But there is still tremendous need. This year, for the first time, federations have the option to fund individual projects in Israel. Portlanders saw exactly how federation dollars make a difference. When children enter Neve Michael, they often stay at the facility until they are 18. Children 12 and under live with house parents and their children.
Teens also live in family groups, but in single-gender homes.
I had no idea one in six children in Israel was abused or neglected. Thank goodness we have facilities like that and people who will care for children who need every bit of attention they can get. Two of Portland's Jewish professionals offered insights about the village. David Fuks, now executive director of Cedar Sinai Park, was formerly director of the Edgefield Children's Home, a treatment center that serves a similar population. He said the house parent model was tried unsuccessfully in the United States about 30 years ago.