A chance for each child: The heart of Yeladim’s mission

Nestled at the heart of Israeli society, where challenges and resilience intersect, lies “Yeladim: Fair Chance for Children (Yeladim),” a beacon of hope for children without family support. These young people, often scarred by neglect, abandonment, or trauma, find solace, stability, and a pathway to a brighter future through Yeladim’s tireless work. At the helm of this impactful organization is Sigal Bar-On, whose personal life and professional work intertwine in an unwavering commitment to Israel’s most vulnerable citizens.

Bar-On is not just the Chair of Yeladim but also a transformative figure in Israel’s philanthropic landscape. As the Co-Chair of Fischer Pharmaceuticals Ltd, known as Dr.Fischer, a leading industrial company, she has long understood the importance of giving back. Her journey with Yeladim began 15 years ago when she and her family opened their home: “As part of my work at Dr. Fischer, I volunteer together with my employees in various activities to support children living in residential boarding schools,” Bar-On recounts. “One day, the school principal asked if I could host two siblings over one of the Jewish holidays. I agreed, and shortly after, my husband and I decided to become a permanent host family for a child living at a boarding school, just as my parents had done. It’s a demanding commitment as a family, but the impact is profound and incredibly rewarding.”

”This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Welfare, pairs children without family support with families who provide them with a loving home on weekends, holidays, and special occasions,”

Bar-On shared, “He became part of our family. At first, there were challenges, but over time, the bond grew stronger. We supported him throughout his time at school, his military service, and now as he is pursuing higher education. Watching him flourish—gaining confidence, achieving his goals—has been one of the greatest joys of our lives.”

“In Israel,” Bar-On explained, “approximately 7,000 children reside in welfare boarding schools, with 1,500 lacking any family support. For these children, the boarding school becomes their safe haven, but their challenges don’t end when they turn 18 and leave the system.”

This personal connection to Yeladim’s mission has shaped Bar-On’s leadership approach, infusing it with empathy and a profound understanding of these children's challenges. "Every child deserves warmth, love, and encouragement—someone to be their anchor in a turbulent world," she says. "This belief fuels everything we do at Yeladim."

For 38 years, Yeladim has been a lifeline for vulnerable children and youth, striving to provide the same opportunities to children in residential boarding schools as those raised in loving, stable families. The organization’s mission revolves around creating a comprehensive network of support that addresses the multifaceted needs of these children.

Yeladim received the "Presidential Award for Volunteerism," and works closely with the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Justice. It supports children in residential boarding schools including those without a family safety net, aiming to provide them with a better life. “These kids carry heavy emotional burdens—pain, loss, fear. But with the right support, they can rewrite their narratives. That’s what Yeladim is all about: creating opportunities for hope and growth.”

At the core of Yeladim’s work lies a network of programs that form a lifeline for children and young adults without family support. These initiatives aim to give them a place to live and the tools to heal, grow, and thrive.

In residential boarding schools across Israel, Yeladim creates spaces where healing begins. These homes aren’t just about meeting basic needs; they are places where children, often carrying deep emotional scars, can start to rebuild their sense of safety and trust. Through therapeutic and educational programs, Yeladim helps these children process their trauma, discover their potential, and envision brighter futures.

For some children, the absence of a supportive family means no one to advocate for their needs. Yeladim steps in as a court-appointed guardian for approximately 100 children each year. This role goes beyond legal responsibilities—it’s about being a constant presence in a child’s life, fighting for their rights, ensuring their well-being, and offering the stability they desperately need.

Yeladim also provides transitional housing and personalized counseling for young adults transitioning into independence, offering practical support and emotional guidance as they navigate the challenges of adult life.

By influencing policies and shifting public perception, Yeladim is creating a society prioritizing the well-being of its most vulnerable. Each of these efforts is a piece of a larger vision: a world where no child feels invisible and every young person has a fair chance at a fulfilling life. Together, they form the foundation of Yeladim’s mission—a mission rooted in the belief that with the proper support, every child can rise above their circumstances and create a better future.

“We see ourselves as an R&D organization for social change,” explains Bar-On. “We are constantly developing new programs to empower children and help them integrate into society as independent, contributing adults.” Through its holistic approach and unwavering dedication, Yeladim has become a beacon of hope for thousands of children, transforming lives one step at a time.

The past year has been fraught with challenges, from economic pressures to the devastating impact of conflict. For children in residential care, these crises exacerbate existing traumas and vulnerabilities. “The war has magnified their fears and anxieties,” Bar-On says. “Many of these children have experienced profound loss and upheaval, and the instability only deepens their sense of isolation.”

In response, Yeladim launched the “Resilience: From War to Recovery” initiative, which provides emotional support and resilience-building tools for children and staff. “Our teams worked under sirens and in bomb shelters to ensure these kids felt protected and supported,” she shares. “We also expanded our network of mentors and accompanying families to guarantee that every child has an adult they can rely on during these turbulent times.”

Bar-On emphasizes the importance of community involvement. “We’ve recruited younger board members from diverse fields and even included a program graduate who recently became a lawyer. Representation matters—it shows our children what’s possible.”

One of Yeladim’s most impactful programs is its guardianship initiative, which Bar-On holds incredibly close to her heart. Named after her late mother, Dvora Fischer, this program ensures that children without family support have someone to advocate for their rights and well-being.

Bar-On is passionate about raising awareness for what she calls “the invisible children” of Israeli society. “These children are often forgotten, spending 365 days a year in boarding schools and group homes without the warmth of a family or a safe space to call their own. Our moral duty as a society is to ensure they’re not left behind.”

She points out that the ripple effects of their work extend beyond individual lives. “When we invest in these children, we’re investing in the future of our society. These are tomorrow’s teachers, doctors, artists, and leaders.”

As the number of children in need grows and recent crises place additional strain on resources, Yeladim faces an ever-mounting challenge. "The past year has stretched us thin,” admits Bar-On, but we refuse to turn any child away. That’s why we’re calling on the public to step forward.”

There are countless ways to impact and offer these children and young adults a brighter future. Donations are critical—they fund the therapeutic programs, transitional housing, and mentorship opportunities that form the heart of Yeladim’s work. For those who want to give more than money, volunteering offers a hands-on way to help. By becoming a mentor or accompanying family, individuals can provide the stability and emotional support these children desperately crave. Advocacy is equally vital: spreading the word about Yeladim’s mission ensures that the organization’s work reaches more people who can contribute to its cause.

“Even the smallest act of kindness can have a profound impact,” Bar-On emphasizes. “These children need to know they’re not alone—that someone sees them, believes in them, and is willing to stand by them.”

Bar-On concludes with a powerful reminder: “The strength of a society isn’t measured by its wealth or power but by its care for the most vulnerable. If we can’t support our children, we lose something essential.”

Yeladim urgently needs your support to continue standing by children and young adults at risk, living in residential group homes without family support. Some are orphans, while others have been abandoned by their families.  

Your contribution—whether through a donation or by volunteering as a companion, mentor, or tutor—can create a meaningful impact in their lives.  

"Don't let these children feel alone; it is our shared responsibility as a society."

https://lp.yeladim.org.il/jpost/

This article was written in cooperation with Yeladim – Fair Chance for Children