'The House on the Gilboa' was founded in 2010 in kibbutz Merav. It is a permanent residence for adults with developmental disabilities, in the model of the curative communities in Harduf, catering specifically to religiously observant women.
Kibbutz Merav: A religiously observant community located on the pastoral Gilboa Range. This small kibbutz of 90 families is unique for its rich community life, extensive emphasis on education and on social responsibility.
The story behind 'The House on the Gilboa': On its 25th anniversary, the kibbutz decided it had the will and ability to contribute to the Israeli society in creating a social project within the kibbutz. While conducting preliminary research, they had discovered there is great need for programs catering for religiously observant women with developmental disabilities outside the big cities. They had learned that many observant families face great difficulties in finding suitable residential solutions for young women with disabilities, and resort to placing them in environments incompatible to their lifestyles or keeping them at home, where they are socially isolated and lack proper services.
To address this need, the members of Merav collaborated with the Kamah Association of Harduf and the Beit Elisha staff in creating a home in the model of the curative communities of Kamah in Harduf. After a long preliminary process of staff training, adapting and renovating a residential building and locating women who could benefit from the program, 'The House on the Gilboa' was inaugurated in January 2010. Five women now live in "The House on the Gilboa" while we are planning the renovation of an additional building for the intake of additional residents.
Life in 'The House on the Gilboa': Each member of 'The House on the Gilboa' benefits from a multifaceted rehabilitative program in a warm and supporting atmosphere, and leads a full and independent life. The women are integrated into the various kibbutz workplaces or work in the organic farm established by 'The House at the Gilboa' staff. During their leisure time, members receive individual therapies, study, and take part in Merav's cultural and social activities.
'House on the Gilboa' members are intimately integrated into the Kibbutz community; having chosen to take in this group of women with developmental disabilities, the community is very receptive and inclusive. Living close to nature supports the rehabilitative process of the members, and lends the place an advantage too. Staff and residents have the full complement of local services on Merav at their disposal, including clinic, synagogue, grocery store, library and community center.
We believe 'The House on the Gilboa' initiative can become a model for similar communities who wish to enrich their social fabric by integrating a therapeutic community into their society.
For more information contact Elad Bloch: +972-52-869-9412
