Since 2002, Ezer Mizion's Mentoring Project has been serving a limited number of communities, including Bnei Brak, Elad, and Modi'in Ilit. Ezer Mizion's reputation for excellence, along with the competitive price of its services, has led to its selection as Mentoring Service Provider for the major geographic/population portion of israel.

Mentoring services are provided to eligible people by the client's request. After undergoing psychiatric evaluation and being deemed eligible for assistance from the National Insurance Institute, the client submits a request. The coordinator and social worker meet with the client to discuss unique needs and goals and to match up a suitable mentor. 

The mentors work one-on-one in the client's home, up to seven hours a week, to help them progress to a higher level of function in the area chosen as most important, such as handling household duties, waking up and getting to work on time, or dealing with children.  Together, the mentor and client set small, attainable goals and work in concert to achieve them.

Mentors are hand-picked by Ezer Mizion professional staff, with empathy and the ability to provide assistance while preserving the client's self-esteem being weighty criteria. They receive individual and group training and ongoing supervision throughout the mentoring period, which ensures the success of the process.

Dr. Rena Bina, Director of Ezer Mizion's Mental Health Division, is gratified at the opportunity to expand Ezer Mizion's services and help more people undergoing emotional crises.

"I recall one woman who was in deep depression and barely functioning who is an example of what this service accomplishes," she relates. "Most of the day, she was in bed, while her husband desperately tried to serve as both mother and father to their two children. When the mentor entered the picture, the work began.

"The first step was to renew the client's self-motivation to get out of bed and interact with her family. Step by step, they progressed, as the client gradually began to relate to and meet the daily needs of her family. "The steps were small but steady, and each improvement encouraged the client to progress further.   

"Today, the woman still has a mentor coming in occasionally to provide minimal support. She is up and functioning and is light years beyond where she was when she began with the program.

"The children have a mother to read them stories and to kiss their bumps. Breakfast is ready on time for each member to begin the day. The ever-patient father no longer rushes home from his job to put together a hurried supper. Instead he opens the door to a neat home and to the delicious aroma of a homemade dinner prepared by his wife.  That's a real turnabout!"