The right balance of stimulus and activity is essential to help mentally handicapped people maximize their potential and develop their behaviour and personality in appropriate ways.

This means devoting personal attention to each resident so that activities are tailored to their needs. An emphasis on the individual requires a high staff to resident ratio, as well as specialist skills. At Neve Menashe, we strive to provide as much individual attention as possible.

We offer a broad range of pastimes and activities, work and education which vary according to residents' mobility and ability. Music is an important part of life at Neve Menashe, and their is regular folk dancing and a thriving choir. We celebrate and teach the meaning of the holidays.

As well as carpet weaving and embroidery for those with artistic skill, we offer agricultural, handicraft and other practical training. Sport is important for the more mobile residents, which a small petting zoo soothes those who enjoy stroking animals. A third of our residents perform light repetitive work in our new workshops for a local kibbutz.

Because the emphasis at Neve Menashe is on personal needs and the enjoyment of a normal life, a wide range of activities is also provided. Performing artists often donate their services, and residents socialise in our refurbished cafeteria.

During the summer there are trips throughout the country. The National Insurance Institute's Invalid Pension Fund provides financial support for these activities.

The Friends of Neve Menashe:

The Friends of Neve Menashe was founded by a small group of concerned people who care about improving the welfare and living conditions of the mentally handicapped. By helping the residents, the Friends of Neve Menashe also offers support and encouragement to the staff in their wonderful work with a much-neglected part of our community.

Our Doors are Always Open:

Take time to visit us in Israel. If you could see a caregiver talking tenderly, naturally, and patiently with an adult whose mental skills are those of a five-year old, you would understand the importance of even the smallest contribution.

Make a donation, become a friend, earmark a sum for a specific project. You will be reaching out to men and women whom fate has left defenseless.

Your assistance can make a huge difference.

Enquiries and Visits

We welcome enquiries about Neve Menashe and are happy to arrange visits to the campus.

Please contact:

Dr. Melvyn H. Brooks,
Chairman, Friends of Neve Menashe,
Tel Shalom, Karkur, Israel, 37000
email: brooks@netvision.net.il