Short Case Studies

Here are some short case studies attesting to the efficacy of employment programs.

Job Placement/ Employer Incentive

Brief background

Sarah, aged 45, worked in the office of the Yeshiva in Neve Dekalim for over 20 years. While she started as a secretary, she eventually became the bookkeeper, responsible for all the Yeshiva’s accounting. After the Disengagement, she was unable to find work in her field. Despite her extensive experience, she did not have the requisite certification and no employer would consider her. Growing more and more despondent, she turned to JobKatif.

Technique

The case worker met with her several times, working hard to restore her self-confidence and belief in herself that she could succeed. The case worker realized that studying for two years for the certification would not enhance her knowledge or skill. Moreover, it would make it harder to find a job due to her age.

The case worker referred Sarah to JobKatif’s placement officer, who connected her with an employer. JobKatif offered the incentive of subsidizing 50% of Sarah’s salary for the first two months, as proof of JobKatif’s conviction that she was suitable for the position.

Outcome

Sarah got the job, and the employer was so satisfied with her that he waived the second month’s incentive. She is still working there.

Vocational retraining course

Brief background

Pnina, aged 53, had a fulfilling job as a kindergarten teacher in the Netzer Hazani community for 17 years, but after the Disengagement she lost the emotional strength necessary to work with small children  (a common phenomenon amongst this population).  JobKatif was alerted to the emotional and financial problems her family was experiencing, and arranged a visit from a case worker.

Technique

A case worker counseled Pnina for several weeks, in attempt to identify a hobby she enjoyed, with hope to turn it into an income. After several weeks, Pnina realized that she enjoyed being creative, and wished to develop the artistic skills she had used in her former work. The aim at this point was not just to earn money, but to serve as a therapy for the emotional turmoil she was experiencing.

Outcome

JobKatif subsidized a ceramics course for Pnina. She now makes and sells her art, which supplements the family’s income and has helped her emotional well-being.

Business development

Brief background

Moshe and Rivkah ran a successful catering business in the village of Morag, servicing clients from all over the region. Finding themselves in a small trailer home after the Disengagement with most of their equipment in storage, the couple was at a loss as how to support their family. Having been self employed for over twenty years, they turned to JobKatif for advice.

Technique

Since they were looking for a new business idea, the business counselor met with them, and researched the market. He discovered the plans for Route 6, a new highway that crosses Israel, which was located very close to the new, up and coming town of Yad Binyamin, where the family was living.

The business counselor raised the idea of opening a food kiosk at a main interchange. The couple acquiesced.

Outcome

With financial help from JobKatif, Moshe and Rivkah opened the kiosk at the entrance to Yad Binyamin, serving truck drivers, travelers and local workers.  Patrons can quickly exit Route 6, park and grab some traditional, home-made Israeli food made by Rivkah on-site, with Moshe manning the kiosk. The parking area is always full.

Volunteer track

Brief background

Shimon had worked in agriculture in the Ganei Tal village for over thirty years. He was one of the first pioneers of the famous Gush Katif “insect free lettuce”. After the Disengagement, he fell into a depression, feeling that he had lost his life’s work, and repeated visits from JobKatif case workers failed to help him. Tension arose between Shimon and his family. He hardly even got dressed in the morning, and soon developed health problems.

Technique

When JobKatif opened the volunteer track two years ago, the case worker found a farm not far from Shimon’s temporary trailer home in Nitzan, that was willing to take a volunteer. She immediately offered the position to Shimon since it was clear that he loved doing one thing: growing insect-free lettuce. JobKatif offered to pay transportation for Shimon five days a week, in addition to offering a modest stipend, on the condition he work six hours a day. Again, the goal was to get Shimon out of the house to do something productive with his days. Of course, he accepted, and finally returned to a normal routine.

Outcome

After two months, his employer offered Shimon a paid position, which he readily accepted. He is still working there today.