On the way to independence

Female Yotzim have different absorption needs than their male counterparts. Raised in communities that enforce gender separation in the public sphere, these women possess virtually no secular education, job training or vocational skills; and were raised to specific roles for women in the home, workplace, public areas. Of the mothers, most are in in their twenties, and they arrive at Hillel following or in the midst of intense legal and custody battles with no financial resources, shelter, or employment prospects. Upon choosing to leave the community these women lose all familial/communal contact, and have their parental rights interfered with. Their children are also denied any relationship to family or past friends. Finding themselves thrust into an entirely new social context without support systems, they and their children are at extreme risk. They must learn not only new skills and information, but also new ways of thinking about themselves, :new social rules, and new day-to-day living priorities. Activities and Projected Outcomes Educational and Employment Programming Housing Subsidies for Single-Mothers / Transitional Housing Social and Cultural programming for Women, Single-Mothers and Children; Weekend Retreat Workshops for single-mothers and children Single-Mother Legal Aid In addition to all of the above, single-mothers receive comprehensive counselling and guidance at all times via Hillel social workers at our Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa Branches. Emergency Shelter Participants establish individualized program with social workers