Moadonit
Children receive warm meals, huge smiles and caring hearts.
Lemaan Achai's Smart Chesed philosophy prescribes a holistic approach to working with families in need. Every member of the family is vital to the healthy functioning of the family. No one can be taken out of the equation.The Moadonit afternoon program was established to provide transformative experiences through connection and mentorship. Girls from a variety of backgrounds participate, mostly from divorced homes with significant financial hardship. All the girls require extra attention that they are not getting at home in a variety of areas. Girls receive:
- assistance completing homework
- creative psychoeducational projects related to a monthly theme
- nutritious protein-rich hot meals
- group therapy
The counselors are caring and mature young women who understand the impact they are making upon these young girls. They work hard at building a warm, supportive atmosphere for the girls. The counselors meet weekly with a clinical social worker to discuss both long and short term goals for each individual girl and how to implement them best. The counselors work with the girls on developing:
- healthy self-esteem
- positive character traits
- hidden and not-so-hidden talents
- adaptive social skills
Girls volunteer at a variety of charity organizations in the area so they feel that they are contributing to the community as well. Regular contact is made with parents and teachers to assess each girl's progress. As can be expected, responses have been very positive, with each girl blossoming at her own pace.
These are some of the gratifying comments we've heard from parents and teachers:
- "I see real changes in Chana, she's so much more calm and pleasant in class".
- "Yael can't wait to go to moadonit. She loves the counselors and the other girls."
- "The moadonit was a real gift from Above — we just didn't have enough time to devote to Sarah otherwise."
