Partnership Brings Hope to At-Risk Kids

In the heart of Israel's social and geographic periphery, a transformative three-year intervention program called Youth Futures is making a profound difference for at-risk elementary school students, typically from 3rd to 6th grade. It operates in up to 60 communities across Israel and reaches about 7000 children each year.

Working with both the children and their parents, the organization addresses learning gaps and social and emotional challenges. Mentors guide small groups of 22, helping children build confidence, set goals, and thrive.

CBN Israel supports Youth Futures in this essential work, helping to expand mentorship and bring lasting change to families who need it most.

Lidor Krispel Ross, Resource Development & Marketing of Youth Futures, shared: “In 20 years, some of the results that we saw were more kids who are confident and more kids who are thriving. Parents tell other parents, ‘We cannot understand it. The change that my child has gone through.’ And they recommend it.”

Dr. Nafesa Saedeh, Principal of Al-Omareyah School, described a powerful transformation: “One of the students used to struggle because he was very shy and not social. Today, you can see him in drama classes, performing on stage, talking to everyone, and participating actively.”

Amir, a Youth Futures Mentor, emphasized the program's deeper impact: "I think Youth Futures does good in very important ways. It's a rescue for us. We rescue these children and their families also."

Shadi Abu Jaber, director of Youth Futures in East Jerusalem, highlighted the joy it brings: “When I accept the kids for the program, I tell families they've won the lottery. With they have a mentor who sees their kids daily, visits homes, and bridges the school and home, so they won lottery.”

Lidor added: “It's amazing to see how just a small encounter and a small example of what a mentor does with a child opens their mind, helps them think about the future, and helps them create opportunities for themselves. Because if you can dream it, you can do it.”

CBN Israel proudly stands with Youth Futures to deliver life-changing mentorship and support, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow for Israel's at-risk youth and families.

A heartfelt thank-you came from the program: “First of all, thank you because this help is so not taken for granted. We were able to expand our services in East Jerusalem to add another mentor to support 21 additional children and reach populations we have never reached before. Thank you. And we invite you and welcome you to come and visit, to come and see how your involvement and how your partnership really helps lives be turned around.”

Through this partnership, Youth Futures continues to offer hope, guidance, and real change—one child, one family, and one community at a time.