Reporting "Live from Netanya"
Monday, September 20, 2010
By: Chava Yelloz
August 2010
There’s nothing as exciting and as hopeful as being on
location at the Children’s Home in Netanya and seeing firsthand what the girls
are doing, what they are learning, and how they are going positively forward in
their young lives!
This is my third report ‘live’ in less than two years and I
am thrilled to share the news with YOU – our dear donors, who help ‘make it
happen’. Not only are the improvements
and changes I noticed in the physical sense so evident, but also the maturation
of the girls who have been housemates
for a few years. The Home’s influence has had and continues to have a positive
effect on them. Coming from varied backgrounds – either orphaned by one or two
parents, whether through illness or terrorism, or neglected, abandoned and/or
abused by living parents, all of the 103
girls at the Rubin-Zeffren Children’s Home have been given a second chance at
having a healthy and successful future.
If the walls at the Home could talk, they’d tell you that
the new girls who recently arrived before the school year began, came only the
clothing they were wearing that day. Some of them were confused and worried.
How would they go to school without having proper uniforms, shoes, books, a
backpack and school supplies? Will they be placed in the grade they belong
in? Can they make- up work they missed
during the first few days of instruction? Their faces appeared strained and
their inner tension and turmoil was evident, whether they were quiet or vocal
about these problems.
After spending more than an hour talking to our Programs
Director - Bracha Runes, in her busy bustling office, and also interviewing
Odelia Edery, the Home’s Activities Director Elinor Gabbay’s assistant (Elinor
is currently on maternity leave), I gained so much insight into programs and
activities that took place during the summer. I also learned about the upcoming
Fall plans for the new school year.
First and foremost, I’d like to report that the general and overwhelming
ambiance in the Home is that of warmth, caring and plenty of heart. From the
administration to the counselors to the cook and to the handyman, everyone’s
love for the girls was so evident and it was infectious too! When one sees how
much care and concern, planningand programming goes into the girls’ future, it
energizes you to want to do so much more for them.
Here’s what I saw
during my visit…
- The
entry grounds were improved with a proper walkway and planters
- The
vestibule was decorated with more artwork and plaques
- The
entry lobby was adorned with beautiful hand painted wall murals – made by
our very own Elinor Gabay with the assistance of some very artisitic
housemates.
- Girls’
bedrooms were spic and span, organized and the beds were beautifully made
with new attractive sheets, duvet covers and pillows.
- Teddy
bears and pretty stuffed animals were on all the girls’ beds.
- Plumbing,
electricral work and carpentry were updated and maintained while I watched
and girls even assisted bringing tools to the handyman!
- Additional
artwork, mirrors and plants were in place
- Lunch
was about to be served – and the delicious aroma of the food wafted
through the hallways – beckoning the hungry visitor and the girls coming
home from school. Menu for the day: Couscous, cooked vegetables in natural
liquid, lean beef meat balls, crudites – carrot sticks, celery and all
colors of peppers, ice water and fresh pita, assorted fresh fruit slices.
- Counselors
sitting with girls during lunch and listening to them, answering them and
attentive to their concerns
- Smiling
faces, girls I met previously more mature and content with their lives and
the new girls – shown acceptance and asked to join, be seated and share
lunch and conversation with the older girls – a true model of chesed and
good middot (deeds) – real sisterly concern.
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As the New Year 5771 begins, we wish you and our girls a
year of good beginnings, health, peace of mind and soul, and may all your
wishes and theirs come true.
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Chava
Yelloz & Bracha Runes
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