David Harris
Feature Program: JDC’s Turning Point
Turning Point helps at-risk youth become aspiring entrepreneurs
Turning Point introduces Israel’s at-risk youth to the real world of business, equipping them with job-readiness and entrepreneurial skills and placing them in mainstream work opportunities.
Three hundred and fifty thousand Israeli children and youth are considered to be “at-risk”—the troubled state in which one out of six Israelis under age 18 find themselves today. Of these, approximately 50,000 are on the verge of dropping out of school or have already dropped out, show extreme signs of truancy, or are juvenile offenders. They have few ambitions, do not pursue gainful careers, and lack hope for their future, while their delinquent behavior and sense of alienation put them on the fringes of society.
Turning Point appeals to these hard-to-reach teens by focusing on issues that are relevant to their lives—finding a job, earning money, and achieving financial independence. The program helps them restore vision by providing guidance and practical tools to break out of the destructive cycle they are in. As they learn real life business concepts and job skills, their self-confidence grows and they begin to see themselves anew and recognize opportunities for success. Turning Point has reached over 6,400 15- to 18-year-olds in 66 locations across Israel through its mentoring, job-readiness and entrepreneurship education, and youth-run business venture program modules.
The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) operates Turning Point in partnership with the Ministries of Education, Social Affairs and Social Services, and Industry, Trade and Labor; the National Insurance Institute; Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship; International Bank of Israel; Matan (Israel’s United Way); local authorities; Israeli philanthropic and nonprofit organizations; and the Israeli business community.
Susan’s House: a true “Turning Point” for Anna
Anna, the daughter of émigrés from the former Soviet Union, grew up in a houseful of siblings, who her parents adopted as foster children as a source of income. She was living on the streets, heavily involved with drugs and filled with rage and self-hatred, when she came to Susan’s House, a Turning Point program for some of Jerusalem’s most troubled teens.
Established in 2002 as a memorial to Susan Kaplansky, who had aspired to develop an art center as a meeting place for youth living on the street, Susan’s House is an on-the-job training center for Jerusalem’s most troubled teens. Teens working under the guidance of caring adults, including some of Israel’s most acclaimed artists, and learn to create beautiful crafts – handmade beads, necklaces, plates, bowls and decorative arts – which are sold worldwide. They are simultaneously taught business skills enabling them to craft and execute their own business plans. Youngsters working in Susan’s House’s factory shifts are also expected to take an active role in its everyday maintenance. This hands-on experience coupled with personal attention and therapeutic support – offered by staff including a social worker – ultimately helps at-risk youth restore their trust in themselves and others and develop the sense of self-confidence to rebuild their lives.
Susan’s house was a true turning point for Anna. As Susan’s House director explains, “Working with glass beads under the direction of our artist in residence helped burn away many years of neglect and abuse.” He remembers seeing Anna smile for the very first time, when a visitor to the showroom complimented her on a necklace that she had helped to create. “You could see her begin to believe in herself.”
For a beautiful video about Susan’s House, click here.
The Jewish Federation is working to ensure quality of life for all, including Anna and countless others, through programs and institutions such as JDC’s Turning Point. Thanks to your contributions to the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, more people like Anna can live safe and stable Jewish lives.
