Amit La’Derech is a non-profit organization devoted to helping discharged IDF soldiers from disadvantaged backgrounds transition to civilian life.
Each year, the IDF recruits 1,200 soldiers from severely disadvantaged backgrounds – they grew up in foster homes, dropped out of school or have a criminal record. Many of these soldiers are exempt from military service, but volunteer to serve nonetheless.
The IDF has had great success in integrating these soldiers within the army, but they often face difficulties after their army service, as they transition back to civilian life. They often do not have a home to return to or family upon which they can rely. They return to the social, emotional and financial challenges of their old lives – and often end up jobless and homeless.
Amit La’Derech seeks to give these young men and women, who have served Israel despite incredible hardships, opportunities to develop as productive and well-adjusted members of Israeli society. We believe in the power of mentorship as basis for individual development.
We pair each soldier with a volunteer mentor, who provides guidance, support, and serves as role model for the released soldier. Together the soldier and mentor create a individually tailored growth program focused on education, employment and empowerment and work together to set personal goals. The mentor creates a personalized experience that is unique to their soldier’s background, needs, and interests, allowing the soldier to develop key skills and realize his or her full potential.