Simcha Layeled

In Israel, there are thousands of children suffering from chronic illnesses that demand that they frequently visit hospitals and clinics to receive ongoing treatments. As a result, these children very often lack the ability (time and emotional strength) to forge friendships with others that they can lean on and speak with, and who can provide them with the special care and attention that they require. Simcha Layeled is an Israeli non-profit organization, established in 2004, dedicated to improving the quality of life and social welfare of disabled and seriously ill children. We concentrate our efforts on children who suffer from a lack of friends and poorly integrate into their social circles, such as those with genetic diseases, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, dialysis, diabetes, child development problems, and accident and burn victims. We try providing the kids various programs: •Big Brother\Sister program: This project addresses the children's need for social environment and friends, as well as emotional assistance. The project has 180 volunteers working with 180 children and their families on a weekly basis all year long, with the purpose of providing the children with a warm, meaningful and stable social relationship, and reducing the pressure on the parents and siblings. •Hospital programs: This project addresses the children's need for a social environment and A little laughter in their painful and hard routine at the hospital. The project has five programs in the hospitals: Weekly activities in various departments led by ''Sherut Leumi'' women and volunteers, Birthday parties for kids who celebrate their birthday while they are hospitalized, cultural and national festival parties, weekly Sabbath parties, assisting parents by watching their kids. •Trips and activities in Israel and Overseas which are tailored for the kids. •Supporting families programs: Parents' activities, support groups, financial assistance.