Eden Therapeutic Boarding School: “Rewriting Your Life Story”
Eden Therapeutic Boarding School is a unique feminist post-hospitalization residential setting located in the pastoral surroundings of Kibbutz Karmia. It provides a warm, nurturing home for 50 girls aged 12–18 who are coping with the effects of complex post-traumatic stress and challenging life circumstances.
At Eden, we believe that every girl has the power to create change. Guided by a feminist and socially conscious worldview, we provide a safe space that combines deep acknowledgment of pain with the development of skills for independent living. The therapeutic model we developed helps girls experiencing severe social marginalization overcome their circumstances, build self-confidence, and rewrite their futures.
The Beating Heart of Eden: Our Therapeutic Model
Intensive Therapeutic Support
A Space for Growth
Staying Connected with Home
We view Eden as a “second home” – a place designed to strengthen each girl’s relationship with her family and home environment. We invest significant resources in working with parents and providing them with tools for healthier, more effective communication.
The Boarding School’s Structure: A Journey of Growth
The boarding school follows a developmental pathway divided into five residential homes, supporting each girl from the moment she arrives until she transitions into adult life.
Asif House: The intake and adjustment home, providing a gentle transition and initial support.
Our Long-Term Homes: Nitzan, Yahalom, and Keshet—where the core therapeutic and social processes take place.
Our Graduates’ House: The final home in the journey, dedicated to preparing the girls for independent living and developing personal responsibility and adult life skills.
A Dedicated Multidisciplinary Team
Each home is supported by a team that includes a social worker, a residential coordinator, a house mother, counselors, and gap-year volunteers. The team is there for the girls around the clock-through moments of crisis and moments of achievement and joy.
Life at Eden
Eden is much more than a boarding school. Life here is vibrant, enriching, and full of meaningful experiences. Alongside therapeutic support, we place great emphasis on quality leisure time, enrichment, and enjoyment:
- A green, welcoming campus: Comfortable rooms, seven advanced therapy rooms, an open art studio, beautiful outdoor corners, and—most importantly—plenty of open space.
- Unique activity spaces: Two art rooms, a Snoezelen multisensory room, a social club, a gaming room, a gallery, and an extensive feminist library.
- Experiences that broaden horizons: Trips, workshops, social events, and even group travel abroad, offering the girls opportunities to discover new places and expand their horizons.
Admission to Eden Therapeutic Boarding School
The admission process begins with a referral to the social services department in the applicant’s area of residence. Once a referral has been received from the relevant welfare authorities, an introductory interview is held with the girl and her family.
During the interview, the boarding school’s educational and therapeutic model, policies, and daily life are presented. The meeting also provides an open space to discuss expectations and answer questions.
Admissions take place throughout the year, based on individual needs and subject to availability.
Our Team
Avital Ben Porat | Director of Eden Therapeutic Boarding School
“My mission is to provide every girl with an anchor of safety—a place where she can grow through adversity and discover the strengths within her.”
Avital has directed Eden Therapeutic Boarding School since 2017. In 2021, she received a commendation from El HaLev Association for her dedicated and outstanding work supporting and protecting girls affected by risk and violence.
Previously, she served as a residential unit coordinator and boarding school coordinator at Eden. Before joining Eden, she managed Or Shalom’s community home in Eilat.
Avital holds a BA in Management and Public Policy and is a graduate of Tel Aviv University’s Residential Care Directors Program. She has also completed professional training in hydrotherapy and interior design at the School of Practical Engineering at Sapir College.
avitalb@eden.org.il
Tami Hazan | Boarding School Coordinator
Tami is responsible for operations and administration and has been a pillar of the boarding school for more than a decade, since 2011.
tamih@eden.org.il
053-3346590
פקס: 08-6749738
Rotem Dvir | Social Worker and Therapeutic Services Coordinator
Rotem oversees the boarding school’s therapeutic services. She began her journey at Eden as a social work intern, later served as the social worker at Nitzan House, and has led Eden’s therapeutic services since 2020.
rotemd@eden.org.il