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HAVA LEVENE
Director of Public Relations, Neve Michael Children's
Home A mother of 11 and grandmother of 5, Hava is hard at work with children-at-risk on the coastal plain just north of Tel Aviv. Hava came to Israel to live just after the famous 6-day war in 1968 after growing up in Washington DC. Her father, a colonel in the US Army stationed at the Pentagon, worked closely with a wonderful, religious Christian, a General, also stationed there. Their families were very close and shared joyous events. Hava's husband was born in Israel and served as mayor of their town for many years before working as Head of Immigration and Absorption in the Jewish Agency. His grandfather was a well-known rabbi from Jerusalem who served during the days of the British Mandate. Neve Michael 2001 Neve Michael has one important purpose--to save and protect children-at-risk. They provide a protective environment for children aged 3-18 who cannot or should not live at home due to the worst situations you can imagine. Neve Michael's staff has been able to give these children a quality of life that would never have been possible under their circumstances with endless attention, affection, warm clothes and great food. (They boast the best chicken soup in Israel!) All of the children up to age 12 live in family units run by a married couple who have children of their own. Up to a dozen Neve Michael children live together with Ethiopians, Russians and Israelis, sharing rooms with backgrounds not being an issue. They live as one, big family in a caring, supportive atmosphere which is vital to the children's futures. There are nearly 300 children who came to Neve Michael through a new Crisis Center for Children-at-risk. This center is unique since it is national and open to all children whether they come from traditional, religious or less religious backgrounds. Because there are only 7 Crisis Centers in Israel the need is great for a way to integrate these children into healthy family units. The 15 families who live on the premises are making a real difference in how these children are raised. Neve Michael is unique in the country of Israel since they are able to take siblings. The diverse age group enables sometimes 4-5 children from the same family to be a part of the community and improve their chances of becoming individuals who grow up to be productive citizens. It is important that brothers and sisters don't have to be separated during difficult times. Neve Michael also brings in children from dysfunctional families who don't reside there but come for daycare. They receive meals, showers, clothes and homework assistance. During the summer they host blind and handicapped children giving all the children an opportunity to learn to help others. Hava will be touring the US in 2001 and would love to come to your church or group to describe what it is like, living in Israel in stressful times with an important calling to children who need to feel special; knowing they can't erase the scars but they can give them the tools to cope with their personal tragedies. Call 1-888-639-8530 if your are interested in an opportunity to hear her story.
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