As a pioneering leader in the special education field, Seeach Sod has implemented a groundbreaking program to promote physical activity and fitness among an adult special-needs population. We launched the preparatory phase in June 2014, which laid the grounds for the actual program, which started in September 2014. The program will run for 12 months and will conclude with a grand sports event to take place in September 2015, along the Israel National Trail (alluded to in the program’s name).   The Path to Fitness Program will engage 214 adults with special needs in methodical and consistent physical activity, while the impact on their health will be monitored by a nurse. Each member of the project was given brand new flashy colored Saucony sneakers and a clip-on personal pedometer to track their own steps each day.

To ensure success, careful planning is being devoted to facilitate motivation, ensure consistent follow-up and achieve measurable goals. Ultimately the goals are to: 1) educate the religious community on the importance of physical activity for special-needs individuals 2) improve the participants’ fitness including weight reduction, increased heart-lung capacity and enhanced daily functioning 3) enrich the adults with awareness of health and fitness.

Realizing the vital need to educate and encourage the special-needs population in the area of fitness, a group of professional staff members designed a plan that will unify our entire Residential Program and Vocational Program under this project. Seeach Sod currently maintains 30 group homes scattered throughout Jerusalem neighborhoods, consisting of a total of 214 adults, ages 18 – 60, with various disabilities. This program aims to raise the physical activity level and enhance the wellbeing of the 214 residents through stimulating and enjoyable activities. Yardsticks to measure success will be:

It is important to note that the impact and outcomes of this project will be carefully tracked and recorded by evaluation professionals from the National Insurance Institute. 

On January 19, there was a major Chinuch Conference in Jerusalem. There were many Mechanchim (educators) who participated, many of them famous. Seeach Sod held a panel discussion during which Rabbi Shimon Levy, the CEO, impressed upon the audience the importance of catching cues in children's behavior in the early stages of a child's development. Rabbi Levy explained that the earlier we see signs, the earlier we can help the child and therefore help him/her in the right direction from the very beginning.    

Mazal Tov…Yehudit Luria, the apartment coordinator of one of our girl's group homes', got married! The wedding was stunning and of course our girls were key participants at the wedding. Integrating in the community is crucial for our residents and it was of upmost importance that the girls not only joined the wedding, but actively participated in the dancing. 

After intense learning of Hilchos Shmita throughout the past couple of months, students of Otzar Yerushalayim were tested by R' Shlesinger, Rav of Gilo, on the Halachos.  They did a superb job and the Rav was very impressed! 

The evening of January 6^th was a cold night and snow was on its way. Yet, here at Seeach Sod, our event carried on as planned and our hall was filled with warmth. Attendees, as was later reported, were indeed inspired by the nights' event.

Despite the city "closing", here at Seeach Sod we presumed our resident services. Our 30 group homes had a fun-filled day packed with activities while accompanied by loving staff.

Seeach Sod abides by the international “ISO 9001” quality management program whose representatives inspect the programs annually to ensure implementation ofadministrative and professional care standards

In our new woman's apartment on Rechov Ha'or (Romema neighborhood), there was a magnificent Chanukah Party for our 6 residents and their families!

The banquet hall at Seeach Sod has a new name! It is now called the "Eis Hall", named after the legacy of three consecutive generations of rescuers and builders: the renowned Eis Family.

On the third day of Chol Hamoed Sukkos, we hosted our Annual Simchas Beis Hashoayva at Seeach Sod!