Restoring lives, rebuilding communities – through the “For the Community” initiative, in partnership with NATAL (Israel Trauma & Resiliency Center).

In the aftermath of crisis, true recovery extends beyond individual healing – it requires rebuilding the very fabric of community life. Community centers serve as the foundation for this process, providing the structure, support, and resources essential for long-term recovery. The Healing Journeys program is a groundbreaking initiative that uniquely integrates post-traumatic growth with community-building, offering trauma survivors a transformative pathway to resilience and activism.

A Game-Changer in Community Rehabilitation: unlike traditional programs, Healing Journeys is designed to cultivate grassroots activism and social entrepreneurship as powerful tools for individual and collective healing. True recovery happens when residents and local stakeholders actively rebuild their communities together. By empowering participants to take action, this program not only strengthens individuals but also fosters long-term community resilience.

At its core, Healing Journeys creates a deep sense of belonging—participants join a close-knit support group that becomes their ongoing network for both personal and community recovery. They return home not just as survivors but as active agents of change, committed to restoring their communities from within.

Three-Stage Process for Transformative Impact:
1. Selection: Participants are chosen based on their deep community ties and their potential to drive local recovery efforts.
2. Immersive Retreat: An 8-day, nature-based therapeutic journey, focusing on emotional recovery, resilience-building, and social impact.
3. Community Activation: Upon returning, participants form “Task Forces” that initiate real, community-led recovery efforts – working alongside professionals to implement meaningful change.

A Growing Network of Community Resilience Builders. To date, close to 20 journeys took place with over 300 participants that completed the program, representing communities across S’dot Negev, Sha’ar HaNegev, Eshkol, and Sderot. The need is urgent – we are overwhelmed with requests from dozens of additional communities. There are already dozens of groups on a waiting list, ready to begin their journey.

The program is accompanied by rigorous research and evaluation, ensuring measurable impact.

With continued support, IACC aims to fund 45 additional Healing Journeys for communities impacted by the ongoing war. This is a critical moment to ensure no community is left behind.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our generous supporters, including JFNA, Keren Hayesod, The European National Fund, the Israeli Office of Justice, and many other dedicated partners.

🎥 Watch this video to learn more about the Healing Journeys Program: Healing Journeys Video