Good News at Arugot! 

We are proud to announce the opening of a 4^th Developmental Preschool, which is part of our network of special-ed. preschools for children with developmental delays.

 Mrs. Mirit Levy, Preschool Director, shares: The good news is that we are able to answer a real need in the community. Long waiting lists and requests from parents to register their children for our preschools persuaded Municipal authorities that Arugot has the professional knowledge and experience to run this venture. Arugot's specialty and proven success in helping children with delays, overcome their problems – be that in the area of speech, sensory motor development, or behavior is well renowned. At present 13 children are housed in a temporary location, while we renovate and equip new premises at a cost of NIS 200,000. We continue our tradition: "when you sow with tears, you reap with songs of joy".

In a ceremony to celebrate the inauguration of the new branch in Afula, Mr. Yitzchak Miron, Mayor of Afula, cut the ribbon at the entrance saying: "Arugot's work is impressive, we will continue to work together, cooperating and expanding, for the benefit of the children and their families".

Mr. Yitzchak Miron, Mayor of Afula, together with distinguished members of the community:  Mr. Moshe Levy, Deputy Mayor, Mr. Aryeh Banino, Senior Advisor, Mr. Eli Banias, Head of Municipal Social Services, Mr. Gidon Porat, Board Director of Community Centers, Mr. Daniel Ben, Community Center Director, and more, participated in a ceremony to mark the inauguration of Arugot's branch in Afula. The participants took a close-up look at the therapy rooms and showed their appreciation for the major investment and important work carried out by Arugot. With so much effort and devotion, the results can only be positive.

We recently established a Music Therapy room at our Centers in both Haifa and Afula. The rooms were equipped with a range of musical instruments in sizes that are suitable for young children. Generous donors and friends of Arugot funded the purchase of the instruments.

Music Therapy is a mode of psychotherapy using musical instruments to create music in a therapeutic setting. The language of music is universal. It  serves as a tool for self-expression, coping with emotions and dealing with ongoing trauma - for people who have difficulty expressing themselves in words. Musical involvement in therapy enables the client to strengthen his abilities and transfer those strengths to other areas in life. Music Therapy contributes to improved mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Over 150 mothers participated in an educational and empowering evening for mothers in the community, which was informative, stimulating and moving.

The evening began with introductory remarks by Mr. Jacob Vizel, Arugot Director and Mrs. Pnina Berkowitz, Director and CEO of the Center. Participants were given the opportunity to hand in written questions about their difficulties in child raising and received informative replies on the spot, including advice with practical tips and when to turn to help from professionals. This was followed by an evening of entertainment, which evoked both laughter and tears.

Mrs. Pnina Berkowitz: "Part of our vision is empowering the mother in the family. When mothers have a positive feeling of self-worth, they are able to give more to their children. We organize evenings for mothers a few times a year, sometimes for mothers of children in our preschools and therapy center, while other evenings are open to the public. We integrate the professional aspect of our work with enjoyable entertainment and the feedback is always positive. The participation of so many women shows us that people are thirsty for information about our services."

The staff in the Assessment and Therapy Center gathered for a day of professional training in preparation for the new school year.

The staff at Arugot Assessment and Therapy Center, comprising remedial teachers, emotional therapists, speech therapists and occupational therapists, gathered for a day of orientation on the topic of: "Bringing the School into our Work" in order to strengthen the ties between Arugot and the schools children attend. The success of work at Arugot is dependent on the cooperation of all professionals who meet the child. This year, the administration and staff will emphasize working together with school principals, counselors and teachers.

Expressing emotions