As young adults, we experience formative years when we discover ourselves, shape our personal identities and decide which goals and aims we will pursue in the future.  This period of development is called Moratorium.  Moratorium means “waiting room” and it is critical to our ability to integrate into normative society.  In Israel, the normative developmental model for Moratorium lasts for about 10 years (ages 18-28) and includes serving in the Israel Defense Forces, international travels after service and academic studies. 

Unfortunately not everyone in Israel can experience a typical period of Moratorium. Israel’s Military, National Service and many academic institutions are not equipped to accept young adults who are on the fringes – or outside – the normative community.  Disadvantaged populations (for example those with a poor socio-economic background, young adults who’ve experienced mental illness, people with linguistic challenges or physical disabilities) find that yet another door is closed before them, further distancing them from developing a normative future as productive and contributing adults. 

Gvanim Association has worked since 2000 to lay down new roads for disadvantaged young adults, all leading to integration and opportunity.  Many of our programs are designed to help these young adults experience at least some of the Moratorium.  Gvanim bases its programs on the model of “rehabilitation within the community,” with the understanding that feelings of belonging and actively being part of a community are keys to development and integrating into society.

The importance and contributions of Gvanim’s programs for young adults have been recognized and supported by Israel’s government, professionals and prestigious foundations.  The programs support young adults at risk and young adults with disabilities with professional guidance, opportunities to volunteer in Israel’s National Service, occupational training, academic studies, independent living in group homes and more.  In a general sense, these programs enable young adults to overcome their disadvantages and give them the same opportunities for development that their non-disadvantaged peers have, so that they may avoid or escape a life of dependence and frustration.

Gvanim’s programs for young adults include:  Mishlavim, Wings, Hed, Sderot’s Center for Young Adults, and the Netivim Center.

National service for young adults with disabilities

Gvanim thanks its Program Partners: the  Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education/Divisions of Special Education and Adult Education, the Ministry of Social Services/Division for Rehabilitation, Services for People with Autism and Volunteer Unit, the Ministry of Defense/Discharged Soldiers Department, the Ministry of Housing/Project Renewal and the Hesagim Program, Masad Klita, the National Insurance Institute/Dept of Rehabilitative Services