Many of the children who live at Zion Blumenthal come from homes where the parents are addicted to drugs or alcohol, suffer from mental illness, or live in dire and unbelievable poverty.

Most grew up with little or no parental guidance, while others were abused physically and emotionally. As a result, they lack a sense of self-esteem, and have no knowledge of what it means to be part of a family.

Zion Blumenthal remedies the situation by giving the children a stable, loving environment in which to grow. It provides them with all the elements of a warm home, including food, clothing and shelter. Its staff of counselors becomes the adult role models these children never had.

The orphanage has a "big brother" program in which university students spend their afternoons at the orphanage. These students are specially trained to give the children personalized attention and emotional support. For many children, these counselors and "big brothers" are the first people to take an active interest in their lives. They blossom under the attention and become secure in the knowledge that there is always someone there who cares.

Because the majority of Zion Blumenthal's children received little in the way of care and love in their own homes, many suffer from severe emotional problems. Other children come here with various learning disorders such as ADHD.

Zion Blumenthal has a team of professionals who help the children overcome their disabilities and emotional problems. The team is led by two educational psychologists, who evaluate each child's psychological needs and then work with social workers and therapists to develop a program that meets his needs. The social workers have the crucial role of ensuring that each child is progressing toward the goals developed by the team. They do so by acting as the liaison between the children, their parents, and the orphanage staff.

The children are provided with psychological and emotional therapy, in both group and individual settings. In addition, the children receive physical and occupational therapy, as well as speech and art therapy; each child according to his needs. The Orphanage also has its own petting zoo, where, whilst working with the animals, in a stimulating environment, children with severe emotional problems learn to express and deal with their issues.

Many of the children at the Orphanage are not on par scholastically with other children their age. Some did not attend school regularly, while others were never given the opportunity to learn to read and write.

Zion Blumenthal finds appropriate educational frameworks for each of its children, ensuring they receive high-level academic and Jewish education that will maximize their potential. All of the orphanage's children attend local schools recognized by Israel's Ministry of Education. Some are enrolled in regular classes, and receive supplementary tutoring as needed. Others are placed in special education classes, designed to meet the unique needs of children who have dyslexia, different forms of low cognitive skills and learning disabilities or limited intelligence.

Many of the children in the special education classes are eventually mainstreamed into regular classes. A teacher works with these children to ensure that the transition into a regular classroom is a smooth one.

In cases where Zion Blumenthal children have severe problems, they are sent to schools for children with special needs.

Children from dysfunctional homes often miss out on the fun of childhood and never have the chance to just be kids.

Every afternoon, Zion Blumenthal offers its children a wide array of extra-curricular activities that are not only fun, but give them skills they can use throughout their lives. These include:

• Computers
• Electronics
• English as a second language
• Arts and Crafts
• Sports
• Music

Each summer the orphanage runs a month-long camp for its children, and others from low-income families in the community. Highlights include swimming, arts and crafts, field trips, science projects, and an overnight excursion.

In addition, the orphanage offers a variety of Jewish cultural programs, including trips to Israel's holy sites, Shabbat and holiday activities, and special Bar Mitzva celebrations.

These activities keep Zion Blumenthal's children off the streets and, at the same time, help them become wellrounded individuals with knowledge and skills in many areas.

Adolescence is not an easy time for any teen-ager, but the challenge is an even greater one for a boy coming from a difficult and problematic socio-economic and emotional background. The Rehabilitative High School was established as a framework serving as a continuation of the Zion Blumenthal Children's Home in order to meet the special needs of these teens. In addition, the High School provides a first class, tastefully designed, full dormitory facility, serving teen-age boys of similar backgrounds from across the country, referred by the welfare agencies.

• Each boy's scholastic ability is actualized to the maximum, through small classes and personal attention. The curriculum includes the full range of Jewish and secular subjects, preparation for the matriculation exams with private tutors and guidance towards a possible career suited to their abilities and interests.
• Individual and group therapy, provided by a professional staff of psychologists, social workers and other therapists. They help the boys cope with their problems, frustrations, fears and low selfesteem. Under their care, the boys reach emotional maturity and inner stability, in preparation for a tranquil and promising future.
• The boys are educated towards taking personal responsibility and are given coping skills to enable them to deal successfully with life outside the school. While acquring self-discipline, they learn how to mainstream into society, meet social demands, and live a full and joyous life.

• In addition to the regular curriculum, the boys participate in optional extra-curricular courses. These courses include music, computers, first aid, baking and a variety of crafts, as well as sport activities. Other facilities include a well stocked library and a small petting farm.
• Once a week the boys go on nature hikes or visit interesting sites, in addition to longer trips throughout the country over the course of the year.
• Every week, the boys go out in small groups to a variety of voluntary activities - including visiting hospitals, assisting in organizations serving the disabled, and helping the elderly. They return content, gratified with their contribution to the community and the experience of giving to others.

Adolescence is a bit less daunting when cushioned by all the help and personal guidance our high school has to offer.