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The Objectives of our programs are that our youth:

    Will not use drugs or fall into prostitution.

    Will integrate into high school frameworks or be drafted to the army – depends on their age.

   Will learn to take responsibility over their actions by finding their inner control center.

    Will be able to financially support themselves before leaving the House. .

Since its establishment in 1984 Shanti house has helped 30,000 youth. Our doors are open 24\7 all year round and we are the only place in Israel that accepts youth without the need of an official referrals from welfare department, police or juvenile court, period of waiting or limit on the time they receive help. Our doors are open to any youth at risk. 

Up until today Shanti House has helped more then 30,000 youth in need, and have a success rate of 78% in returning youth into normative life (school, work, army service).

Programs:

At the heart of the our unique therapeutic model is the "Shantherapy" program.

Shantherapy offers a center for classes, workshops, enrichment activities, treatment and private lessons, aimed at promoting young people educationally, socially and emotionally, contributing to their rehabilitation and character building. Shantherapy acts as a channel for releasing anger, sadness, frustration, as well as being a source of great interest and enjoyment.

The Shantherapy program includes a variety of activities given by experienced professionals, with content adapted to suit the interests of the young people. They must commit to participate regularly in at least two activities a week. Among the activities offered: art classes, psychodrama, cinema, music, dancing, creative writing, football and more.

Our extensive experience over the years has proven that the Shantherapy program strengthens the feeling of belonging, responsibility and maturity of young people, creates integration and equality amongst them, contributes to their rehabilitation of and returns joy to their lives.

We also offer variety of other programs such as: Therapeutic farming -agriculture therapy, animal therapy, petting zoo, and horse riding therapy (in the Desert Shanti House) personalized Education, Door to Independence and more.

Returning runaway and homeless youth to an optimal way of life by creating a supporting and guiding environment suited to their needs.

Our goals:

1.Providing shelter, refuge and a warm home to runaways at risk.

2.Offering solutions to youth in distress through therapeutic means.

3.Aiding young adults in adopting a normative lifestyle.

4.Raising awareness amongst youngsters to the prevention of the use of drugs alcohol and violence.  

2. We are the only houses for youth at risk in Israel that accepts runways and youth at risk without welfare/police/juvenile court referrals. They can come on their own and simple knock on the door.

3. There is no waiting list and no limits to the time the can get help from the Shanti house

4. We are the only home for youth at risk that is open 24/7 all year around

5. We keep no personal records on youth in the house and allow them to open “new page” in their life without and “failed” stigmas.

6. We are not another hostel or institute – we are a HOME and a family for abused keeds that had to be taken out of their original homes or choose to do so.

"The activities give me strength, I feel that I am achieving a dream that allows me to believe that I succeed in the activities and with the help of willpower and effort, I can succeed with anything I choose to do. It gives me a push to do more things in my life and to develop and believe in myself and in my capabilities. The scenes I act out are taken from my life and allow me to see it from a different angle, even more than psychological therapy, as here it is tangible – you process what you experienced then, and it helps you to overcome and to go forward." And most importantly"I am suddenly able to see myself from the outside, thus stripping away my weaknesses and developing my self-awareness, something that makes me want to improve and to work on my weaknesses".

Success Stories of Children at Shanti House

Ruth, age 18

Ruth is s charming young girl who came to Shanti House  at the age of 15. She was one of the first residents at Desert Shanti and lived there for three years.

Ruth was born in an ultra orthodox family. From age 3-12 she was sexually abused by her father and molested by her brother. Her mother was aware of the horrible situation but chose to keep silent and did nothing to prevent it.

At the age 12 Ruth, together with her sisters, filed a complaint against the father. However, the sisters, under family pressure, retracted their claim and dropped the charges. Ruth was left alone to confront her father and did not surrender to the family and community pressure and was determined in her decision to stop the father from harming her and her sisters. The father was tried and sentenced to 12 years in prison. The family still did not support her; they banished her from the family and she was sent to a youth hostel 'Nigonim' where she lived for two years. When Nigunim was closed Ruth was transferred to another youth institution  'Tzofia" for six months. During this time she    frequently spent time on the streets.  She did not reveal what happened to her in this period of time but did say if was full of pain and despair. Shortly after that Ruth arrived at Desert Shanti.

During her time in Desert Shanti Ruth was able to recover and showed motivation to grow and mature. Her dream is to live fully and independently. In time, despite her sensitivity and the trauma she went through, Ruth was able to develop healthy and normal social bonds with her peers. She took courses in Yoga and dance therapy and she successfully finished high school and did well in all her exams. While waiting for her army service Ruth helped to welcome new children to Desert Shanti, escorting them through their adjustment to their new home.

In February 2013 Ruth Joined the IDF (army). Desert Shanti remains her home, and she serves in the army during the week and comes home on weekends.  We take a lot of pride in her achievements.  We are proud to see the amazing journey she made and are sure that with her determination and strength she will go a long way.

Shmuel age 19.5

Shmuel arrived at Shanti House four years ago after he was expelled from all formal frameworks and ran away from a very violent home. He grew up in an orthodox family with 9 siblings. The relationships with his parents were harsh and violent with inflexible discipline. Shmuel was brutally abused by his father and his older brothers and lived in constant fear and with no sense of belonging and protection.

Shmuel studied in orthodox boarding schools and Shanti House was his first secular framework. When he arrived Shmuel expressed his desire to change his life and to feel equal among equals. His journey was long but he was determined to keep going and develop his new personality.  From an insecure, ignorant young boy, with no self- confidence, Shmuel grew up to be a capable person who believes in himself and trusts his strengths. He participated in art-therapy and grapho-therapy sessions and graduated high school with honors. In August 2011 he joined the army to serve in elite paratroopers unit. This wasn’t easy for him but he struggled to achieve his goals. A few months ago Shmuel moved to an independent living, sharing an apartment with other Santi House alumni. The army is helping him to finance the rent of this apartment.  Shmuel is still part of the Shanti House family and we are accompanying him on his way to independence.