Our methods
Shanti House provides a unique wraparound therapy that includes enrichment classes, workshops, personal coaching, individual as well as group therapies, designed to peel and treat emotionally, academically and socially.
These methods strengthen the sense of belonging, responsibility and maturity of the youth and create equality and bonding among themselves. This therapeutic journey has a great impact on their rehabilitation, and in bringing joy back to their lives.
The Shanti House children receive a warm and loving home, regardless of religion, race, gender or nationality
The Shanti houses are open 24/7
Since its inception, Shanti House has helped tens of thousands of youth at-risk and in immediate danger.
Shanti House operates with love thanks to contributions and volunteers.
"First Hug" - Emergency Absorption Pack
For youth at-risk and in immediate danger that lived on the street, showered in public parks and gardens, used the same towel for weeks, wore clothes without washing them and slept on benches, on arrival at Shanti house they receive a “first hug” pack that has all their personal necessities. This pack is the initial hug and warmth they so need.
These little details are actually the big ones that give a feeling of a warm and welcoming home.
This pack contains everything they will need to start their new life and to feel at home.
The pack includes: towels, set of bed linen, underwear, socks, toiletry bag, hygiene supplies and coupons to purchase clothing.
The cost of a First Hug Pack is $150.-
Agriculture Therapy
Therapy that provides a positive and empowering experience. The encounter with plants helps the youth to be aware of their environment, encourages them to preserve nature and raises their awareness of environmental issues. The journey these youth go through from the moment they hold the seeds, plant and cultivate, to the growth of the plant / fruit strengthens their sense of ability and satisfaction, as well as providing a stress-free, and relaxing environment. As part of the activity, nature trips are also organized.
This program is based on research that shows the power of gardening therapy which improves mental and physical well-being and relieves anxiety and depression.
The cost of agriculture therapy per teen per year is $1485.
Horse Back-Riding Therapy
Desert Shanti House has a therapeutic horseback riding ranch. This ranch provides treatments for the children of Shanti House as well as for disabled and handicapped children from the Ramat Negev area. In addition, the ranch allows the Shanti House children to receive training as supportive riding instructors. Horseback riding fills their lives with positive energies and gives them strength and power.
The cost of a horseback-riding therapy session is $68.
The cost for yearly therapy for one teenager is $2,750.
Adopt a soldier
Joining the Israeli Defense Force is an important stage for the youth of Shanti House, an integral part of the rehabilitation they undergo towards ultimately returning to a normal way of life.
We are excited to see these youngsters, who once lived on the streets and have chosen life, choosing now to join the military, to be equals in society.
The Shanti House team accompanies the youngster in every aspect of recruitment and supports them physically and emotionally up to the day they are discharged. We are available to fill the role of visitation days and provide them with pocket money when they return to base. It goes without saying that their modest military salary is theirs to keep, and they can spend it as they wish.
The cost of enlisting a youngster in the military, purchasing preliminary equipment and accompanying him/her through their service, providing a warm home and living expenses at Shanti House, including pocket money and personal items is about $1800. per year
Art, Craft & Vocational Training
We believe that Shanti House graduates’ integration in the work force is essential to their self-esteem, self-respect, dignity, and self-worth. Knowing they can do something well and earn money for their skills is a great feeling.
The vocational program we conduct is supported by a team of personal mentors. Our Vocational and Craft Center is located within the Desert Shanti House campus. A program of craft courses was designed at different levels ranging from beginner to advanced, including: Carpentry and Woodwork, Metalwork, Electricity, Plumbing, Gardening, Mosaics, Stained glass, Sculpture, Painting and Pottery.
The cost of Vocational training per teen per year is about $2,250
24/7 Family
The Round the Clock Family program comprises a substitute family for homeless youngsters in immediate danger of descending to life on the streets.
The home becomes their family, provides a roof over the youngsters’ heads, and has an experienced staff that cares for all their needs. The Home operates 24/7, all year round. Youngsters are accepted at any time, without the need of an official referral, waiting period or limit on the time they receive help.
For more than 2500 youth at risk Shanti House is their home from 24 hours or up to 7 years.
Shabbat Dinners and Jewish Holidays
“Kabbalat Shabbat” (The welcoming of the Sabbath) and religious holidays are corner-stones of creating a family atmosphere in which a sense of belonging is formed. During Kabbalat Shabbat Mariuma summarizes the week, and everyone in turn describes something good that happened to them in the passing week and shares their wishes for the following week. This creates a sense of optimism while focusing on the bright side of their lives.
During the Kabbalat Shabbat service, we are privileged to witness a magical moment in which youngsters from all backgrounds of Israeli society sing “Shalom Aleichem”, Peace Unto You – the song that ushers in the Shabbat, while youth, lone soldiers and graduates observe the Shabbat Kiddush.
Sponsorship for Shabbat dinner is about $1,800 (approx. $15 per participant)
Sponsorship for Holiday dinner is about $3,000 (for 200 participants)
Giving to Others – the healing magic
We believe that our youngsters should help others. During the holidays they go to golden-age homes or hospitals to bring cheer to the hearts of the sick and elderly. In addition, they pack food parcels for families in need. They are also involved in a volunteer network that conducts beach clean-ups – a program that provides a fun and easy way to be engaged with activities that protect our coastlines, promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness of their surroundings.
These acts of giving have a positive impact not only for the elderly, the sick, the needy and environment, but also for our youngsters: It offers them new experiences and insights into social issues, It diverts their minds from the painful traumas of the past, It alters their perspective on their own lives and on what is really important, It gives them a feeling that they can contribute to society as equals and It helps them become better individuals.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy affects the subconscious and for the youth who had terrible childhoods, in which they experienced abandonment, violent and sexual abuse, the Watsu treatments carried out in the pool help them connect to a place of softness through touch.
Desert Shanti House was very fortunate to gain the support of a wonderful donor who a few years ago decided to support the construction of the Hydrotherapy center, enabling Shanti House to provide another significant healing and therapeutic method.
Many youths who experienced a traumatic childhood are greatly helped by hydrotherapy. It affords them a connection to a place of tenderness, positive physical contact and renewed control over their bodies, with the help of qualified instructors who are highly experienced in working with young people, particularly those who have suffered trauma.
These sessions enable them, to feel they are in a safe environment and to learn soothing, stress-releasing processes, which can also be put into practice in other life situations, outside the pool.
Animal Therapy
Animal therapy allows for direct and primary unthreatening contact, It allows unconditional acceptance, gives the youngsters confidence, builds their self-esteem as well as their sense of empathy and nurturing of other living beings, Initiates contacts that help them develop social capabilities, helps them gain control of their feelings, which is so vital for them.
The cost of animal therapy session is $68.
The cost for yearly therapy for one teenager is $2,750.
Enrichment Classes & Social Activities
The classes at Shanti House are varied and suited to the youngsters’ interests. Two weekly classes are compulsory for each boy and girl, according to their choice and preference. The classes help to widen the teens’ scope through exposure to new ideas and experiences, and remove their defensive layers and masks.
In addition, the insistence of punctuality develops their sense of responsibility and commitment. The connection with the group leaders strengthens their belief in others and teaches them to create healthy relationships in their personal lives.
In addition we put great emphasis on social activity that helps our children to counterbalance their stress and lead happy lives. Throughout the year we conduct field trips, sports and other outdoor and fun activities.
The average cost for these classes and social activities per teen per year is $2,500.
12 Steps Program
Aimed mainly at youngsters with a tendency to addiction, but also open as a prevention program to all teens.
This model assists individuals, helping them build mental and emotional transformative practices and tools including the ability to recognize and admit that he/she is experiencing an addiction and has decided to seek help.
The cost of this program is about $24,000 per year
