Makom Balev

Background

Makom Balev (A Place in the Heart) in Be’er Sheva provides emergency housing and treatment for up to 50 young women at extremely high risk. Some of these women are as young as 16 years old and as a result of their unfortunate circumstances are faced with a bleak reality of prostitution, drugs, alcoholism, poverty and abuse. Without education, support, or psychological intervention these women would be powerless to create a better life for themselves. Keeping women safe and empowering them is an integral part of WIZO’s philosophy. WIZO’s Makom Balev is helping women regain ownership of their lives.

Overview

The center, whose location is kept confidential for the girls’ safety, is open daily from 12:00 noon until 10:00 pm, providing a wide range of assistance: physical support such as clothing and food, emotional support from social workers, and vocational training and additional educational resources. Every evening a hot dinner, which is jointly prepared by the young women, is served. Preparing nutritious meals together helps the women learn cooking skills, responsibility and social skills. A comfortable bedroom with four beds is available as a place to relax, and is also used on an emergency basis for overnight supervised stays.

The center offers many different programs and activities that help the women grow, learn and change the course of their lives. There are ongoing life skills workshops that teach the women proper hygiene, health, safety, and how to behave with mutual respect towards others. Opportunities to learn vocational skills and become self-supporting are an important part of the rehabilitation process. Most women receive government assistance and have limited funds to purchase clothing, so Makom Balev provides them with clothing, shoes and other personal necessities from WIZO’s secondhand shops.

Many of the girls and young women are deemed emotionally disabled when they enter Makom Balev. Furthermore, they are not familiar with the governmental structures and welfare programs available to them. Staff members and social workers at the center work with them to ensure they receive the assistance they deserve and advocate for them in a meaningful and productive way.