Yad Sarah 2018 Accomplishments

As we move into 2019, let's take a look back at our major 2018 accomplishments! 

Dental Clinic: Over the past two years, Yad Sarah has increased its mobile dental outreach in the periphery, bringing compassionate and professional care to the homebound in rural areas. Funds from donors in the USA have helped to match a generous grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust to complete the project. Through outreach to isolated and homebound patients in Israel's periphery, Yad Sarah has identified a pocket of underserved homebound clients in impoverished cities and towns in central Israel.

Also, in anticipation of a new entitlement through the Ministry of Health for basic dental coverage for people 75 and older, Friends of Yad Sarah is helping the dental clinic to upgrade its treatment rooms, replacing worn and outdated equipment, prone to breakdowns, with new dental chairs and operatory units. Three treatment rooms have been dedicated, but there are still three more naming opportunities available. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.

Play Center: An outreach program to Jerusalem area preschools, primarily from low-income neighborhoods, brings children for activities at the Center for early identification for developmental issues. The program exposes the children to therapeutic programs, materials and equipment that is unavailable in the schools and communities, and helps teachers make on-site observations of students regarding developmental challenges. The Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation provided support to launch the program and has renewed their support for 2019. Friends of Yad Sarah is committed to matching these funds to complete the project.

Capital projects: U.S. donors have contributed significantly to the renovation of several branches—Netanya, Tiberias and Beit Shemesh. These renovations make it possible to add key programs and services, transforming the capacity of these communities to respond to individuals and families in need. The Netanya project is ongoing and there are also plans to expand the branch in Ashdod, with construction to begin at the end of 2019.

Equipment support: We are so grateful for all our U.S. donors who have generously responded to our campaign to dedicate wheelchairs! In addition, the Forster Foundation (Florida) is in the process of dedicating hundreds of wheelchairs for children with special needs. Yad Sarah will be distributing these wheelchairs all over Israel.

Miscellaneous: Your support has also enabled:

• the Caregiver Support program, helping families to care for an ill relative at home through mutual support, problem solving and reducing isolation.
• expansion of the equipment repair unit at the Beersheba branch, permitting adjustments to be done in-house and reducing wait time.
• outreach to the homebound in Beersheba with Purim gift and visits from volunteers.
• art supplies for all of the Day Rehab programs, insuring that the programs have the quality materials needed to revitalize lives.
• two new Yad Sarah vans, transporting people with special needs to medical appointments, social visits, school, work.
• a new virtual reality therapeutic activity for the Play Center.

What's on the horizon for 2019?

• Special outreach to the Russian immigrant community in Ashdod with legal services, equipment and a planned expansion to the branch.
• Adding advanced tech equipment to the Lending Center, to increase mobility and independence.
• Renovation of the café at Yad Sarah House.This little eatery on the 2^nd floor of Yad Sarah House, serves 60,000 people annually with fresh, homemade hot and cold food options.The café needs new kitchen equipment as well as tables and chairs, to insure that the space is comfortable for volunteers and staff to work as well as clients and families to relax and enjoy a bite.