Menifa - leverage for life

Menifa – Leverage for Life was founded in 2004 to support children, teenagers and young adults facing visible or hidden school dropout, trauma, crisis, mental health challenges and other at-risk circumstances. Menifa helps them regain stability, grow and return to meaningful participation in their communities.

Menifa has developed a holistic educational and therapeutic model that views the individual, family and community as interconnected. Its programs combine individual and group support, emotional care, educational advancement, family involvement and a strong social framework. The approach focuses on identifying and strengthening each young person’s abilities while providing professional support for their challenges and consistent guidance from a caring adult.

Menifa’s activities include school-dropout prevention, youth mental health rehabilitation, educational advancement and STEM programs, trauma support and community resilience, mentoring for recruits and soldiers facing difficulties during their service, and professional training for educators and therapists.

Since its establishment, Menifa has assisted more than 70,000 children, teenagers and young adults. The organization operates in more than 20 municipalities across Israel in partnership with government ministries, local authorities, schools and community organizations. Since October 7, Menifa has expanded its activities and provided educational, therapeutic and resilience support to more than 2,500 children, teenagers, families, soldiers and evacuees affected by the war.

Menifa’s vision is to create a safety net around every young person, bringing together family, community and professional support. This enables young people to break the cycle of risk, realize their abilities and build a future defined by belonging, independence and hope.