Jerusalem, Israel 18 th – 21 st September 2008 GAMIAN-Europe 11 th Annual Educational Convention

Providing Rehabilitation Services to an Expanding and Multi-Cultural Population By Ruth Leitner Director of Supported Employment Services

Rehabilitation Services Fifty two branches throughout Israel serving 5,000 consumers from all ethnical groups in Israel; Jewish, Arabs, Druze and new immigrants. Social Clubs Vocational Clubs Supported Employment Supported Housing

Additional Services Family counseling centers Annul family conferences Annual holidays in Israel and abroad Enrichment lectures Advocacy Public outreach

Special Projects Maof – business enterprise Makshavim – Internet group Coffee houses Art exhibits Choir The Green house Afula Theatre Arab Women Druz Youth HomeCenter Spirit of Man

Dealing with a mental illness since his teens Receiving psychiatric treatment Receiving Enosh rehabilitation services: supported housing, supported employment, supported education Many dreams Outcomes Married, working full time in a hostel as a consumer provider, chosen as best worker of the year, making a good salary, increased self-esteem, involved in the community, fulfilling his dreams THE STORY OF Y

Most Recent Activities Publishing the book Windings - 25 short stories by consumers and famous Israeli authors Presentation at the World Federation of Mental Health International Forum on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings August 2008 Initiating international project on the use of applied humour for mental health rehabilitation and destigmatization.

Summary Rich and varied services and activities Constant development of new programs for the specific needs of our targeted and multi-cultural population. New focus on including consumers in the decision making process, and as employed workers in the organization.

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