b'Helping Discharged IDF Soldiers from Disadvantaged Backgrounds Everyyear,approximately1,200soldiersfromdisadvantagedbackgroundsaredischarged from the IDF only to return to their high-risk environments, and have difficulties transitioning back to civilian life. Many do not have a home to return to or family upon whom theycanrely.Theyreturntothesocial,emotionaland financial challenges of their old lives. Amit LaDerech (A Friend Alongside) helps these former soldiers at a critical juncture in their lives.Nikita had a criminal record, no high school diploma and no place to call home. A Friend Alongside worked with him and mentored him in different areas. As a result, Nikita was able to expunge his criminal record, find a job and receive his high school diploma. Today, Nikita is studying to obtain his law degree and volunteers with youth at risk. AFriendAlongsideintegratestheseformer soldiersfromdisadvantagedbackgroundsinto civilian life by strengthening their personal skills andabilitieswhichhelpsthembecome contributingmembersofsociety.AFriend Alongsidehelpstheseformersoldiersattain stableemployment,highereducation,confidence andself-realizationbymentoringthem,guiding them,andhelpingthemwithseminarsand scholarships.HOT made its first grant in June 2017 to finance the training of 15 additional mentors to guide the former soldiers. There is no cookie cutter way to successfully mentor former soldiers with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Each mentor is taught to recognize the uniqueness of the former soldiers needs and are in touch with their mentees on a daily basis to help them gain the tools to integrate into civilian life.HOT would like to assist A Friend Alongside in their efforts. Please consider: $6,925 for Continuing Education for the staff to stay current on innovations in Mentoring, particularly in dealing with At Risk Youth. $9,142 to hire a part time Alumni Manager who will do follow up and assistance to all graduates of the program $10,000 or any part for soft landing kits which include the basics of civilian life$10,000 for a Financial Aid Fund $11,080 for mentor training for an additional 20 mentors @ $554 per mentor10'