Shluk

School Centers

Shluk is ELEM’s school-based program that creates safe, welcoming spaces for teens who are struggling. These drop-in centers, located inside middle and high schools, offer support to students facing emotional, social, and economic challenges that put them at risk of dropping out or disengaging from school life.

At Shluk, students can stop by to talk about their problems, relax, play a game, or simply take a break. Over time, these informal spaces become trusted lifelines. Staff and trained volunteers build relationships with the teens, offering mentorship, guidance, and, when needed, referrals to social services, other mental health professionals, or ELEM programs.

Shluk currently operates in Akko, Holon, Kiryat Mal'achi, Netanya, Ofakim, and Tveria.

Shluk supports teens, primarily 8th graders, who are navigating academic and personal transitions while living with difficult circumstances.

Many come from immigrant or low-income families and face language barriers, food insecurity, or unstable housing. Too many are coping with trauma, neglect, or social isolation. Without timely support, these challenges can push them out of school and off track, hurting their future educational and employment opportunities and weakening Israeli society.

What Happens at Shluk

Shluk is a drop-in center located in schools that offers a calm, youth-friendly space to share problems, decompress, play a game, or simply regroup. Trained staff and volunteers build trusted relationships with students, provide mentoring and guidance, and connect them to additional resources (counseling, benefits, food support, tutoring), as needed. Working closely with teachers and school counselors, we tailor support to each student so they can stay in school and move forward.

Reaching the Margins of Israeli Society

Shluk is designed for students most likely to be overlooked and underserved: immigrant and first-generation teens and youth from low-income families facing language challenges and food insecurity, and barriers to housing and healthcare. By meeting them where they already are – inside school – we can provide immediate help and remove any cost, travel, and stigma to getting care.

Language and culture – no barriers – bilingual staff and translated materials help immigrant students and families access services, communicate with schools, and advocate for their needs.
Basic needs – access to snacks, food security referrals, food supplies, and connections to municipal benefits so students can focus on learning.
Trusted relationships – a youth-friendly space that builds confidence and belonging for students who may feel invisible in mainstream settings.
Early identification & fast response – teachers and school counselors flag attendance and grade drops or behavior changes. Shluk staff intervene quickly with tailored plans.
Family engagement – outreach with translation and flexible hours to include parents/caregivers who face work, language, or transportation constraints.
Wraparound services – referrals to counseling, legal/benefits assistance, tutoring, and other ELEM programs, integrating academic, social, and emotional support.

Expansion

With additional funding, ELEM will strengthen and expand the reach of in-school centers. It's critical that youth receive this early intervention before they drop out of school and start on a downward trajectory.