School as a Place of Healing in Haifa

Wherever he was, Tom wished he were somewhere different. Though only in seventh grade, his difficult family life left him emotionally withdrawn and underachieving in school.

He seemed a perfect candidate for School with a Heart—Yuval, a school program for troubled youths in Haifa funded in part by Federation partner JDC. In a safe, relaxed environment, Tom was able to build a relationship with his coordinator and receive personalized support.

With their help, after only one year in the program, Tom gained enough self-confidence to play a leading role in the school’s end-of-year program in front of the entire student body, visiting dignitaries and even the mayor of Haifa.