This year, amidst the ravages of war, destruction, and deep suffering, we find ourselves bearing witness to the resilience of those enduring unspeakable hardship. It feels challenging to speak of progress and success when so many people around us are experiencing the unimaginable—refugees in their own land, facing fear and loss daily. Yet, as we reflect on our journey at the House of Grace, we are reminded of the importance of our work in restoring hope and faith, even during the darkest times.
Through our outreach, we stand alongside families in need, youth at risk, and former prisoners navigating their path back into society. These members of our community carry shared burdens of fear, despair, and uncertainty for the future. Many have lost their sense of hope, and understandably so. The persistent struggles in our region—political strife, economic instability, security challenges, social tension, and countless conflicts—cast long shadows over everyday life.
But there is something greater that remains unchanged: our faith. It is our unwavering belief in a Creator who, through boundless love and grace, promises never to abandon us. We hold firm to the understanding that we are all created equally, in His image, and that this truth will guide us toward brighter days. Faith is not only our anchor but the path that leads us forward, helping us see beyond the hardships.
These difficult times also illuminate the grace that sustains us, reminding us of the blessings we still hold. We cherish what we have, recognizing that these gifts are not universal, and we draw strength from the steadfast support of friends, supporters, and loved ones who keep us in their prayers. Rather than highlight our achievements, we wish to acknowledge the collective strength of our community—people and organizations alike—whose faith and compassion kindle hope and courage in the hearts of those suffering.
Since the recent escalation of conflict, particularly in the north, we have seen God’s love shine through the solidarity of those who have rallied to support the vulnerable. We have felt the prayers, care, and unwavering commitment of our friends and partners in the House of Grace, reinforcing our mission and affirming our faith. In this season of Christmas, we pray for peace above all. And we open our hearts to the divine light, so we may see God’s face reflected in each person beside us and be present for them through every difficulty.
This year also marks a bittersweet moment as we bid farewell to Nina Kreissl, our dedicated civil peace worker from Agiamondo, who has been an integral part of our House of Grace family for the past nine years. Nina’s unwavering commitment to our mission, particularly her invaluable contributions to our prisoners’ rehabilitation program and her tireless efforts in strengthening our organizational capacity, has left an indelible mark on our community. Her profound understanding of our vision and her ability to bridge cultures and hearts alike has helped shape the House of Grace we know today. As she embarks on her next journey, we hold her in our prayers, grateful for the years of dedicated service she has given to our community.
We are deeply grateful to each of our partners, supporters, and friends. Through your support, you are part of a profound impact—a source of light for countless lives. Together, we continue to create, even in the smallest way, change that brings hope.
With heartfelt gratitude and prayers for peace,
Jamal Shehade
Director
Prisoners' Rehabilitation Program: Adapting and Thriving in Challenging Times
The past year brought unprecedented challenges to our rehabilitation program, yet our adaptability and commitment to excellence yielded remarkable results. Despite the regional conflict’s impact since October 2023, we maintained full capacity while successfully transitioning 17 former prisoners back into society – 8 returning to their families and 9 moving to supervised transition apartments. Throughout the year, we processed 35 candidate referrals and maintained our 17-bed capacity, with only two residents dropping out of the program, demonstrating the strength and effectiveness of our support system.
This year brought significant shifts in our resident profiles and operational environment. We observed an increase in residents with violent offense backgrounds, while the prison system moved toward shorter pre-release treatment programs of 4-6 months. The security situation created additional challenges, particularly in employment stability for our residents and our ability to conduct prison visits for assessments and intake.
In response to these changes, we implemented several strategic adaptations. Our staff underwent enhanced training in violence intervention techniques, and we redesigned our treatment programs to maximize impact within shorter rehabilitation periods. We strengthened our community partnerships to create more employment opportunities and developed new crisis management protocols to ensure program continuity during emergency situations.
Our commitment to innovation led to several program improvements. We introduced “Restorative Justice” principles in group discussions and enhanced our anti-violence workshops with new methodologies. The integration of mindfulness practices into our rehabilitation programs has shown promising results, while our garden project continues to serve as an effective therapeutic tool.
Professional development remained a key priority, leading to significant institutional recognition. We proudly hosted the Northern District Judges Committee Forum for the first time in our history and participated in crucial policy-making forums. Our staff received specialized training in new treatment approaches, ensuring we remain at the forefront of rehabilitation practices.
As we move into 2025, we’re focusing on expanding our specialized violence intervention training, developing new employment initiatives, and strengthening community partnerships. We’re also enhancing our emergency preparedness protocols to ensure consistent service delivery regardless of external circumstances. These achievements reflect our unwavering commitment to rehabilitation, even in challenging times. Through innovation and dedication, we continue to provide vital second chances while contributing to a safer, more inclusive society.
Families in Need: Supporting Communities Through Challenging Times
Throughout 2024, our Families in Need project continued to provide vital support to hundreds of families in Haifa, adapting our services to meet the growing challenges posed by the ongoing regional conflict and economic pressures. Our commitment remained strong across all religious and cultural celebrations – from distributing 222 food packages during Christmas 2023, to 140 packages during Easter, 111 during Eid al-Fitr, and 97 during Eid al-Adha. Through our partnership with the Welfare Department, we maintained regular monthly distributions, while also providing emergency assistance to 53 families facing acute crises.
A significant development this year was our response to war-related challenges. We organized specialized workshops focusing on stress management and coping strategies for families, particularly addressing the challenges of extended home stays and uncertainty about the future. Our social workers conducted 44 home visits and handled over 550 consultations, providing guidance on rights and entitlements, resulting in approximately 150 social reports to support families in accessing services.
Healthcare and financial support proved crucial this year, with nearly 10,000 NIS allocated to help families access essential medications. Our financial assistance program provided over 5,700 NIS to help families cover various critical needs, including utility bills, clothing, and essential household items. This support became particularly vital as families faced increased living costs and economic uncertainty.
Our social workers implemented innovative workshop approaches using therapeutic cards and group activities, helping participants identify their personal strengths and develop practical skills for daily challenges. The workshops proved highly successful, with participants reporting improved self-confidence and better coping strategies.
Education remained a priority, with our back-to-school initiative providing 96 school supply packages and 77 backpacks to 46 families. Through our enhanced support services, we identified emerging needs in areas such as business guidance, Hebrew language education, and employment counseling.
As we approach Christmas 2024, we are preparing another large-scale distribution similar to last year’s, continuing our tradition of supporting families during the holiday season. Looking ahead, we remain committed to our community’s most vulnerable members, adapting our services to meet evolving needs while maintaining our core mission of providing both practical assistance and emotional support to families in crisis.
Youth at Risk: Nurturing Growth and Resilience
Throughout 2024, our Youth at Risk project served approximately 40 young people, providing a comprehensive program of activities designed to support their educational, social, and emotional development. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, we maintained and adapted our services to meet the evolving needs of our youth.
Our educational support program remained a cornerstone of our work, with volunteers from Haifa University, the Technion, and local high schools providing vital homework assistance and exam preparation guidance. This support proved especially crucial during periods of remote learning, helping students maintain their academic progress despite disruptions to normal schooling.
We expanded our creative and practical skills programs this year, offering workshops in art, sports, and baking. These activities provided important outlets for self-expression and stress relief while building confidence and social skills. Our sports programs, including basketball and football, promoted healthy lifestyle choices and team-building skills, while our art workshops offered therapeutic benefits through creative expression.
A significant focus this year was addressing the emotional challenges stemming from the security situation. We increased our psychological and social work support services, providing crucial assistance to both youth and their families in managing anxiety and stress. This became particularly important as families faced extended periods at home, financial pressures, and general uncertainty about the future.
Our summer program was a particular highlight, engaging 20 participants in activities designed to strengthen social bonds and provide positive experiences during the vacation period. The program combined outdoor activities, group games, and creative workshops, offering a safe and enriching environment during the challenging summer months.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are developing enhanced virtual support systems and expanding our digital capabilities to ensure continuous support, even when physical meetings aren’t possible. Our focus remains on building resilience, maintaining educational progress, and providing emotional support to help our youth navigate these challenging times while maintaining their personal growth and development.
