Annual Summary You are not alone
3 Vision We build local communities everywhere in Israel to promote social resilience and provide every person with a sense of purpose and belonging
5 4 Greetings from the Chairperson of the Israel Association of Community Centers At the beginning of 2021, we set an objective of reaching 100,000 young and elderly people, young families and people with special needs in our communities through the Community Centers and their activities. After a challenging year of lockdowns and quarantines, we concluded that we must continue and expand our activities. The Association for Community Centers with its 192 active centers, 30,000 volunteers and many governmental partners, local authorities, businesses, foundations and federations, launched the “You Are Not Alone” initiative with the objective of providing people with food supplies, activity packages and volunteers who relieved loneliness and kept in contact. “You Are Not Alone” continued its community initiatives with creativity, diversity and social activity despite the post Corona effects of 2020. The community is the main provider for current social needs and bringing people closer together. The community cares for all its members as they contribute to their surroundings and also benefit from being a part of it. We at the Israeli Association for Community Centers, have taken upon ourselves to build resilient communities and create a strong and healthy society. I am proud of the community centers’ commitment to diverse activities and ultimately meeting their objectives set at the beginning of the year. I would like to thank every person who took part in the hundreds of projects. Together, we reached unassisted people in the community and ensured that they are not forgotten. I commend the ability of each and every one of us to see the good in other people with all our similarities and differences and to build and strengthen Israeli society. This is no simple task. Together with you — managers, staff, districts, department managers in the central offices and our many partners —we will continue and succeed in reaching additional participants who take part in community activities for a stronger and more resilient society. May we all work together and bring bright and shining solutions to dark places. Avi Wortzman Greetings from the CEO of the Israel Association of Community Centers The Covid pandemic is far from being over, and the Israeli Association for Community Centers has taken it upon itself to help with hundreds of local projects and the nationwide campaign “You Are Not Alone”. The Israeli Association of Community Centers (IACC) has created programs tailored to the needs of the various communities and the groups within them, focusing on at-risk youth and children, lonely and elderly people, people with disabilities and young families. This was achieved through the staff’s endeavors in identifying each community’s specific needs, and promoting new, innovative and flexible solutions. I am delighted to present here the most successful programs promoted during the past year through the “You Are Not Alone” campaign. I would like to thank the Chairperson, Avi Wortzman, for promoting the initiative and co-opting all the partners who contributed to its success. The IACC management and board of directors is currently promoting transformation in technology, content and expanding community building, strengthening connections with local authorities, and enhancing partnerships, innovation and entrepreneurship. This is part of our understanding of excellence and the use of the 6,000-strong staff of the IACC and more than 30,000 Community Center staff. I would like to thank everyone who took part in the many projects as part of the “You Are Not Alone” initiative, and hope that the spirit of social innovation will continue to grow and continue to be a part of our society. Happy New Year Tal Basechess
7 6 central Haifa and Valleys North Jerusalem South 5 Districts throughout Israel 29 Community centers 47 Community centers 47 Community centers 34 Community centers 38 Community centers Gift baskets delivered 70,000 60,000 1,500,000 2021 - The Big Numbers 192 New Community Centers opened this year 5 30,000 volunteers 18,000 Families assisted through Family and Parenting Centers 13,000 Lone senior citizens received community assistance 10,000 People with disabilities took part in Community Integration Programs 9,000 At-risk youth Community Centers Branches 1,000 Children participated in daycare and after-school centers Parents, children,elderly and senior citizens at the Community Centers
9 8 Social Entrepreneurship Social Entrepreneurship refers to a person or a group of people working together seeking innovative solutions to social problems, such as education, welfare, environmental issues, reducing poverty and human rights. The majority of initiatives are operated as NGOs or Community Interest Companies known as “the third sector”. Additional for-profit companies take part and contribute to the social objectives. These companies are also considered social initiatives, and are known as “the fourth sector” (Wikipedia). Community Entrepreneurship Community Entrepreneurship is defined as self-organized bottom-up non-profit activities providing independent social products and services for the entrepreneur community. Entrepreneurs could be an official organization employing volunteers, paid staff or both (Igalla et.al, 2018). It is unique in its foundation upon the community and is locally focused. A group of local residents is the driving force behind the initiative: they recruit volunteers from within the community and focus on its needs (Arias-Llano2012, Bailey 2013, Rohracher & Ornetzeder; 2015). Community Social Entrepreneurship One of the IACC’s main goals is building and strengthening the resilience of local communities. There is a strong connection between community entrepreneurship, social capital and local connections (Perkins & Manzo, 2006). We believe that enhancing community initiatives will result in strengthening local communities. First we must understand what Community Entrepreneurship is and how to create successful initiatives. What is a successful initiativ? Based on “Serial Community Entrepreneurs” by Dana Gold (Igalla et al., 2018, Denters 2016): The creation of social capital - describes the network of connections between individuals in the community and their shared social norms, which enable them to promote their common objectives as individuals and as a group. There are three types of social capital in community entrepreneurship: 1. Relating - relationships and trust among the initiators 2. Mediating - between the initiative and other communities 3. Connecting - between the initiative and leadership which supports and assists Organizational abilities - this includes a sound organizational and financial infrastructure and management of human resources. Institutional support of the initiative - support of elected representatives and professional personnel. The support is provided on different levels, such as policy adaptation, legal frameworks, consultation and financial support. Inspirational and ambitious leadership - willing to invest time in leading the initiative. What is considered a successful initiative? Here are the answers provided by specialists in the field, the larger the font the more people chose it.
11 10 Trust and reciprocity The willingness of individuals to support and assist others in the community, who they do not know and without expecting anything in return, believing in shared communal norms of the community members Connectedness The quantity, quality, diversity and frequency of social connections among members of the community and the extent to which they are utilized Commitment The extent of each individual’s willingness and ability to act in favor of the community as a whole A sense of community is when people share a geographical space and work together for one another and for the place, have a relationship based on trust and solidarity helping them feel valuable and influential and feel local pride. Sense of Community Sense of Community Index The Israel Association for Community Centers (IACC) works through the Community Centers to enhance the sense of community, and has been developing an index for measuring it as a basis for a work-plan for future local initiatives tailored to the needs of each community and group within it. One of the main ways to ensure the sense of community is by community initiatives. Meaning The extent to which an individual feels valuable and influential in his/her community Belonging The extent to which individuals view the community as an important part of their identity, connections, pride and sharing a common narrative Collective action The willingness and ability to act together, promoting community objectives and collective problem-solving
13 Our advice for a successful project 12 We are proud and delighted to present you with selected Community Initiatives from the past year throughout Israel, as part of the “Together is Better - You Are Not Alone” initiative. This initiative, comprising more than projects, was launched in the presence of the former President of Israel, Mr. Reuven Rivlin. Thank you to all the participants in Israel and around the World. Thank you to all the Heads of the Authorities, community center managers, professional staff, management and volunteers. Thanks to you, thousands of people, families, children and youth have gained a sense of belonging and value in their community. 200 Selected projects from the Northern District My Home, My Community 14 Community Carpentry Shop 15 Golan Radio Station 16 My Sister’s Keeper 17 Dance Group 18
Our advice for a successful project 15 14 Our advice for a successful project My Home, My Communityty The Community Centers within the old walls of the City of Acre About the project: Residents working to improve the neighborhood, planning and implementing activities and providing solutions tailored to their needs Northern District Target population: Residents of the Old City of Acre Number of participants: 200 Partners: Acre Municipality and residents Responses to the project: The project helped the residents feel proud of their neighborhood. We have received many requests from residents of other neighborhoods to implement similar projects. Empowering residents in decision-making and project implementation, giving them a sense of meaning and belonging, strengthening connections, leading to future activities. Northern District Community Carpentry Shop Kefar Vradim Community Center About the project: The Community Carpentry Shop is run by volunteers, who create projects for public buildings in Kefar Vradim, such as kindergartens, schools and public spaces. The Carpentry Shop is a local community meeting place, where the young and the elderly can work together. Target population: Multi-age activities for all sectors of society Number of participants: Teachers, students, children, residents and volunteers Partners: Volunteers, the Community Center, the Local Authority Responses to the project: This project is growing and developing—it has a great potential for integrating additional projects into the community Success is measured in the sense of belonging and connection between people involved, and a willingness to initiate additional activities.
Our advice for a successful project 17 16 Our advice for a successful project Northern District Golan Radio Station Golan Community Center About the project: The Golan Radio station was established two years ago by the Department for Dramatic Arts and the Golan Community Center, as a new media platform for expression and local connections. The radio speaks the local “Golan language” and focuses on our people, referring to the characteristics of each community, and provides marketing solutions for local businesses and residents. Target population: Residents of the Golan Heights and visitors to the area Number of participants: 100 staff and hundreds of guests Partners: All departments of the Community Center and the local authority, schools, Oholo - Tel Hai College, neighboring authorities, the Department of Youth in the Periphery Responses to the project: Within a few months Golan Radio positioned itself as a relevant and significant communication channel in the Golan Heights and beyond, with thousands of listeners and viewers of the different platforms People, determination and professionalism מרכז קהילתי גולן Northern District My Sister’s Keeper Ma’ale Yosef Community Center About the project: The community is collectively committed to a safe environment and gender equality, sexual health and opposing any expression of sexual violence. Children and youth understand safe behavior and are protected from sexual violence. Target population: Young people aged 13-22 Number of participants: More than 500 Partners: The Community Center, the Department of Welfare Services, the Youth Department , Youth Center, The Local Department of Education, the Association’s Northern District, ADVA Institute Responses to the project: “Finally a project which deals with core issues.” “The project provides practical tools for talking about sexual issues with teenagers”. “It is very important, we hope it will prevent future incidents”. Strategic partners
18 19 Our advice for a successful project Our advice for a successful project מרכז קהילתי גולן Northern District Dance Company for Peoplewith Disabilities Tur’an Community Center About the project: Nisan Dance Company for people with disabilities combines a number of styles, including Indian, Western and Oriental dance. The company is scheduled to perform in cultural events in Tur’an and beyond, and is destined to become a source of local pride. Target population: People with disabilities and the general public Number of participants: 30 Partners: The Department Welfare at the Local Council Responses to the project: 3-5 planned performances per year The initiative must come from the people and have passion. Saba and Savta Scouts 20 21 The Nemesh Club 22 Communal Justice Center 23 Community Carpentry Shop 24 Selected Projects from the Southern District Women create together
Our advice for a successful project 21 20 Our advice for a successful project Southern District מרכז קהילתי גולן Saba and Savta Scouts Tur’an Community Center About the project: After the Corona pandemic isolated many people from their families, special activities were arranged every other week, on Tuesdays, providing multi-age quality time in our wonderful desert. Target population: Grandparents and grandchildren Number of participants: 40 Partners: The Ministry for Social Equality Responses to the project: “I feel young again”, “Unique quality time, seeing nature’s treasures with my granddaughters. What a wonderful idea and perfectly executed”. You can’t go wrong with quality family time מרכז קהילתי גולן Southern District Women Create Together Al-Kasom Community Center About the project: A meeting place for women from the Bedouin community in the Al-Kasom Regional Council in the Negev. Women of all ages meet once a week for art, cooking, baking and design workshops, empowering them and building leadership skills. The meetings enhance communication and connections with their peer group, providing a social network crossing boundaries of villages and traditional clans. Target population: Women aged 24-50 Number of participants: 25 Partners: The Community Center and the Regional Council Responses to the project: Responses to the project were extremely positive, with interest in expanding the activities in content and frequency. There is great interest and potential in providing the participants with meaningful life skills, beyond hobbies and enjoyment, through meetings and workshops. We hope to extend these connections to additional partners. A successful initiative arises from the community’s needs in the field
Our advice for a successful project 23 22 Our advice for a successful project מרכז קהילתי גולן Southern District The “Nemesh Club”- Youth Integration Gan Yavne Community Center About the project: The Youth Integration Club is a social club for the families of children with special needs, run by youth from Gan Yavne. The families meet in the club and the children play and connect. This is a unique model, which provides activities and entertainment suited for children with special needs. Local youth get to meet and accept people who are different from them, and the families form a unique and supportive social network. Target population: Youth from Gan Yavne and families with children with special needs Number of participants: 50 families and 25 young people Partners: Gan Yavne Welfare Department, the Community Center, a special needs forum consisting of parent, professional staff and the local Department of Education Responses to the project: In this unique project giving is essential. The local youth get to know people who are different from them. Children with special needs and their families feel supported. The value of this community project in the Youth Integration Club is undeniable. A successful initiative arises from the community’s needs in the field מרכז קהילתי גולן Southern District Communal Justice Center Lachish Regional Community Center About the project: The Center provides support, advice and assistance in exercising people’s rights dealing with authorities, employers, social security and commercial organizations among others. Debts relief, financial rehabilitation, basic housing rights and living in dignity. This important project provides critical assistance to disadvantaged populations in the area. Target population: Kiriyat Gat and Lachish residents from low socio-economic strata, immigrants, Holocaust survivors and senior citizens. The volunteers have been trained to deal with the different government offices. Number of participants: 30 applicants per month and 20 volunteers and lawyers Partners: Volunteers, the Community Center, Lachish Regional Council, Kiryat Gat Local Authority, the Jewish Agency Responses to the project: The Center provides a sense of belonging and meaning, which helps recover from the crisis. There is an interest in expanding the Center’s activities for additional applicants and supporting staff. Doing good is man’s most glorious mission
24 25 Our advice for a successful project Our advice for a successful project מרכז קהילתי גולן Southern District Community Carpentry Shop Dimona Community Center About the project: Promoting social entrepreneurship and cooperation for social and community resilience in the city of Dimona. Youth and other residents connect, promoting caring and responsibility and working together to improve their public spaces via different wood work. Target population: Multi-age activities Number of participants: Individuals and groups Partners: Volunteers, the Community Center and the Local Authority Responses to the project: This amazing project promotes and improves public spaces through cooperation with the local community Teamwork and mutual learning are the key to success Selected Projects from the District of Jerusalem Occupational Project Connecting and Creating Friends in Uniform Enjoying Beit Shemesh Connecting in Giloh 28 30 26 27 29
Our advice for a successful project 27 Our advice for a successful project 26 מרכז קהילתי גולן Southern District Young People Connecting and Creating Bayit VaGan Community Administration, Jerusalem About the project: The inclusion of young people in a project for the community, promoting their sense of self-value, connectedness, belonging and meaning while contributing to their community. They also benefit from a range of study fields, enriching experiences and positive educational activities. Target population: Young people aged 14-19 from the ultra-orthodox community at risk of dropping out of school, senior citizens and families. Number of participants: 2,000 young people Responses to the project: The participants enjoyed the project. The girls’ parents were grateful for the empowering activities their daughters participated in. Creating relevant and high quality responses for lone senior citizens while at the same time providing young people with educational activities. Southern District Enjoying Beit Shemesh Beit Shemesh Community Center Target population: Young people and children interested in helping other children from families from a low socio-economic strata and lone senior citizens. Number of participants: 200 children and 60 young volunteers Partners: The project is managed by Lev Ha’ir Zinman Community Center and Nehenim BNoam organization, all high schools in Beit Shemesh, the TAMID project, Keren Shemesh and residents who donated their time, knowledge and money. Responses to the project: “Currently, the participants and staff are planning new solutions to meet needs, such as a community garden for children and staff and all the residents of the city. Connecting young people to the community and assisting themwith professional staff from the Community Center and the community itself. About the project: Young people listened to the needs arising from the community and initiated music lessons for children with disabilities and their siblings, opening a learning center for children in the old part of Beit Shemesh with the assistance of Community Center staff. The activities grew during the Corona pandemic, including a computer repair lab to fix computers donated to families in need.
Our advice for a successful project 29 Our advice for a successful project 28 מרכז קהילתי גולן Southern District Friends in Uniform Neve Ya’akov Cultural Administration About the project: Soldiers adopt lone Holocaust survivors, communicate with them in their own language and stay in close contact to keep them company, identify needs, assist and organize social activities. Target population: Lone Holocaust survivors Number of participants: 300 Partners: Central Command base Responses to the project: Some of the elderly participants say these relationships bring joy into their lives and they look forward to the weekly visits, knowing someone is thinking of them and caring for them. For Holocaust survivors the contact with Israeli soldiers is symbolic and exciting, and more so as they communicate in Yiddish. Let your heart lead the way. The language of the heart has no language and no boundaries מרכז קהילתי גולן Southern District Connecting in Giloh 2021 Giloh Cultural Administration About the project: Providing senior citizens with training and digital tools to help them become digital leaders in their community. They help and teach other senior citizens in their neighborhood and meet three times a week. Target population: Senior citizens Number of participants: 25 trained digital leaders and 100 participants from the community Partners: Digital communities, The Municipality of Jerusalem and UP60 Center Responses to the project: The project has generated a lot of interest and requests for additional assistance. The special connection between the participants and their newly acquired skills taught by people of their own age provides a sense of security and contributes to their ability to learn. Getting to know the community and its needs—adapting the project to the needs of the target audience using local resources.
Our advice for a successful project Our advice for a successful project 30 31 Southern District Employment Project Jerusalem District Cultural Administration About the project: A group of women was established and took part in workshops for self-empowerment during the Corona pandemic. They learned sewing and design as a result of rising unemployment levels, to assist their integration back into the workforce. The owner of a local sewing workshop taught them to sew using her sewing machines. They started receiving employment requests, and will train additional women. Target population: Women up to the age of 25 without a high school diploma Number of participants: 30 divided into two groups Partners: Welfare Services, local sewing workshop Responses to the project: Providing hope and empowerment, and a sense of capability of making a living and becoming financially independent There is always a good starting point. Don’t wait for someone else to take the initiative Selected Projects from the Central District A Community Album Stories fromBehind Closed Doors Local Volunteering ID LivingMemory in the Community 32 33 34 35 Special Shoko House 36
33 Our advice for a successful project Our advice for a successful project 32 מרכז קהילתי גולן Central District Stories fromBehind Closed Doors Ne’ot Herzl Community Center, Natanya About the project: Introducing the local community to life stories of its senior members. Students pair up with senior citizens and learn about their life stories. After a series of meetings the students produce an art work of their choosing (such as a short story, poem, reproduction of childhood photographs, paintings) Target population: Students, young people and senior citizens Number of participants: 30-50 Responses to the project: The project generated a lot of interest and recognition of the importance of intergenerational interaction Creating a unique interaction with populations of different ages within the community מרכז קהילתי גולן Central District LivingMemory in the Community Even Yehuda Community Center About the project: Creating a group to preserve the memory of the Holocaust in the community. Voicing the memories of the older generation for future generations. The project provides a framework for meetings, workshops, journeys to Poland and learning about personal stories. Target population: Senior citizens Number of participants: 50 Partners: Volunteers from the Chemda group, the Senior Citizens’ club at the Community Center Responses to the project: ”An important journey for any person who has any life experience, beyond learning, history and the experience, one returns home with significant insights about human beings and about life. All parts of Israeli society must go there, learn and understand the terrible event which happened to our people”. Success is measured in the connections among the group members, who embark on a joint journey of identity as a group and as individuals. This journey is the basis for additional and meaningful journeys.
35 Our advice for a successful project Our advice for a successful project 34 מרכז קהילתי גולן Central District A Community Album Shavshevet, Kiriyat Ekron About the project: Local volunteers document ten senior citizens and their recollections of Shabbat in childhood. Creating a local cultural album preserving childhood memories, traditional Shabbat recipes, special prayers and photographs. Ten volunteers interview ten senior citizens: the albumwill be printed and given to the participants and disseminated digitally to the local community. Target population: Ten residents of Kiriyat Ekron aged over 60 from different backgrounds Number of participants: 30-50 Partners:‘Shabbat Unplugged’ - From individuals to a community Responses to the project: We are in the process of documenting the stories; seven life stories have been documented so far. The process is enriching and emotional for all involved. Let the residents initiate, think, lead and execute. Make the project theirs and they will be committed to the process. The project must be tailored to the needs and character of the community. מרכז קהילתי גולן Central District Local Volunteering ID Yehud - Neve Monosson Community Center About the project: Children from the community and their families will volunteer for local projects and learn about volunteering opportunities in their community. The children receive a Local Volunteering ID card and visit the different local volunteering centers throughout the year. At the end of each volunteering activity they get their ID stamped, make a video, which they upload to Tiktok. The year of volunteering will conclude with a ceremony for all the participants. Target population: 6th grade students from all schools in Yehud - Neve Monosson Number of participants: 500 Partners: The Municipal Department for Volunteering, Department of Education, volunteers Responses to the project: The project generated a lot of interest and demand from the volunteers and the volunteering centers. The Community Center became an organizing agent for municipal volunteering activities and the center of the project. Cooperation with all municipal authorities, precise and organized planning before embarking on a project, discussing the importance of volunteering in the community with the parents and publicizing the project through social media.
Our advice for a successful project 36 מרכז קהילתי גולן Central District “Special” Shoko House Teveja Community Center, Ramla About the project: This project provides a meeting infrastructure for parents of children with special needs, in which they watch a play and the parents can mediate the content as needed. After the play the children participate in creative activities and a communal meal. Target population: Children with special needs and their parents Number of participants: 40 children and parents Partners: Special education kindergarten teachers, parents, the Community Center Association’s Community Building initiative (now concluded) Responses to the project: The number of participants grew from one meeting to the next. They enjoyed the meetings and requested it to be more frequent (every other week). Integrating populations with special needs into community activities is important for creating a resilient community. Selected Projects from the Haifa and the Valleys District Young People Forum Magical Moments 38 39 Kidsland You Are Not Alone E.L.I Foundation 40 41 42
39 Our advice for a successful project Our advice for a successful project 38 מרכז קהילתי גולן Haifa and the Valleys District Magical Moments Ramot Haifa Community Center Association - Ramat Alon Community Center About the project: Enhancing connections between parents and children, cultivating emotional resilience and social and emotional skills, through mutual cooperative activities and discussions. The children practice listening skills, cooperation, delaying gratification, public speaking etc. and the parents get to discover their children’s hidden abilities. Target population: Parents and children Number of participants: 30 pairs of parents and children Partners: Shirley Agami Turjeman - parent guidance counselor Responses to the project: A mother’s experience: ”A good and healing experience after a difficult and exhausting period”. A father’s experience: ‘I got reacquainted with my child”. An open discourse in the community helps identify real needs. מרכז קהילתי גולן Haifa and the Valleys District Young People Forum for Peoplewith Physical and Sensory Disabilities Ramat Yishai Community Center About the project: Ramat Yishai is home to 60 families of people aged 18-40 with physical or sensory disabilities. This project was designed to integrate this isolated population into the community as individuals and as a group and become community leaders. The project consists of team building activities and social interactions focusing on social and community activities. Target population: Young people aged 18-40 with physical and/or sensory disabilities Number of participants: 60 participants Partners: The Department for Social Services Responses to the project: After the initial meeting some of the participants made social connections and met in an informal way. Working closely with the Department for Social Services and the Community Center’s team leaders
41 Our advice for a successful project Our advice for a successful project 40 מרכז קהילתי גולן Haifa and the Valleys District E.L.I Foundation For our Children’s Future Yokne’amCommunity Center About the project: Connecting sustainability, contributing and community. The foundation provides scholarships for children from disadvantaged families for after-school activities. A big Hannukah event, a community fair, performances, creative activities and more. Target population: The general public of Yokne’am (businesses, schools, partners, residents) Number of participants: Hundreds Partners: The Community Center, schools and kindergartens, Yokneam Youth Department, community organizations, local businesses, senior club, youth club, volunteers. Responses to the project: The project received positive responses from the participants and the community at large. All participants were committed and involved. Partnerships are key to a successful project מרכז קהילתי גולן Haifa and the Valleys District Kidsland - ACenter for Parents andChildren Daburiya Community Center About the project: Enriching activities for parents and children, tailored to the needs of young parents, after the disrupting effects of the Corona pandemic on the children’s daily schedules. The local authorities needed to provide suitable solutions for these needs. Groups of young parents and children are currently being created to provide the children with collective playing skills as a group and at home. Target population: Parents and young children Number of participants: 450 Partners: Senior citizens, scouts Responses to the project: Finally a place for our children, which is missing in the public environment of the Arab community. Kidsland provides solutions for the family all year round. Listening twice as much as talking. Listen to the voices from the field.
Our advice for a successful project 42 מרכז קהילתי גולן Haifa and the Valleys District You Are Not Alone RechasimCommunity Center About the project: A group of single mothers approached the Community Center and raised the issue of social and educational difficulties their daughterswere experiencing. The Community Center staff made a connection between the girls and mentors in Rechasim. Volunteering mentors were located for each of the girls and trained for individual weeklymeetings, amonthly groupworkshop, two annual excursions and aminimumof onemeeting for mothers, daughters andmentors. Target population: Girls from families with single mothers and/or with social, learning or emotional difficulties. Number of participants: 20 pairs of girls and mentors Partners: The community Center, local high schools, volunteering female students from 9th to 12th grade Responses to the project: The families and volunteering mentors showed great interest in participating in the project. The young mentors chose this project over other volunteering opportunities. Compatibility is essential for good connections between participants and mentors “Together is better - You are Not Alone” was initiated at the start of 2021 at the height of the Corona crisis to strengthen the sense of community and to assure the local community’s connectedness and resilience and its ability to cope with future crises. An in-depth mapping of community needs resulted in four target groups: Senior citizens | At-risk childrenand youths | Peoplewithdisabilities | Young families Our target is: To reach 100,000 people per year Integrate them into community networks Through 200 community projects and recruiting new volunteers As this year comes to an end we would like to thank everyone who took part in this important initiative Avi Wortzman, Chairperson of the Israeli Association of Community Centers Ronen Kovalsky, Society and Community Vice-President Community Building Department led by Michelle Ben Shitrit Content and Projects Department led by Sefit Hashavia Tzuri Department for Sjoint ventuers staff at the IACC Districts staff Community Centers staff Our many partners in Israel and around the World Together is Better!
Together We Can Help Strengthen Israeli Society Want to support a local initiative? Visit the Israel Association of Community Centers’ website and the Community Centers in Israel
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