Nirim Youth Village Individual Treatment Program

Nirim was founded by commanders and brothers-in-arms of the late Navy Seals' Sergeant First Class Nir Krichman.  Nir was killed in action, in 2002, during the elite unit operation against terrorists in Nablus. His commander, once himself an at-risk teen was motivated, to create a program that elevates and empowers youth at high risk, and to name it in his memory, Nirim.

Established in 2002, Nirim provides youth at extreme-risk with an opportunity, in many cases their last, to overcome their harsh life circumstances, discover their strengths, and become self-confident, successful, fulfilled and contributing members of society. Nirim nurtures, empowers, educates and literally changes the lives of 500 teens every year.

We are derived from a profound belief that every one of our adolescents, regardless of their starting point, can achieve academic and personal goals far beyond their own expectations, develop their individual talents, build up their self-image, gain a new set of tools and create a different life path.

Nirim Foundation employs two unique educational-therapeutic programs:

• The Nirim Youth Village - located on the northern shore of Israel, a unique residential setting for 100 at-risk teens aged 14 -18.  "The Nirim Track" (3-4 years,) is a highly intensive program for youth removed from their families by the Youth Protection Authority or referred by the Juvenile Court as an alternative to jail.
• Nirim in the Neighborhoods -  a community outreach program currently active in socio-economically deprived, crime-saturated neighborhoods in 13 cities throughout Israel. Nirim in the Neighborhood centers are open daily and late into the night, offering over 400 youngsters an opportunity to turn their lives around, facilitated by educational mentoring, outbound challenge activities, and tools for parental guidance and support.

Numbers as of December 2014

• 104 kids at the youth village
• 350 youth at Nirim in the Neighborhoods
• 350 Program Graduates
• 30% Girls
• 99.5% enlisted to the IDF
• 65% eligible to full matriculation diploma in the village

Wilderness Therapy and events

• Hanukkah survival trek village / neighborhoods
• Completion of 1^st level, preparatory program “I choose Nirim”
• Hanukkah party
• 12 ODT activities in the village and 12 in each city in the neighborhoods homes.
• Visit to Ben Gurion University, Department of Geology. 12^th  grade as part of major studies in the village school.

Sivan’s Story

Sivan is a 17 years old girl from the FSU who lives in the south of Israel. Her parents are divorced. Her story begins the year before when she dropped out of one educational institute after the other. They were forced to suspend her following an extreme violent behavior and her reluctant to accept any authority. At the age of 14, Sivan was romantically involved with a 22 years old guy and hanged out with his friends who are known to the police, hold criminal records and spend their time doing drugs and drinking alcohol. at this point, with a number of criminal records, house arrests and abusive home and environment, Sivan joined Nirim in the neighborhoods. After a few tough months in the Neighborhoods program she was sent to the girls' home pilot in the village. Although she has struggled greatly she managed to complete the 3 months program and then joined her age group in the village. Sivan is busy studying for her final exams. Not only she is saved but she is a star at school, majoring in Mathematics and English, two of the toughest subjects in school. 

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Nirim Family

• GlobalGiving_report_Nirim_101214.docx (DOCX)