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 of April 2015

-       104 kids at the youth village

-       400 youth at Nirim in the Neighborhoods.

-       68% eligible to full matriculation diploma in the village.

-       350 Nirim in the Neighborhoods Graduates

-       150 Nirim Youth Village Graduates

-       30% girls

-       99.5% enlisted to the IDF

Wilderness Therapy & events –

-       Winter Matriculation In literature, Language, English & History

-       Tu Bshvat activities (Holiday of the trees)

-       Purim Celebration

-       Passover survival trek village / neighborhoods

-       14 ODT activities in the Villages and 14 in each Nirim in the neighborhoods homes, once every week

Links:

• http://www.nirim.org/en