“Kvutzat Hashavim” (Group of Equals) is a non for profit organization (NPO) that provides support to adults living with moderate to severe Autism.
Our organization is dedicated to helping individuals on the spectrum lead a meaningful life whithin the community.
We believe individuals on the spectrum will flourish when they are included in a community to which they can contribute. In the past, individuals with Autism were normally housed in separate hostels/institutions, and were not brought to their full potential. We do our best to help them reach their individual potential by providing them opportunities for learning. We achieve this by giving them occupational opportunities, leisure activities and home-economic skills, thus enabling them to live a full life like everyone else.
Our belief is based on the right of every person, including those with severe disabilities, to lead a meaningful social and personal life. In order to enable this, we work closely with the community to develop learning and occupational frameworks. We also strive to have housing solutions within the community. In doing so, we create a model enabling these individuals to live a full life in which they contribute to the same communities which supports them.
Our guiding principle is that every person is a unique individual entitled to an appropriate framework for his/her needs. We choose to focus on the strengths of each individual, while providing as many choice as possible. The appropriate level of support enables the realization of each person’s potential.
“Kvutzat Hashavim” has all the necessary NPO certifications required by Israeli law. We also have “certification of sound management” and “certification for tax exempt donations” from the income tax authority (regarding donations according to section 46 of the Israeli Tax Ordinance).
“Kvutzat Hashavim” Current Frameworks:
Michllol - Learning and Occupational Day Center
Our Learning and Occupation Day Center was opened in December 2014 for adults (21+). It is located in Ramat Hasharon and “Kvutzat Hashavim” enlists professionally trained and experienced therapists. Our counselor-participant ratio is 1:2 (in other existing facilities the
ratio is 1:4), a practice that enables our participants to benefit from significant and meaningful learning and creativity in a calm and supportive environment.
Afikim Liesure Club
Our Afikim Club was founded at 2017 and is providing a solution for the consumption of leisure activities and life skills in accordance to our participants needs and personal interests.
The club operates 5 days a week, in the afternoons during which the members enjoy adapted classes - Arts and pottery, Carpentry , fitness, cooking, guided walk on the beach, Kabbalat Shabbat and more.
Outdoor Active Weekends
Held since 2015 in collaboration with ALUT We see these weekends as an opportunity for each and every one to empower themselves and face challenges big and small. Independence and self-learning about personal ability and getting closer to society and a community that is happy to cooperate with us, developing team spirit and of course fitness and endurance.
One weekend a month, a group of Adults with Autism go out with a tour guide, resort manager and a team of guides for an active weekend in nature that includes hiking trails, overnight stays in inns and rural lodging sites.