At Moriah, Aleh's residential facility in Gederah, 96 young people with severe mental disabilities and physical handicaps receive the devoted, round-the-clock care that they need to stay healthy and develop to their fullest potential.
The young people, who range in age between 9-25, are dependent for all their daily activities. However, our young adult population is encouraged to live as independently as possible, thanks to Moriah's five beautifully furnished, small-group apartments, which have been specially designed to meet their needs. In addition, a highly professional medical clinic offers medical services and preventive treatments to minimize complications and hospitalizations.
Youngsters who are mobile enough to travel are transported daily to special education schools within the community. Those who are highly dependent attend one of the three classes offered on site at Moriah's own special education school.
In the afternoon, the youngsters have an opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities that combine fun with therapy and learning, including trips to the library, the coffee and pizza shop, and the local exercise gym. Many wonderful volunteers from the area, including soldiers, students and community members, "adopt" residents and accompany them on their daily excursions.
After completing their studies at the special education school, the older residents participate in a challenging rehabilitative vocational training program that integrates occupational therapy with meaningful and creative work. Activities include workshops in candle-making, pottery, silk, crafts, paper recycling and mosaic design.
The items created in the program are sold in stores and by Aleh supporters. The young people receive a salary for their work, and are taken to local shops to spend the money as they wish. This all contributes to their enhanced self-esteem and feelings of self-worth.
Because Aleh greatly encourages family members to stay in touch with their children, Moriah has developed an innovative interactive website program where parents are able to part of their children's daily lives. The children and their families are connected during real time and can communicate with one another via specialized computer programs and assists.
Moriah, Aleh Gedera
3 Levinson, P.O.B. 273 Gedera 70700
Tel: 08-851-1666
Fax: 08-851-1660
Director: Naama Sudkevitz
e-mail: naama@aleh.org
