Gvanim's Campaign: From Crisis to Renewal

Urgent Appeal -Gvanim's  Campaign: From Crisis to Renewal  Who we are: Gvanim.  Established in 1994 in the vibrant town of Sderot, located in southern Israel near the Gaza border, Gvanim is all about empowering individuals to live their best lives. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to fulfill their potential and make a meaningful impact in their community. Our transformative programs cater to young people with special needs, including emotional, physical, cognitive, and communication challenges. Over time, our pioneering work has expanded to reach more than 2,000 individuals from 38 communities across Israel. Our Expereince During times of Conflict:  As a community-driven organization rooted in Sderot, we've stood strong during times of peace and endured the harsh realities of conflict. Adapting to recurring cycles of violence, we've honed a unique methodology, allowing us to pivot swiftly during emergencies. We've learned firsthand that even as we serve our community, our dedicated staff grapple with their own trauma and stress, needing support. The Current Crisis The current situation has shaken us all to our core. We've weathered many rounds of violence, but nothing quite like this. Our neighboring kibbutzim and communities around Gaza have largely been forced to flee, leaving behind their homes —  Many who left have lost everything…including friends and loved ones. While the government does its best, the scale of this emergency surpasses their capacity.  We're working tirelessly to address the immediate needs of our regular recipients and their families, who, in the best of times, overcome the challenges of their disabilities. Now, they're faced with additional tragedy and stress. Moreover, we're extending our help to the broader community and our dedicated employees, many of whom are residents dealing with their own traumas. Our experience tells us that long after the dust of war settles, we'll need to provide ongoing psychological support and humanitarian aid such as clothing, shelter, and essential goods. Additionally, our "Friends Who Rescue" program, which supports families in crisis, is mobilizing volunteers to aid families with loved ones held captive in Gaza during this current hostage crisis. We estimate that we'll need approximately $250,000 to meet these critical needs Alternative Housing for Families and Staff - $50,000 • During war, we relocate our residential care facilities to safer areas. • Currently seeking suitable housing for our special-needs residents and staff and their families. Emotional Support for Staff and Care Recipients - $50,000: • Our dedicated staff, living and working along the Gaza border, are grappling with the harsh reality of our current situation. This reality also extends to our care recipients and their families, who must navigate these challenging times while dealing with a range of disabilities – emotional, physical, cognitive, and communication-related. • To support them through this, we offer a variety of therapy options to help them cope and heal.  Respite and Processing for Staff and Care Recipients - $45,000: • Throughout and in the aftermath of hostilities, it's crucial to offer our staff and care recipients chances for respite in safe, soothing, and fitting environments.  • These respites provide the space they need to process their experiences, release pent-up emotions, and find a healthy outlet for their feelings. Friends Who Rescue - $50,000: • Expanding our support organization during the hostage crisis. • Hiring two coordinators to manage volunteers, provide aid to families, and coordinate rescue efforts. Additional Needs During the War - $55,000: • Preparing for unforeseen challenges and needs that may arise during this fluid and uncertain conflict. • In light of this we need to maintain a reserve of funds that can be mobilized quickly to address these needs as they arise. Total Needed: $250,000