Credit- ELEM
ELEM first Israeli organization working with at-risk youth granted Special Consultative Status by the U.N.
ELEM is granted Special Consultative Status by the United Nations, in the field of youth in distress
ELEM’s selection marks the first time that an Israeli organization has been chosen by the U.N. Economic and Social Council, to receive special consultative status in the field of at-risk youth.
The U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has granted ELEM – for Youth in Distress in Israel, Special Consultative Status on the matter of at-risk youth. ELEM is the first Israeli organization dealing with youth in distress that has received this status. This role will allow ELEM to share the organization’s years-long experience and to assist the U.N. council’s work, advise about developments and phenomenon in the field of youth in distress, develop professional relationships with similar organizations around the world, and raise global awareness about the importance of supporting teens and young people at risk.
This honor was granted by the ECOSOC following a recommendation by a panel consisting of 19 representatives of U.N. member nations. ELEM met strict criteria including innovation, independence, organizational structure, and promotion of social and legislative change. In addition, this honor recognizes how unique ELEM’s methods are. ELEM seeks out and identifies vulnerable youth in a variety of situations, guides them through therapy, mentoring and assistance that allow these youths to reclaim their lives and become contributing members of society.
Inbal Dor Kerbel, ELEM’s Executive Director: “ELEM is proud to humbly represent Israel in the United Nations and be the first Israeli organization to consult the U.N. about youth in distress. This is a golden opportunity to raise awareness of the issue, learn from other organizations worldwide, and have a global impact. This is a very touching acknowledgment of the hard, years-long work done by hundreds of ELEM’s staff members and thousands of volunteers, supporting youth in distress.”
Inbal Dor Karval – Credit- ELEM
ELEM – for Youth in Distress in Israel was founded 36 years ago, with one goal – assisting youth in distress. ELEM was created with social responsibility in mind, and with the goal of changing these youths’ circumstances. In the past year, ELEM helped tens of thousands of young men and women, be it on the streets, at ELEM’s youth centers, on-line, by mentorship towards independence and more.
Mrs. Nava Barak – Credit – ELEM
ELEM’s president for over 20 years has been Mrs. Nava Barak, and Mr. Shlomo Yanai is its Chairman. ELEM specializes in recognizing crises that stem from the reality of youth in Israel, and developing and practicing innovative, relevant solutions to deal with those crises, while not neglecting the specific individualized needs of different demographics. ELEM runs 82 different projects in 42 cities all across Israel. These projects serve and assist 21,000 youths annually. ELEM employs 285 top of the line therapy and counseling professionals, who work alongside 2000 volunteers who create long-lasting, meaningful relationships with the youth. Together, they assist tens of thousands of youths every year and meet these young people on their own turf: on a nightly basis on the streets and in the clubs, on-line, at schools, in their communities during the afternoons, and in specifically focused field activities during the summer break.
