The Shekel daycare center for elderly with special needs, Israel

Vision

SHEKEL envisions a society in which full inclusion exists for people with physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities in every facet of life.

Activity

SHEKEL is Israel’s largest non-profit organization enabling comprehensive inclusion for all people with special needs in the general community, irrespective of race, religion, national or ethnic origin. SHEKEL provides independent community housing, vocational rehabilitation and specialized professional training, cultural and leisure activities, accessibility solutions, an extended school day program in special education kindergartens and schools, and therapeutic treatment for special-needs victims of sexual violence. SHEKEL annually cares for over 8,000 children and adults with physical, emotional and intellectual disabilities from all sectors of Israeli society.

Matanel is currently working with SHEKEL to implement a new employment-oriented daily framework for elderly citizens with special needs. The program will help prevent decline in their daily functioning, and enable them to reach their highest potential.

Read testimonials

Thank you letter from the winner of the Matanel for Tikkun Olam Prize (Israel)

One of Israel's best NGOs

- Isaac Herzog

Clara Feldman

Mrs. Clara Feldman was born in Transylvania, Romania in 1947, the only child of Holocaust survivors. After immigrating with her parents to Israel in 1963, she got her B.A. in Psychology and Sociology and M.A. in Economics from Bar Ilan University, and lived and taught at the Yemin Orde Youth Village. From 1978-1983, she was Budget Director for the Central District, and from 1983-1991 served as Head of Budgeting for Municipalities for the Ministry of Social Affairs, and as an advisor on immigration and welfare for the Union of Local Authorities. In 1991, she was appointed as an advisor to local authorities on budgeting and developing social services, and for developing services for people with special needs for SHEKEL. From 1993 to the present, she has served as SHEKEL’s CEO.