Frequently Asked Questions
+ What is Beit Ruth for Young Women & Girls At Risk?
Beit Ruth for Young Women & Girls At Risk is a unique and innovative, long-term therapeutic Residence, School, and Youth Village. Our mission is to ensure that vulnerable and at-risk girls who have been the victims of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse are given the opportunity to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically, thereby breaking the cycle of abuse and violence for themselves and future generations of children in Israel. Through advocacy, we share our best practices and model program to educate, empower, and engage a global community to create social change.
+ How prevalent is the issue of abuse against girls in Israel?
In Israel, an estimated 30,000 girls are considered to be at-risk — victims of severe neglect and abuse. This abuse takes various forms and ranges from continued physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and exploitation, to self-destructive behavior, including drugs, prostitution, and suicide. Because abused girls are less likely to raise red flags than abused boys, there is a lack of services for abused girls. This exposes an increasing number of them to serious risks and threats.
+ How do girls make their way to Beit Ruth?
Our girls, ages 13-18, are from throughout Israel and have been found living in the streets or removed from their homes by court order as a result of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. They are recommended to live in the Beit Ruth Village by Israel’s Ministry of Welfare. We work to address the most vulnerable girls who can benefit from the caring services the Village provides.
+ What is Beit Ruth’s approach to healing young girls who are the victims of abuse?
Beit Ruth’s unique treatment approach is through a gender lens, including our all-female professional team who care for girls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Individualized therapy and education plans are designed for each girl to meet her specific needs and capabilities within our holistic framework that includes Academics, Therapy, Home Life, and Enrichment Programs.
+ What is Beit Ruth’s approach to closing the educational gaps with which girls arrive?
At our on-site High School, Beit Ruth girls receive individualized instruction based on their strengths, needs, and abilities. Classes are taught by specially trained educators who follow an intensive curriculum designed by Israel’s Ministry of Education. Girls study six hours a day, Sunday-Thursday, for 11 months, and are provided one-on-one tutoring, as needed. The focused attention each girl receives is expressly designed to help restore a love of learning and the determination to succeed.
+ How many girls live and are supported at Beit Ruth?
We currently have 5 Residential Houses and the capacity to care for approximately 72 girls each year. Some girls stay with us for a few months and others for 6+ years depending on their needs. Having 5 Residential Houses brings us halfway to our long-term goal of 10 houses and caring for ~150 girls each year. This growth will also lower the waiting list of girls who need our services.
+ How long do girls live in the Village?
Girls live in a family-like atmosphere and study at our on-site High School for a few months or 6+ years.
+ What happens to girls after they leave the Village?
Beit Ruth has 400+ Alumnae who are empowered young women with a high school education and a toolkit of skills that allow them to begin managing natural life challenges. Our graduates serve in the IDF, complete a year of National Service, are gainfully employed, continue their studies, and if they choose, are healthy mothers who are breaking the cycle of violence. We continue working with our girls, as needed, through the Beit Ruth Alumnae Program.
+ How is Beit Ruth funded?
Beit Ruth receives nearly 70% of its operating funds from the Ministry of Welfare in Israel. The critical additional funding comes from the generosity of individuals from around the world, foundations, and Jewish Federations.
+ Does Beit Ruth accept in-kind gifts?
It is costly and challenging to send items directly to Israel. The Village also provides everything from books to clothing to toothbrushes. If you are planning a trip to Israel and wish to donate items, please contact us at melaniev@beitruth.com prior to your visit to learn about current needs.