage self-pride. Each participant is a true partner in our mission of promoting sustainable farming as a way to build social resilience. Funds are needed to create a safe, accessible workspace and supportive environment, especially during the initial six-month start-up phase, to give Na’ama’s Friends the foundation they deserve by: • Building proper facilities and purchasing equipment/materials • Providing ongoing support and training • Ensuring sustainable, dignified employment