Mar 14, 2023

JDC-Ashalim Helps At-Risk Youth Find Their Footing

Lenora, a 19-year-old woman living with her low-income family in Northern Israel, is seeing her dream of a professional career become a reality, thanks in large measure to Ashalim, a project of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), Federation’s overseas partner. Ashalim develops solutions and services for at-risk populations, beginning at birth to age 25, to improve their quality of life and enable them to integrate successfully into Israeli society. Despite Lenora’s focus and drive to succeed, she had to work odd jobs to help support her family and earn tuition money. With the support of JDC-Ashalim’s Yated program, she received tuition support, a laptop for her studies and funding for travel expenses. She was accepted to study accounting and economics at the University of Haifa, and is now on her way toward securing a position in one of the world's most well-known "big four" accounting firms. The result is a brighter future for economically challenged young Israelis.