The Tuvia Community is home to 65 children and teens aged 6 - 18 that have been removed from their homes due to parental neglect, emotional, physical or sexual abuse. The Tuvia Community is based on a holistic approach that emphasizes the whole personality of the child and his or her development in body, soul and spirit. Several unique characteristics make the Tuvia Community a truly extraordinary place:
The Family-Style Home Model: Until the age of 15, children live in family-style homes with a pair of house-parents and a co-ed, multi-aged groups of 8 to 10 children. The family-style home is modeled after the nuclear family, allowing house-parents (usually educational professionals or therapists) to serve as role models and provide much needed stability and security.
A high level of academic support: The Tuvia Community's Learning Center, active in the afternoons and evenings, provides the children of the Tuvia Community with academic tutoring by teachers, special education professionals, counselors and volunteers. The work is done in small groups or in a one-to- one basis. All of the children in the Tuvia Community complete 12 years of schooling and sit for either full or partial matriculation exams. For those who need an additional year, we offer a Grade 13 program for completing all of the secondary school requirements.
A personally tailored therapeutic program: The Tuvia Community provides the children with a wide variety of therapies: therapeutic horseback riding; art, movement, play and drama therapies and aromatherapy. The Community benefits from the use of Kibbutz Harduf’s medical clinic, which offers medical, psychotherapeutic and psychiatric services.
A rich program of extra-curricular activities: As part of our belief that children should receive the tools and opportunities to develop in all spheres, an emphasis is put not only on academic achievements but also on art, sports and play. Most members of the Tuvia Community play a musical instrument and participate in sport clubs and arts and crafts workshops.
Integration within the kibbutz community: Residents of the Tuvia Community are fully integrated into the community life of Kibbutz Harduf. Children participate in the youth group activities of the kibbutz, are "adopted" by kibbutz host families, and join in kibbutz holiday celebrations.
An emphasis on rebuilding connections with the family of origin: The Tuvia Community considers the children's relationship with their parents to be very important. Ties are maintained through home visits, parents' days and regular meetings. Students go to their parent's homes for weekend every three weeks and on holiday vacations. The dormitory remains open 365 days a year for those who need it, and hosting solutions with host families are available too.
A highly dedicated and professional staff: The staff of the Tuvia Community includes social workers, house-parents, junior and senior counselors, therapists, academic tutors and volunteers. All staff members see their work in the Tuvia Community as a way of life and embody .
A graduates program helping members make their first steps in the world: Many of the Tuvia Community graduates, who lack familial support, receive residential units in the kibbtz in order to provide them with a warm home to come to on weekends and leaves while they complete their military or national service. Graduates are supported by a social worker who maintains constant contact with army commanders or social service providers. Construction is slated for 2012 for a new building for the Tuvia Community teens and graduates. This will enable us to provide more comprehensive housing for Tuvia Community graduates who are in need of a home.
