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Yeladim - Fair Chance for Children Young Adults Program

Living in the Community & Personal Mentors

“Some things are just too hard to go through alone. You don’t need someone to fix your life – just someone to walk by your side.”
Meital, 22

Not every young person leaving residential care moves into transitional housing.
Some live on their own – in rented apartments, with roommates, or with friends.

On paper, they’re independent.
In reality, many are navigating adult life alone – without anyone to turn to when it comes to work, studies, money, health, or relationships.

That’s where the Personal Mentors Program comes in.

This is a long-term, one-on-one support program for young adults aged 18-28 who grew up in residential care, foster families, or Bridge to Independence apartments and are now living independently in the community.

Each young person is matched with a consistent adult – someone who believes in them, listens, offers guidance, and is a real human point of contact along the way.

“There was a time when I was barely holding on. He called every day just to ask if I’d eaten. It sounds small, but when you don’t have a family – it’s everything.”
Omer, 24

How It Works

• Each young adult is matched with a personal mentor – a stable, empathetic adult presence

• They meet every two weeks, to talk, think things through, and plan in all areas – work, studies, health, finances, and personal relationships

• The support is not therapeutic or judgmental – it’s human, respectful, and grounded in real connection.

• Mentors receive training and ongoing professional support from Yeladim.

“When I met my mentor, I told her straight away: I don’t need to be rescued – I just need help figuring out what comes next. At first, I barely spoke. Short messages: ‘fine’, ‘maybe’, ‘I don’t know’. Slowly, that changed.
She didn’t push – she just showed up, asked the right questions, and helped me pause before giving up. Today I know I have someone to turn to. That doesn’t make me weak. It makes me human.”

Eliran, 25

Who Are Yeladim’s Personal Mentors?

They’re not social workers, and they’re not there to “fix” or instruct.

They are people with open hearts, patience, and life experience who choose to be a steady presence in the life of a young adult without family support.

Personal mentors are women and men, typically 35-65 years old, who understand how powerful it is to know that there is at least one person in the world who doesn’t disappear when things get tough.

They meet with the young person every two weeks – talking, thinking things through together, and offering guidance around life decisions: work, studies, relationships, finances, and everyday challenges.

Above all, they offer a sense of belonging and security.

“She told me I was the first person who had ever said, ‘I’m proud of you.’ I’ll never forget that.”
Ilana, Personal Mentor

This is a real relationship, not a role.

It is built carefully, through thoughtful matching, training, and ongoing professional support from our team.

Before beginning, every mentor goes through a personal screening process, three in-person training sessions, online workshops, and joins a supportive digital community of mentors from across the country.

Because those who support others also deserve support.

The Numbers Tell the Story

  • 180

    young adults

    supported in the community each year

  • 250

    active volunteers

    across the country

  • 85

    %

    of participants

    report that their personal mentor was “the most significant person” in their lives during early adulthood

Want to Hear What It Sounds Like on the Ground?

Listen to the second episode of our podcast series Lights Out, featuring Herut’s story - from growing up without a family safety net to a life-changing connection with Noa, her personal mentor.
It’s a story of resilience, hope, and the power of human support.

Listen to “Lights Out”

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