Giving them a real chance- 2022

Simcha LaYeled is an Israeli non-profit association founded in 2004 on behalf of children and adolescents (aged 6-18) who are suffering from chronic illnesses or physical disabilities (and who have normal cognitive capabilities). We provide them with support and tools for growth and development in all aspects of life so that, despite their challenges and limitations, they can become contributing members of society. A cohort of 600 volunteers between the ages of 16 and 20 serve as personal mentors to the children. The pairs regularly meet each week for one-on-one, goal-oriented, tailored guidance sessions that address each child’s personal and social needs and desires. Individualized guidance plans that provide the mentors with direction and ideas are created by professional social workers and psychologists, with input from a physician. Throughout the years, it has become clear beyond any doubt that the children benefit greatly from setting personal goals and achieving them. But more than that, we see that the children's empowerment has an amazing effect on their medical condition and on their relationships with their family members. Simcha Layeled has a cadre of Civic National Service volunteers (ages 18-20) who bring our activities to the out-patient and in-patient pediatric wards in various hospitals throughout Israel. Our goal is to “replace pain with a smile” by ameliorating, as much as possible, the tedium and isolation imposed by the children’s treatment regimes. Our volunteers lead fun and empowering experiences including arts-and-crafts, games, food carts, experiential learning sessions, and more. They organize holiday parties, celebrate the children’s birthdays, and help with homework. Simcha LaYeled believes that in addition to the children themselves, parents and siblings need assistance and tools in order to cope. The professionals in each Simcha LaYeled branch are there to offer emotional and social support to parents and siblings. In addition to private counseling, the families are invited to take part in a range of enriching and fun activities, including fascinating workshops, shows with top artists, interesting lectures, and more. These activities give families a respite from their complex and grueling schedule of treatments and doctors’ appointments and allows them the chance to share experiences and quality time.