Sheltered employment
and vocational training

The ‘Shiluvim’ Center is a supportive vocational framework for women who want to eventually integrate into the mainstream workplace but first need to strengthen their employability skills.
Duration of employment at Shiluvim varies according to each client’s level of functionality. The multidisciplinary staff includes a program director, social worker, occupational therapist and vocational coaches. With professionalism, sensitivity and respect, the staff leads employees down the road of recovery in a supportive, accepting atmosphere.
Employees work at jobs in a various fields such as sewing, computers, packaging (e.g. gifts, products, craft material) and more. In addition, many workshop employees strengthen the skills they’ve acquired by trying out jobs in the community such as helping the elderly in senior residence homes, as auxiliary staff in day care centers and more – very empowering experiences. In addition, there are workshops for the development of readiness for the free market and additional enrichment workshops.

Besides for employment, clients participate in various rehabilitative workgroups and interventions focusing on a variety of topics: emotional stamina, self-empowerment, self-advocacy, interpersonal/communication skills, IMR (illness management and recovery) and more. The program also offers enrichment workshops including readiness seminars to prepare clients for reentrance in the mainstream workplace.
‘Shiluvim’ is for adult women of all ages who have established eligibility for a rehabilitation package and have secured government approval for employment at a sheltered workshop

the ‘Reishit’ Center is a supportive vocational framework that provides innovative and unique services for young women who are at a relatively early stage of career planning.

Realizing the importance of maximizing this stage, Bayit Cham developed a unique program that combines professional training, strengthening work skills and providing a variety of experiences at jobs in different fields in the mainstream workplace. The multi-disciplinary staff includes a social worker, an occupational therapist and vocational coaches.

‘Reishit’ employees gain work experience at a variety of tasks performed in the center including computers, customer service, office work and more, in addition to regular forays into the mainstream workplace. As they learn and gain experience, they identify which careers are suitable for them while acquiring tools to cope with the challenges of integrating at jobs in the community.

Each of the women receives ongoing individual guidance and participates in group sessions that promote the development of career identity, social intelligence and communication skills. Concurrently, they take training courses and workshops in various fields that are in demand on the job market.
__________

‘Reishit’ is for young women aged 18-30 who have established eligibility for a rehabilitation package and have secured government approval for employment at a sheltered workshop.

Handyman is a pre-rehabilitation program designed for men with mental health disabilities from religious backgrounds, located in Ashdod.

The program is culturally adapted and adjusted to participants’ capabilities, providing them with broad basic knowledge in the areas of home and institutional maintenance: carpentry, plumbing, electric wiring, locksmithing, computer skills, English and more. The course is introductory, serving as a springboard to learning in greater depth, to more specific training in one of the fields covered in the course and to finding employment in the chosen field. Program participants are accompanied by a professional staff including a social worker, counselor and vocational coach.

The program operates in collaboration with Israel’s Ministry of Health, Bituach Leumi (the National Insurance Institute) and the Haredi Center for Vocational Training.

Upon completing the course, participants receive a certificate. Bayit Cham vocational coaches will then assist and guide them in finding employment in the mainstream workplace where they can implement their newfound skills.
For more details, contact Bayit Cham’s Director of Supported Employment in the Southern Region Mr. Yoel Helfgott Tel: 054-8400199 Email: yoel@bch.org.il
or Program Social Worker Mr. Naftali Gutman Tel: 054-2993329 Email: naftali.g@bch.org.il.