Avnei Derech

Organization: Avnei Derech LeChaim (Milestones for Life)
Mission Statement: Avnei Derech imparts life skills in young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome at a crucial time in their lives. Through individual and group exercises and training, Avnei Derech gives every participant a personal tool kit to springboard into a meaningful adulthood of work, study and family life.
OTC’s Role: Avnei Derech founders Shirley and Inbal asked OTC to develop their case for support because there is no organization in Israel filling this need in training young adults on the autism spectrum who are left to their own resources after high school – just when they need direction and assistance in setting their life’s path. OTC worked closely with Shirley and Inbal to develop the case, a brochure and their development strategy. Together we matched them with their founding partners and helped fill the major gap in social services available to this capable population in Israel. Today, Avnei Derech is well known in the field as national experts in this field, providing service models that can be duplicated across the country.

Avnei Derech’s Story
Avnei Derech was founded by Shirley Kenny and Inbal Wertheim-Shoham after they worked with teenagers on the autism spectrum (AS) and noted that they lacked direction following high school graduation because there was no program available to guide them on to new horizons.

The two set to work in developing flexible programs to meet the needs of (AS) youngsters from the time they are preparing for high school completion. The organization’s overall objective is to help each person set his goals and acquire a set of practical tools and awareness paving a supportive path to healthy, independent living with intellectual, emotional and social fulfillment.

Avnei Derech aims to change the trajectory of their lives from dependence and loneliness, to living more independent and successful adult lives.

By exposing participants to life experiences in a supportive environment, the Avnei Derech prep school serves as a training ground for adulthood. At the two year residential facility in Kiryat Shemona, participants from across Israel learn to work with others, in a group setting and take a test run on living outside their parent’s home by choice, without feeling forced or abandoned. Avnei Derech is changing the realm of independent living opportunities for Israel’s autism spectrum population.