Our Projects
Our projects are our way of reaching the goals we have set for ourselves. The projects of the 'Be'er Sova' Association are constantly renewed and improved, and they always aim towards our goal of reducing food insecurity with the help of a strong community.
Be’er-Sova Community Center Restaurant
Be'er-Sova Community Center Restaurant serves hot, nutritious meals to everyone regardless of their religion, race, or gender. The restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday for dine-in and offers take-out trays for supper and Friday & Shabbat meals. The daily menu, consisting of a meat dish, a side vegetable dish, a salad, soup, and bread, is created with input from diners and a nutritionist. The restaurant serves around 90,000 hot meals annually and provides take-away hot meals to those in need through local educational institutions. Be'er-Sova Community Center Restaurant also offers various support services, including individual support, legal advice, and empowering activities aimed at achieving financial stability and independence. Additionally, the restaurant holds community events, particularly during holidays, to promote a sense of community and belonging.
Family Food Packages & Holiday
In partnership with the 'Latet' Organization, Be'er-Sova distributes 100 family food packages every month to families in need, referred to us by the Be’er-Sheva Municipal Social & Welfare Department. During holidays such as Rosh HaShanah and Passover, we respond to numerous requests by distributing thousands of food packages annually to families in need.
The families receiving food packages require guidance and opportunities to break the cycle of poverty and achieve a more secure life path. Our relationship with these families, built on trust through the year-round distribution of holiday and food packages, enables us to offer personal development opportunities and encourage economic independence.
NEMESH
Women Leading Social Change
The NEMESH program empowers women who have suffered from poverty and food insecurity. Participants develop competence and self-confidence while fostering entrepreneurship and social leadership. Through weekly meetings and community activities, women not only help themselves but also others. With the support of existing members, new women join the program every year and discover their strengths. 80% of the participants have been able to leave the welfare system. They experience personal and financial growth and become strong leaders who volunteer and promote social change. These inspiring women continue to empower other women, working towards creating a better society for all.
A Friend for the Elderly
The "Friend for the Elderly" program provides individualized assistance for the elderly by connecting them with volunteers. The services offered are tailored to meet the needs of each individual and include home visits, legal advice, nutrition workshops, cultural activities, holidays celebrations, field trips, counseling, and alleviating loneliness. The program aims to combat the issue of loneliness among the elderly in Israel, with research showing that almost half of elderly people report feeling lonely. The program team also provides support and training for volunteers and works to assist with extreme cases. The elderly individuals who benefit from this program include Holocaust survivors, immigrants, and veterans who require the support of a compassionate society in their final years.
Employment Promotion
We aim to provide both immediate assistance and long-term solutions to those in need. Our Community Restaurant has identified individuals who have the potential to work but lack opportunities and support. To address this, we have created programs such as Recipe for Success, which provides employment and personal development opportunities for women who have the potential for employment. Participants acquire culinary skills and undergo an empowerment process, and upon completion, are placed in employment opportunities that promote self-realization and financial independence. Additionally, we have partnered with Ben-Gurion University and Be’er Sheva municipality to create an employment incubator called “Food Truck” that provides valuable work experience and skills for women in need, ultimately leading to financial independence. Our programs offer a holistic approach that includes individual and group support to ensure a personalized and effective experience.
Social Tourism
As part of our restaurant's development plan and our aim to increase community involvement, we are excited to offer groups and private visitors the opportunity to enjoy a social meal at our restaurant. This is particularly well-suited for international visitors, including our partners visiting Israel. The meal is served after regular dining hours, allowing the entire restaurant to be exclusively available to the group. Visitors can savor a fresh and healthy lunch, meet our volunteers, engage with community activists, and gain an up-close understanding of our social activities. By including workshops and activities, we can create an informative, special, and valuable experience, with all proceeds being a contribution to the community.
Please contact us for more information
Slonim Be’er-Sova Center for Nutritional Security
The Slonim Center for Nutritional Security is dedicated to providing women who are living with nutritional insecurity the support they need to break the cycle of poverty. The center offers a range of activities and resources, including training and empowerment workshops, professional courses, job search assistance, and placement guidance. The center's approach is informed by more than 22 years of experience operating services for women in the Community Restaurant project. The staff has learned that with just a little support and encouragement, women can start to believe in themselves and move towards financial independence.