Beit Uri

Beit Uri is an exceptional residential centre for 86 mentally challenged residents aged between 8 and 50 in Afula, Northern Israel, supported by JNF UK.  There is a special needs school for younger members and for the adults there are a wide variety of rehabilitation workshops producing high-quality handicrafts, which are sold to the public through regular bazaars and other events.

Beit Uri's unique philosophy enables every member to be a partner by contributing what they can to the centre and to the wider community. In 2009, in recognition of the work the residents have done to keep local woodlands rubbish-free, President Shimon Peres awarded them the Council for a Beautiful Israel Prize 2009 for environmental activity and awareness.

JNF UK has provided long-term support through committees from Hull, Leeds, JNF Golf (both the men's and women's team raise funds every year for the Centre), KKL Bequests and JNF Future.   To date JNF funds have paid for renovation work on the bedrooms, provided new workshops, new kitchens, new laundry, new dining rooms, new therapy rooms, a petting zoo, an outdoor sports area, and indoor recreation and community hall - as well as work currently underway including a new greenhouse, vegetable garden and new offices.

Today, the Centre continues to grow as more and more people outside the locality recognise its innovation and professionalism. Beit Uri runs a joint day centre for the disabled of the local Arab communities. Beit Uri runs a scheme to introduce the residents into the local Afula society by taking them into town, allowing them to work in local factories and encouraging the local community to volunteer in the Centre.

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