A fighter on the community front: From reserves in Gaza to rehabilitating the collapsed welfare system in Kiryat Shmona
Metania Schwartz, a reservist who served two years in Gaza, moved to rehabilitate the welfare department in Kiryat Shmona. When he arrived, only seven social workers were employed there; now the number has risen to 23. The rate of those in need of welfare services in the city has doubled from 15% to about 30% due to the war.
Metania Schwartz, 39, from Kibbutz Lavi, served two years in reserves in the Gaza Strip and after his release moved to the civilian front: rehabilitating the welfare department in Kiryat Shmona. He joined a joint project of the 'Yaadim LaTzafon' association and the 'Machar' program of the Joint, led by the 'Tnupha LaTzafon' administration. When he arrived, only seven social workers worked in the department, with no organizational structure, work plans, or database. About six months later, the number of workers rose to 23, on the way to 26, through active recruitment using the 'head-hunting' method and shortening response times. Schwartz notes that before the war, about 15% of the city's population was known to welfare services, and now the estimate is that the rate may reach 30% or more. New programs were opened, including for Holocaust survivors, clubs for senior citizens, a warm home for girls, a domestic violence treatment center, and a youth unit. Aviad Friedman, head of the Tnupha LaTzafon administration, said that expanding welfare services is part of building the future of the north.