Who We Are

Lamerhav was founded in 2001 with the vision of bringing about comprehensive social change through multidimensional, intensive, and long-lasting intervention in the lives of young Israeli adults from low socio-economic backgrounds who lack a family support network, with a view of helping them break through the academic, professional, and social glass ceilings they face, and ensure their integration into Israeli society as active and independent citizens who contribute to that society and themselves act as agents of social change.

The Challenge

Thousands of young adults in Israel lack a family support network. Young people from dysfunctional or unsupportive (emotionally or financially) families, or those who have been placed in out-of-home care (state boarding schools or foster care) reach the age of 18 and exit these frameworks and their school, where they find themselves on the outside of the educational and welfare systems. In the absence of assistance and support, these young adults face difficult odds in trying to achieve their potential and break out of the circle of poverty in Israel.

Our Solution

Lamerhav is currently the leader in the field of guidance and support for young adults in Israel who lack a family support network. The organization functions as a professional knowledge repository, which comprises both a guidance model based on a unique, self-developed methodology and the Center for Partnerships and Applied Developmental Research (the only one of its kind in Israel), a leader in developing and providing access to professional knowledge in this field. Lamerhav also oversees additional projects, all of which focus on providing participants with a support network and enabling them to acquire personal and professional skills.

“I feel proud of and enjoy taking part in Lamerhav since 2003. I’m thankful for the opportunity to help more and more young people participate and grow through this program. I believe that everyone needs to be seen and guided at critical junctures in their life, and I’m glad that this program exists and enables young adults to feel loved and a sense of belonging. I believe in the organization, it’s staff, and the young people who take part in it."

Adi Gal

Director of Lamerhav Hod Hasharon House

Lamerhav Houses

years of guidance and support during a key time of life

of Lamerhav graduates served in the IDF or national service programs

of Lamerhav graduates have pursued academic education

Utilizing a unique model for guidance and support, Lamerhav works with about 450 young adults in Israel, ages 17-25, who lack a family support network. Every year 70 new participants join the program, which has over 200 graduates. Additionally, through a wide range of activities and partnerships, Lamerhav affects change for hundreds more similarly situated young adults.