24 shows in their schoolwork), (xii) bought cameras for a photography program, (xiii) paid for a family therapy program (remember most of these kids have parents who had their children taken away from them by the court), (xiv) paid for a marketing video to help them raise additional money, (xv) partially funded (a successful HOT challenge grant) an animal assisted therapy program (see page 48), (xvi) renovated rec-rooms, and paid for sneakers, birthday presents, outings and much more – all that we could do to help Yehuda and his staff give these kids a chance to grow up and be happy. And NOT continue the cycle their families have followed for at least one generation before them. BE’s current needs list includes: • $945 of counseling for each graduate who is getting married (these young adults have no idea of what is necessary from each party for a successful marriage) • $1,974 for a mini-oven/toaster • $5,135 for a program for 20 seventeen year olds who are a year away from leaving the “safety” of BE. All the work done by the BE staff cannot completely remove the natural anxiety of being “on their own” • $7,143 to renovate the bomb shelter and purchase new equipment in the backyard • $17,270 to renovate the kitchen area in the emergency shelter • $25,000* for additional tutoring • $25,000* for additional therapy • $42,855 for orthodontic treatment @ $2,857 per child • $52,950 to renovate 15 bedrooms @ $3,530 each including bed, desk, chair, and small closet * I could have just as easily put $50,000 or $100,000 for either or both of tutoring and therapy, BUT gifts of any size designated for these critical needs will help children reach their potential as human beings…. Is anything more important? The Wish list above is longer than any other in the HOT News and this is one of very few 2 page vignettes. Many donors ask me which need of our 45 projects is most important and which of their needs are most critical and I constantly say that is for YOU, the donor, to choose. We try hard to only help those who were dealt a bad hand, not those whose conscious choices have resulted in their need. The Israeli government gives Yehuda enough money to feed, clothe and give some basics for these kids. It is for YOU to decide what “extras” (like orthodontics) they get and whether those “extras” are really “extras” or the “basic needs” to give them a chance.