Thanks to the generosity of Boys Town Jerusalem supporters worldwide, more and more boys in trauma are getting lifesaving help, plus the tools to help build a strong future. As students’ needs for emotional support have grown to record proportions during the Israeli war, a major ongoing campaign is enabling BTJ to begin expanding its Social Services staff.
Students are traumatized from the war
“For our many students in dire family situations, the war has severely intensified their anxiety,” notes Levana Elkouby, a well-respected educator and guidance counselor who recently joined BTJ’s Social Services staff part-time. “Some students’ panic attacks, shortness of breath, sleep disturbances, and other distress symptoms have become debilitating.”
Levana Elkouby joined BTJ’s social services team
Levana, who specializes in emotion-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (C.B.T.), and coaching, concentrates on enabling each boy to identify and tap his inner strength to meet difficult emotional challenges.
“I guide a student to examine his family situation and set goals to improve his life. Together we seek keys to calm anxiety, develop a positive self-image, interact with peers, and more.” For a student who has been unable to sleep since the war’s outbreak, Levana is steering him to choose small, deliberate steps to overcome his insomnia.
Therapy involves being creative
“The stress of war is unbearable for boys whose families have been victims of terror,” she shares. “Conquering fear involves steadfast efforts to help fight the lingering trauma. For one boy who only feels safe at home, he and I explore his fears while steadily building his confidence. Since he loves sports and is secure in BTJ’s Kaswell fitness center, we’re giving him additional therapeutic hours there.”
This would not be possible without BTJ’s supporters
Admitting that she gains renewed energy from each stride her students take, Levana notes, “Boys Town Jerusalem supporters are enabling our Social Services staff to give lifechanging aid to boys in distress, which their parents could never afford. These contributions are priceless.”
To continue helping boys heal from their trauma, click here.