Youth Futures

Founded in 2006, Youth Futures is a high-impact program that helps disadvantaged children and their families escape the cycle of risk and poverty through a unique mentoring model that works holistically with families, schools, and institutions in the community. Youth Futures addresses disparities in social and educational achievement by helping disadvantaged families access resources, services, and programs designed to address their needs, overcome their personal and academic obstacles, and help them reach their goals. Children in Youth Futures face numerous challenges—including learning disabilities, behavioral difficulties, poverty, and familial instability. Youth Futures serves 12,000 direct beneficiaries (children and their parents) in 37 Israeli communities. Our holistic program benefits diverse community members, including Arab, Druze, Bedouin, and Jewish (ranging from secular to ultra-Orthodox) children and families. The unique Youth Futures model of intervention creates a safety net for these children and works effectively with families, schools, and communities to help children overcome obstacles and achieve their personal and academic goals. The Mentor Role: Highly trained, professional Youth Futures Mentors serve as advocates, role models, and sources of guidance.  Mentorship: Each Mentor meets individually and in groups with 16 children.  Individual plans: Mentors create individual plans for children based on their challenges and goals.  Meetings: Parents, teachers, and other significant adults will join Mentors for meetings regarding the child’s goals and progress.  Enrichment: Mentors help children find enrichment opportunities including sports, arts, and tutoring.  Special Activities: Holiday celebrations, parent-child nights, outings, volunteer projects, etc.  Family Empowerment: The Family and Community Coordinator conducts workshops for parents on important topics such as parent-child communication and managing family finances.