ALUMA – A SHELTERED OCCUPATIONAL CENTE

“Aluma” is a sheltered occupational rehabilitation center established by the Cochav Hatzafon Association.  The sheltered occupational center was opened in 2002 with the aim of addressing employment and social needs of persons with special needs and to assist them in their rehabilitation and integration into society.
“Aluma” is a sheltered occupational framework for mentally challenged persons and those with motoric disabilities.   At the workshop the members acquire occupational skills at various levels that complement their functioning levels.  These range from assembly tasks at various levels intended for industry and artistic work including the manufacture of useful objet d’art from ceramics, wood, textiles, etc.  All the items are of a high standard meeting the standards required in the open market.
At the center there is kitchen and dining room where the rehabilitants eat breakfast and lunch.  The kitchen work is performed by rehabilitants under the supervision and control of the main chef.  The kitchen also prepares pre-arranged catering meals served at the restaurant.
During the morning hours the rehabilitants arrive from all locations in the Western Galilee in special vehicles that are suitable for transportation of persons in wheel chairs.  They leave the center in the afternoon hours.
At the center the rehabilitants enter into a friendly, warm and secure environment with special attention placed on personal reinforcement and development.  A personal program has been devised for each rehabilitant reflecting his/her abilities, desires and preferences.  The program is run by professional staff and is supervised, monitored and updated throughout the entire period.
“Aluma” has a professional team including a manager, social worker, arts instructor and another instructor competent in all the other fields of work, and a cook.
The rehabilitants are referred to “Aluma” through the rehabilitation basket or welfare services in the community.