Family Advancement

For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land." 1 out 5 families in Israel, live in poverty. In numbers, that’s 1.7 million Israelis are defined as poor. Sometimes, it’s easy to judge and think that by hard work and crunching expenses alone- anyone can better their stance in life. But reality dictates differently- these families didn’t stumble into poverty. Most of them represent second and third generations of poverty. In other words, poverty is socially hereditary. Itworks (NPO) operates the Family Advancement program, alleviating poverty with Ultra- Orthodox (Haredi) families. 55% of the Ultra-Orthodox families in Israel live in poverty and cannot break its vicious cycle. The Family Advancement program, works hand in hand in with families demonstrating will, motivation and the capacity to propel themselves with our help. How does the program work? Each family is paired with a counselor (social worker) whom has sufficient experience in familial matters and rights exhaustion. The counselors' job is to map and identify the most challenging areas the family struggles with, in one of the following arenas: Financial, familial and occupational. The family and the counselor enter a year long process. In the beginning, the process is difficult. The family unit is confronted with a harsh reality but is given the necessary tools to break the cruel poverty cycle and build a better life for them and the children. The relationship between the counselor and family is based on honesty and mutual respect, ensuring the sustainability of the process. Knowing there's a professional walking the walk with the family, which is supported by an experienced organization, strengthens the family when making tough decisions like who goes out to work? How much income is necessary? What rights does the family have that can assist the process and how the relationship between mom and dad has a positive/negative effect on the family's situation. In 2017, itworks is working with 100 Ultra- Orthodox families. We've achieved unprecedented results (don't believe us- watch the video and get to know the families and their stories), and we want to reach out to 40 more in2018. To alleviate the burden of poverty for 140 families, we need to raise 1.4M ILS by January 2018. Most of this amount has been raised already from philanthropy- we only have 160K ILS remaining to raise!! We belive that where there is will and motivation- we can and should impart tools for success. Are you with us? Your support, any amount makes a difference, will impact the lives of families wanting to change their future