The Haifa Center for Chi.L.D.

THE HAIFA CENTER was founded in 1990 as a non-profit institution by Dr. Jeremiah Lubasch, with a vision to provide the child and family with vital social services lacking in the local community.

Chi.L.D. - The Haifa Center for Children with Learning Disabilities was the first program in a number of unique caring environments for those with special needs. Located in the heart of the community, the Center serves over 3,000 families.

In April 2001, The Haifa Center for Chi.L.D. received the prestigious William Trump Recognition Award for over a decade of “outstanding commitment to children with developmental disabilities”.

Programs at Chi.L.D. include:

Program for LD (Learning Disabled) youngsters 

The Center today has ~120 children ages 4 - 18 in this program. The treatment is holistic, an approach that looks upon the total child not only his specific learning disability. The multi-disciplinary staff of therapists and teaching specialists provide a uniquely tailored program for each child.  Treatment includes:

*  Art   *  Drama  *  Music and  *  Movement therapy   *Occupational therapy   *  Play Therapy

*  Snoezelen Room Therapy   *  Pet Therapy   *  Plant-a-Garden Therapy  *  Life Skills Environment

Early Childhood Rehabilitative Day Care Center  

Established as a model project, this program provides intensive daily therapy for developmentally challenged youngsters age 0-4 in a program which includes able-bodied and healthy youngsters along side of the handicapped - a concept revolutionary and unique to Israel.

Beginning in 2001 with 5 children, the program has increased to over 30 children. The Day Care Center improves the physical, cognitive and emotional development of the handicapped youngsters by providing a multi-therapy program of intensive treatment under one roof and a supporting atmosphere creating opportunities for stimulation and social interaction with non-handicapped peers.

Special-ed Kindergarten for children with Developmental Delays

This program opened in September 2004 for 4-5 year olds with Developmental Delays, who previously attended the Day Care Center and were not yet ready to be mainstreamed. The kindergarten, situated on the first floor of the Early Childhood Center, provides special education as well as occupational, speech, music and movement therapy for each child according to his/her specific needs. All treatment is designed to create stimulation and enhance motor, cognitive and emotional development.

The intensive therapy provided in this program, will enable these children to "catch up" and reach their potential as they continue their education in regular frameworks.

Treating Trauma Victims

In 2002 we began a program for treating youngsters and adults suffering trauma and anxiety in the aftermath of terrorist attacks. Snoezelen Room therapy was most successful in providing a calming effect and giving the youngsters/adults the feeling of control. In addition to individual treatment, seminar workshops were held for professionals who deal with trauma victims in the course of their work.

Following the Second Lebanon War in August 2006, we have expanded this project. Today  Chi.L.D. is offering therapy for nominal fees to children and adults from all sectors of the population in Haifa and its environs who are suffering from anxiety disorders that if not treated sufficiently could develop into chronic Post Traumatic Disorders  

Please click the following link for the Jerusalem Post article by Wendy Blumfield on Treating post-war traumas at Ch.L.D.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1159193337004&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FPrinter

Snoezelen Room Therapy

Snoezelen or controlled multi-sensory stimulation is a therapeutic medium that exposes people of all ages to soothing and timulation light, color, scents and music in a specially designed “Snoezelen Room”. These have both relaxing and activating effects on the different perception areas. Snoezelen induces well-being in a calm atmosphere where fear is alleviated and people feel secure.

The Haifa Center for Chi.L.D. was one of the first institutes in northern Israel to set up a Snoezelen Room. This form of therapy is used at Chi.L.D. to treat children with a wide range of cognitive, emotional and physical issues. Chi.L.D. also specializes in Snoezelen Room Therapy for victims of terror and trauma. The Snoezelen environment provides a “safe place” where children and adults traumatized by violence or the effects of war, can begin to communicate regain confidence and rebuild trusting relationships.

Mo’adonit – After-school Program for Immigrant Youngsters

In recent years there has been a massive influx of Russian immigrants, with a vast number settling in the Hadar section of Haifa. We saw the need to have an afternoon program for Russian youngsters, many coming from single parent homes and dysfunctional families or left alone after school while their parents are at work. By providing a productive afternoon program which includes supervised homework preparation, computer and music programs, games and activities, as well as nutritious lunches, the youngsters are gainfully occupied and benefit from a warm caring atmosphere.

Family Counseling Center

Designed to strengthen and empower the family unit, treatment focuses on a wide range of family related issues – including interpersonal relationships, child rearing, adolescence, family violence, and sexual dysfunction.

Outreach programs and projects