JDC’s STRIVE Program: Making Financial Independence a Reality

When Tali wakes in the morning, her three-year-old son, Shai, sleeping next to her, the first thought on her mind is not breakfast. This young, single mother living in Southern Tel Aviv is forced to treat purchasing food as more of a luxury.

"When I have money I buy some; when I don’t, I don’t," said Tali.

Her monthly income of 3,200 Shekels (about $800 US) is spent on rent, utilities, transportation, daycare for Shai, health insurance, and an abundance of debt payments. Food and clothing are usually obtained through handouts and welfare, if at all. To most, her future seems as unstable as the shutters dangling off the windows of her living room.

Tali grew up in an ultra-religious family, but broke away at an early age to a secular lifestyle before she turned 20. After her relationship with Shai’s father became violent and failed, Tali moved in to a battered women’s shelter and then eventually rented her own apartment.

Determined to rescue herself from financial despair, Tali joined JDC’s STRIVE Program, a partnership with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Employment and the local municipalities to encourage young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve economic independence through work. STRIVE affords Tali the opportunity to train with a personal coach, participate in workshops, and begin vocational training. Counselors through the program are even helping Tali negotiate her debts.

"Lately, the banks reduced the interest rates on my past loans—reductions that add up to 10,000 Shekels (approximately, $2,300 US)," revealed Tali.

As her debt is decreasing, Tali hopes to see her income increase. Her current profession as a typist at an insurance company appears to be a stepping stone and she knows that completing her high school diploma will help catapult her down the path of success. Those close to Tali agree with her personal STRIVE coach, who says, "She has progressed beautifully with getting into the workplace and is constantly moving forward."

With the support of the STRIVE program, and Tali’s perseverance, she and Shai will move to a bigger house where they can fall asleep in separate bedrooms, knowing that the next morning will begin with greater stability, a little less worry, and a plentiful breakfast.

The STRIVE program is part of JDC’s TEVET Employment Initiative—a partnership with the Government of Israel that helps vulnerable populations to enter and gain mobility in the workplace.