The Youth Division
Children do not experience terrorism without suffering harm; it’s the end of the world as they know it, Whether they, themselves were the victims, or those wounded or killed were their parents, grandparents, or siblings, terror changes their lives completely. Family stability is shaken to its core, parental authority is compromised, and the child’s mental health is forever impacted. Even if the child’s family remains intact, the trauma continues to leave its mark, and family members continue to live under stress.
Often, children are left without anyone to turn to. They struggle to understand the new and painful reality. Those who return to school feel lost and left behind. Trauma and distress can resurface long after the initial incident, and well-meaning teachers are untrained to provide the right support.
In many cases, the child’s difficulties are not noticed or are diagnosed incorrectly as a learning disability or other disorder when they are actually dealing with painful and exhausting trauma. As a result, they lack urgently needed emotional support.
We created the Youth Division of OneFamily to provide immediate and ongoing emotional support for children and adolescents who have been physically, psychologically, and emotionally affected by terrorism. It is crucial to monitor these children’s needs and well-being to ensure they receive comprehensive care that leads to their recovery and healing. The ongoing activities of the Youth Department include therapeutic camps that take place during the Passover, Hanukkah, and summer vacations, as well as weekend retreats, holiday activities, special events, individual psychological counseling, a “Big Brother\Big Sister” program, support groups, and alternative therapies.
Psychological Treatment:
Throughout the year, 9 youth coordinators at OneFamily along with 60 youth counselors and volunteers, provide informal support, as well as physical and psychological assistance to our youngest victims as they cope with the difficult aftermath of a terror attack.
Family members, teachers, and friends have good intentions but often lack experience in dealing with trauma. They frequently respond to the children’s emotional distress by addressing symptoms rather than the trauma itself. Many children exhibit insomnia, eating disorders, learning difficulties, lack of concentration and little interest in social relationships. Sometimes, they are quick to anger.
The counselors, coordinators, and volunteers of OneFamily, who are trained by professional therapists, are typically those who recognize signs of distress and seek comprehensive support in response to the child’s needs. When the child’s behavior is a reflection of the problems at home, OneFamily’s coordinators and social workers assess the family’s needs and provide comprehensive intervention and assistance.
Therapeutic Camps and Retreats:
The central anchors of the Youth Division’s activities are the one-week OneFamily summer camps and four-day Passover and Hanukkah camps for children and young adults aged 8-18.
We give significant thought and planning into the camp design, ensuring enjoyable activities for youngsters during each camp season. To create the right balance, we provide three types of activities:
1. Leisure and recreational activities which prepare the ground for therapeutic activities and bring joy to the children, allowing them to relax. Nature hikes, jeep tours, games, swimming, movie nights, cooking, movement workshops, hydrotherapy and cultural activities are all included.
2. Semi-therapeutic activities and non-verbal therapy workshops help deepen social connections, build relationships, address significant emotional issues through non-verbal means, and indirectly address various emotional problems. These activities encourage children to share their inner world.
3. Individual and group therapies that establish one-on-one dialogues. We strive to get young victims to open their hearts and talk about loss, grief, memory, longing, pain, coping difficulties that arise due to trauma and commemorative events. These dialogues take place with family members and friends and are guided by counselors and specialized therapists working in the Youth Division.
The Big Brother/Big Sister program
Our Big Brother/Big Sister program is another step geared to all the children and young teenagers embraced by OneFamily’s network. Here, we provide the children with university-level student mentors who support and help them cope with difficulties, especially those unique to adolescence.
The program empowers the children and young teens who need emotional guidance. These mentors become role models for them, providing support and care, always standing by their side, whether in person, over the phone, or through social networks.
During their time together, our mentors take the youngsters on enjoyable outings, assist with homework, and share many other pleasurable activities. Their relationship means the world to them. There is someone in their lives who considers them special, cares for them, is their friend and provides emotional support. Mentoring also creates opportunities for the Big Brother/Big Sister to monitor the child’s recovery and their needs, whether material, educational, medical, or psychological.
The Big Brothers and Big Sisters are present at significant events in the youngsters’ lives, birthdays, memorial events, and more. The mentors of OneFamily are always ready to support and strengthen the children in any way they need.
