Nov 19, 2012  By Jewish National Fund  Category: Blueprint Negev,

Quick Update from Aleh Negev

A rocket landed today in Aleh Negev. Fortunately, there were no casualties. 

Yesterday, Miriam Fox from Ofakim who works in Aleh Negev injured with her child and husband in her vehicle from direct rocket hit, while driving to start her night shift in the village.

Aleh Negev

Jewish National Fund, through our Blueprint Negev initiative, is making a major impact in the region by partnering with Aleh Negev, an organization that provides children with severe cognitive and physical disabilities throughout Israel with high-level medical and rehabilitative care to help them realize their full potential. Together, we have built a state-of-the-art communal Rehabilitative Village situated in Ofakim that is providing much-needed services and jobs to the area.

The concept was a revolutionary one -- create a community that meets the needs of the people with severe disabilities throughout their lives, while making them feel comfortable and instilling a sense of belonging. Aleh Negev is home to over 500 residential adults with disabilities and will serve some 12,000 children and young adults with disabilities each year on an outpatient basis. Until now, those with severe disabilities have grown up in hospitals, with no sense of home or societal framework. Modern and technologically advanced buildings house professional staff, residents and visiting relatives. In addition, the village provides vocational training, occupational therapy and medical facilities.
Through our fundraising efforts, JNF supports and enhances this remarkable village by funding new therapeutic facilities, including a petting zoo and therapeutic horseback riding center. JNF is also lending its expertise in developing beautifully landscaped grounds, meticulously planned to stimulate the senses of residents through the scents of herb and flower gardens.

The development of Aleh Negev dovetails perfectly with JNF’s Blueprint Negev initiative. The Negev offers space, freedom and a sense of well being that cannot be duplicated in major cities, which is a tremendous advantage for young adults with disabilities.
The village is attracting doctors, caregivers, teachers and others, stimulating the local economy and playing a vital role in lowering the high unemployment rate in the area.