It’s not easy being a family member of someone with a mental health disability. This role comes with many emotional challenges – facing oneself, society, community, and the family member struggling with the disability. It involves dilemmas, navigating rights and benefits, encouraging motivation, and much more. The role demands patience, tapping into internal and external resources, crisis management, and dealing with a spectrum of emotions, complex family dynamics, and situations.
That’s why last Thursday, about 250 wonderful wives, sisters, and mothers of people with mental disabilities enjoyed a day of fun and empowerment called ‘Power Station’, organized by Bayit Cham’s “T’chelet” Center in Haifa. T’chelet provides support for families of people with mental health disabilities in the religious/ultra-Orthodox sector, in collaboration with Israel’s Ministry of Health.
The Power Station event’s goal is to provide coping tools and offer relaxation, rest, and renewed strength, enabling these women to recharge their batteries and continue fulfilling their crucial roles. It was a unique day where they were the focus!
They gathered at Moshav Kitron for a full day of fascinating, empowering lectures and workshops on parenting, faith, the power of speech, and more. A Playback Theatre (Maidele) emotionally and humorously portrayed their stories. They were moved by an artistic performance by a person with mental health challenges that shattered stigmas, enjoyed empowering group singing, relaxed by the pool, and of course, savored good meals, treats, and gifts with uplifting messages to keep in mind.
The T’chelet team and additional Bayit Cham staff worked hard to organize this retreat. The touching feedback like “Thank you for being there”, “You gave me so much strength”, “It was perfect”, and many more emotional responses made it all worthwhile.
A key role of the T’chelet Center is breaking stigmas, normalizing the struggle, and reducing shame associated with living alongside mental health challenges. We were touched to see the women sitting together, sharing and understanding, getting a moment of relief and recognition. We’re proud of this event. It probably could not have happened without intensive community connections and constant, highly-sensitive efforts to provide activities and make knowledge accessible to more families and audiences throughout the year. We’re grateful for this opportunity 🙏 because everyone deserves quality, joyful family life!
So, we take this opportunity to thank the dear women who participated in the retreat. We’re proud of you and all the families supported by the center.
We extend a huge thank you to the entire T’chelet team and all Bayit Cham staff and management who helped make this amazing event happen 🙏🏆❤️
Rest now, because soon there will be a Power Station for men too…😉
Wishing everyone all the best ❤️
