Elem/Youth In Distress In Israel

“ELEM taught me to ask for help when I needed it. And now every year I run marathons in ELEM’s name. I run, dream, fight, and accomplish. I came to A Real Home, ELEM’s program for women who were victims of sexual abuse growing up. I’ve never skipped a meeting. Through holiday dinners, and many hours at the home with the girls, I realized that I’m a part of a family.” – Yael.

“I made Aliyah when I was six, became homeless by the time I was 16, and addicted to drugs by the time I was 17. But then I found ELEM. And when I couldn’t enlist in the IDF because of my criminal record, ELEM fought for me. Not only am I clean today, but I’m serving in the army, dreaming of becoming an officer, and working with kids with special needs. All thanks to ELEM.” – Rachel, 19.

“My mentor at ELEM helped me set goals for myself and stick to these goals. He taught me how to aim higher. ELEM showed me a different type of family than the one I grew up with, a family that was warm and accepting.” – Yoni, 21. Alumni of ELEM's From Dependence to Independent program.

When I was 18 I got pregnant by accident. I was a young girl who didn't fit anywhere. I had no dreams, no goals. I didn't have faith in myself. I couldn't go on with the pregnancy, but I just knew that one day I'd become a mom. Around the same time I found out about ELEM. As a teen I ran away from home, I transferred from one educational establishment to another, and I faced some very rough times. Everywhere I looked someone judged me. I felt like a disappointment, like I let everyone down - my parents, my friends, everyone. Only at Alma, ELEM's program for young women at fatal risk, I finally felt like I was being heard. Not judged. I felt enveloped. For the first time ever I felt like I could make it. I started learning how to dream, how to pursue fulfillment. During my final year at Alma I got pregnant. I learned so much about myself and my capabilities that I felt I was finally ready to become a mom. And now I AM a mom! And if you'll ask me nowadays what are the things I want to do or be in the future, I'll say - the list is endless. There are so many things I want to do, that I WILL do! But today, first and foremost, I want to be a good mother to my daughter. To be and witness her development, provide her with warmth and love, and watch every step of her progress, and be there with her along the way. A week before I gave birth, Anat, the incredible ELEM volunteer who's been with me for years, organized a moving event for me with the other volunteers , and the staff. These people are my family. Now they look at my daughter, Maayan, with eyes full of love.