Caryn’s Kids Fund for Crossroads:
“I love the fact that our kids can get one healthy hot meal a week and coffee any time. I love talking to kids about books they’ve borrowed or want to borrow from our eclectic library. I love that kids can work toward getting a high school diploma and find a job through us.”—Caryn Green.
Crossroads offers teens a place to feel welcomed and accepted, where they can bring their troubles, or get involved in activities, or use the resources available: computer network, job center, educational support, therapy, afternoon and evening activity programs, and more. Caryn’s Kids Fund for Crossroads represents some of Crossroad's Founder Caryn Green’s favorite things that Crossroads gives to kids and will hopefully keep giving for years to come.
Caryn’s Kids Fund for Crossroads will provide the following services for the thousands of teenagers who pass through the Crossroads door each year:
· "Hot Meals on Cold Jerusalem Nights": Teens hanging out on the streets may or may not have many chances to eat a good meal every day. Instead of fast foods, or worse, Crossroads offers kids a chance to prepare and enjoy a hot dinner with their peers at the Center.
· "Fresh Start/educational support": Hundreds of English-speaking teens each year fail to succeed in Israeli schools, drop out, and end up vulnerable to loitering, crime, and worse as their opportunities and motivation disappear. We provide a full tutoring program with classes twice a week, dedicated teachers, books, materials, and more. Crossroads helps these kids turn their educational struggle into a bright future.
· "Crossroads Clubhouse": The Crossroads Clubhouse provides teens with an alternative to being on the streets, as well as social activities other than hanging out in bars. Our Clubhouse is a safe space and evening hangout zone for Center clients and serves as a drug and violence-free arena where teens can relax among their peers, as well as meet and bond with social workers and trained volunteers.
· "Job Center": Opportunities to learn essential job skills are provided in an environment where teens already know they will receive understanding, respect, and advice. At the Crossroads Employment Center, our teens learn to make their first resume, how to prepare for a job interview, and how to search in Israel for job opportunities. Our goal is to provide that combination of hope, skill, and determination that becomes a turning point for these teens, helping them move towards a more fulfilling and independent future.
Even just a few shekels every month can make a difference to Caryn’s Kids Fund for Crossroads.