Akim Jerusalem

Project Focus: The Beit RachelStraus "Dream Academy"

For some people, in particular those with special needs, social isolation is a barrier to their enjoyment of what so many others take for granted – a "good life". It limits their ability to develop genuine relationships, find suitable employment, derive job-satisfaction and, in general, feel a valued part of the community.
The Beit Rachel Straus "Dream Academy" project aims at breaking the cycle of isolation for young adults with intellectual disabilities still living at home before they make the move into community living arrangements. We aim to become THE address for all who feel a need to belong, a welcoming environment where what they have dreamed about can become reality. The Dream Academy will provide the means and the tools to break the vicious circle of loneliness and inaccessibility that is the lot of many people with special needs in the Jerusalem of 2015.
The "Dream Academy" at Beit Rachel Straus has been developed for people with dreams. The first and only condition is that they cross the threshold… once they have done that there will be someone there ready and waiting to listen. If their dream has anything to do with a gym, music, art, computers, photography, gardening, movement, self-defense, watching movies or just having a chat with someone over a cup of coffee or tea, chances are that their desires will be realized within a very short space of  time.
Staffing this program, paying for refreshments, transportation costs in bringing young adults with special needs from around Jerusalem, equipment, administration costs etc. will cost $41,000 for the first year of operation.