A cornerstone for the Supported Housing project in Sderot

Sunday, July 13, 2008

 

"There are those who believe in fighting the system, I believe in collaborating and creating networks".

Nitai Shriber, CEO Gvanim Association

 

In early June 2008, a ceremony was held by members of the urban kibbutz

–Migvan-, as the cornerstone for a new hostel for people with mental illnesses was being laid.

In two years, 16 new tenants will occupy the new fortified building on Shaked St. in Sderot. The tenants will also become members of the urban kibbutz

 –Migvan-, located on the very same street.

The cornerstone laying ceremony brought together many people and organizations who have been involved with this project for many years, such as representatives of the department of Welfare, the National Insurance Institution, "Shalem" Foundation and of course Gvanim Association.

The members of the urban kibbutz chose to invite the group of people with mental disabilities into their community and to allow the hostel to be built in kibbutz as part of a perception that a society is measured by how it treats its individuals.   

Miriam Cohen, manager of the Welfare Department's south district retarded persons` unit, claims that: "the long term collaboration with Gvanim is a result of a point of view that promotes empowerment and leadership among disabled populations.  We believe that people with disabilities have the right to progress in their own habitat, and that most of society's fears and rejections are derived by vanity.

Gvanim has developed many community rehabilitation services. A part form its professionalism, Gvanim invests a lot of resources beyond the funding from the department of Welfare, and provides a quality of live that surpasses the budgeted services. Gvanim also makes good managerial decisions; they never get in over their heads. That's why the services are well grounded and they're able to keep their heads above the water even in times of crisis.

Gvanim gives before it asks for anything in return, which is crucial for the population that's receiving its services".

 

Sderot's Supported Housing project began with one apartment, went on to two and now we are building a whole new building designated for a population that has matured and lost part of its functioning abilities.

About 60% of Gvanim's activities have to do with people with disabilities and the new building is another step towards developing this field in Sderot.

 

The traditional cutting of the band was done by Rabbi Oren Malka, Deputy Mayor of Sderot, who commanded Gvanim's contributions to Sderot.  Chaya Aminadav, Welfare's manager of the department treating people with mental disabilities, addressed the members of the urban kibbutz and said that there are no strong or weak people in this community, only contributors and receivers.

 

 

The representative of the National Insurance Institution, Mr. Shimon Alon said that the National Insurance Institution is sponsoring 80% of the building expenses and describes all the turns of events that preceded the decision to build a brand new building. "The idea for a new building for supported housing had come up 5 years earlier, but the future of the building was often questioned".

Nitai Shriber, CEO of Gvanim Association stated that: "The moment our previous efforts were denied was, in retrospect, a good thing. The elongated process enabled us to reach the exact modal we needed. Someone once told me that the winner is he who gives up last. We started this project years ago and we never gave up. Today we inaugurate something that's unique in our country. Our success is a result of joint efforts by all of our partners.

There are those who believe in fighting the system, I believe in collaborating and creating networks".