Zach* was so young when his father walked out – leaving the family and never returning – that he has no memory of the day it happened. Yet every day since, Zach has been trying to navigate his own path through life.
Searching for direction at a critical age
Now 15, Zach struggles to express his emotions. He has no close friends and is constantly searching for direction. Yet, at Boys Town Jerusalem, his teachers and therapists are working closely with him, carefully guiding him toward greater emotional resilience and stronger social skills.
Individualized support
“Zach is in a small Special Education class where he receives a great deal of personal attention,” explains therapist Hadas Knopf. “We focus on giving Zach and his classmates the social skills, thinking strategies, and self-esteem that will strengthen their abilities and build their confidence.” Hadas notes that the absence of a male role model can be both painful and damaging for teenage boys like Zach. “Absent fathers also include those who are emotionally distant from their sons,” she adds.
Building confidence through therapy and coaching
At Boys Town Jerusalem, social workers and therapists are providing Zach, and many others, with the support and therapeutic tools needed to build self-worth and define personal goals. “We are arranging for a ‘coach’ to work closely with Zach, and we’re using creative therapies to help boost his confidence and self-esteem,” Hadas says.
Finding strength in giving back
Beyond the classroom, Zach and his peers are enthusiastically participating in Boys Town Jerusalem’s wide-ranging Community Service program, volunteering their time to help those in need. “For every student, giving of himself is the most empowering therapy of all,” Hadas emphasizes.
*Name and details have been changed for privacy reasons
*Image is AI to protect the identity of the child