ByA Charity Spokesperson, Emunah
Love transcends boundaries. It builds families, fosters care and strengthens communities. At Emunah, love is the foundation of everything we do. It shapes our residential homes, schools, therapy centres and day care facilities, serving as both a guiding principle and an action – improving the lives of vulnerable children through care, support and guidance.
Love at Emunah extends beyond providing education, shelter and nutritious food. It is found in small acts, like offering a comforting presence after a tough day or delivering a warm meal to a sick child. Every effort is designed to send one vital message to every child: you are loved.
Healing through therapy
Our therapeutic programmes are at the heart of our mission, tailored to meet each child’s unique needs. From psychodynamic counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy to art and music therapy, these interventions offer lifelines to children processing trauma. They teach coping mechanisms, emotional intelligence and communication skills – key tools for building relationships and achieving academic success.
By fostering emotional stability, Emunah helps children form meaningful connections, whether with staff, peers or their families. This is not just about healing; it is about laying the foundation for a brighter future, equipping children with resilience, empathy, and self-worth and empowering them to navigate their lives with confidence.
Family-like environment
At Emunah, love also means creating a sense of belonging. In our Sarah Herzog Children’s Centre in Afula, a retired couple has moved in to act as surrogate grandparents. As well as offering consistent support from a non-professional standpoint, they provide the children with affection and comfort. Such initiatives underscore the power of love to nurture self-esteem and emotional wellbeing, giving children the tools to grow into compassionate adults. Many of the children at Emunah come from challenging backgrounds. While they may not always experience affection from their biological families, our care gives them a chance to heal and break cycles of hardship. Many former residents return as carers, bringing their first-hand understanding of the transformative power of love.
Strengthening family connections
Though Emunah is often the primary caregiver, we value the bond between children and their families. We understand that most parents love their children deeply, even when circumstances prevent them from providing full-time care. Through events like graduations and family meals, we nurture these ties, allowing parents to show their love and remain present. This reinforces the message that both familial and institutional support are vital to a child’s wellbeing.
Giving back to the community
Emunah teaches children that love is not only something they receive but also something they can share. Through volunteering projects run by the centres throughout the year, children develop empathy, social responsibility and self-confidence. These experiences show them the joy of giving back, enriching their own lives and the lives of others.
Love as the foundation
Love is the cornerstone of Emunah’s work, uniting staff, volunteers and supporters in a shared mission to help children thrive. Through therapy, family connections and community involvement, we provide a nurturing environment where children can grow into empathetic, resilient adults.
In a world that can often feel indifferent, Emunah offers warmth, love, and hope. By surrounding children with care, we break cycles of trauma and create a brighter future – not only for the children we serve but for society.
Eleanor Compton is the social media coordinator and administrator, Emunah
Registered charity 215398