Ani Shlishi
Giving Skills, Community, and Future to Youth at Risk
Seventeen-year-old Ahmed was short on self-confidence and maturity. Social services in Abu Ghosh, an Arab community outside of Jerusalem, referred Ahmed to Ani Shlishi to work in its thrift shop in nearby Mevasseret. Founded by David Baskin and Ilan Kedar, this creative organization uses a second-hand clothing store as a laboratory to teach kids the skills they’ll need to succeed in life. Ahmed struggled — but after about two months things changed.
Each positive change led to another, and Ahmed took on higher management positions, eventually working alongside the store’s team leader. He trained, supported and encouraged other employees and helped grow the store’s sales. After six months in this paid internship, Ahmed impressed staff and social services, and actively sought a new job.
With great satisfaction, David says, “Work here will give kids a foundation of marketable skills necessary for success and self-advancement.”
Our matching funds are directed to administrative expenses.