“As I handed out a certificate to each participant, we felt as if we had climbed Mt. Everest.” 💪😍 So said Dana Gilad, director of the “Hop(e)styling” program❤️
Today was the program’s super-exciting graduation ceremony! Hop(e)styling graduates are women victims of sexual trauma who took a home styling and home design course taught by Ultima College’s top lecturers, affiliated with the Israel Building Center, along with Bayit Cham’s staff who provided individual and group support and taught learning and employment skills needed to successfully integrate into the world of work.
Despite the difficult circumstances in Israel, we managed to hold a festive graduation ceremony with almost full attendance of course participants, guests and well-wishers.
After everyone gathered and indulged in a delectable spread, there was a string of emotional thanks and warm wishes, a video presentation that described the process the women underwent, and the distribution of certificates from Ultima College, in collaboration with Bayit Cham, the Rehabilitation Basket Unit, and the National Insurance Institute.
Participants spoke from the heart about what the program meant for them. It was so moving to witness a group of women, a large part of whom had not left the four walls of their homes before attending the program, for whom going out to learn and receive a certificate was a dream come true… At least three participants said that they enrolled or plan on enrolling in advanced studies in the field of design.
We are proud and beyond of each and every one of our champion program participants who completed the course with perseverance, determination and great success. It was not a given; it required great stores of inner-strength!!
Thanks to all the Bayit Cham partners who made this happen – to Dana Gilad, the champion who directed the program with great sensitivity and professionalism, and to our dear volunteers who came from far and contributed their time and skills🙏
Especially in these difficult times, it is wonderful to hear good news about the victory of light over darkness, both on personal and national levels.
We wish you all continued, outstanding success in whatever you do ❤️🏆
