Who you will help

Many women who have experienced trauma and risk situations face difficulty in integrating into the employment market. While employment would serve as an empowering and healing tool towards healthier lives, these women often lack job skills, training and the confidence to overcome barriers to find meaningful work. In Yeruham, this is further exacerbated by the city's high unemployment rates or temporary, low-wage work options. This perpetuates cycles of poverty, financial dependence on (often) abusive relationships, and women's "obligations" to stay at home.

Your donation will fund 

JNF is fundraising to give the women of Yeruham a fresh start. The "She Work" Centre for Entrepreneurship and Empowerment will offer an intensive 15-month program for budding entrepreneurs, workspace, ongoing business mentorship and workshops, and large expo networking events. Key program objectives are to strengthen economic and social resilience, allow women in destructive relationships to cultivate economic independence, and build an urban women's professional network for mutual empowerment. The first class of entrepreneurs come from backgrounds in hairdressing, nail and body treatments, massage and Reiki, female counseling (breastfeeding, doula, postpartum, parenting) and designer/seamstress. After the building renovation is complete, the Centre's program will service 45 female entrepreneurs a year.

Location

Yerucham, south of Be'er Sheva, was founded by mainly Moroccan immigrants in the 1950s. Over the years, immigrants from around the world have joined to create a large modern Orthodox population known for its vibrant community life.