Desert Spirit Village

The Need

The drug addict population in the South is similar to that of the rest of the country (approximately 4% of adults). Although about one-third of this group has undergone some type of rehabilitation, about 50% have returned to drug usage in less than six months. 9% of Israel's teens have been exposed to drug use. Of Israel’s seven publicly sponsored therapeutic communities for drug addicts, none is located in the South and only one treats juvenile addicts.

About Desert Spirit Village

Desert Spirit Village is planned to be the first comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation community in the Negev for recovering drug addicts. When completed, the village will be able to serve 210 members – 150 adults and 60 youth. According to the therapeutic community approach, members of the community come of their own free will and are willing participants in the treatment.

Desert Spirit Village aims to enable graduates to re-join the community armed with personal, social and vocational tools. Each member will stay at the village for around one year: six months for therapeutic treatment and six months for preparation to return to the mainstream. According to their situation, members will complete high school education, engage in vocational training and accumulate work experience. This may include working at an olive oil production plant that is being planned nearby, which will harvest the fruits of hundreds of olive trees surrounding the village. At Desert Spirit, the "12 Steps" model will be employed as the central therapeutic method, utilizing group dynamics as a main part of the rehabilitation process. 

It is expected that 35-40 individuals each year will graduate from the program and remain drug free. This translates into dozens of children, spouses and parents restored to their families, studying or earning a dignified living and focusing their energies on meaningful, normal daily activities rather than on their horrific struggle against drugs.

The basic cost of operating the village will be covered by monthly per head funding from the Ministry of Welfare. However, particularly during the first years before Desert Spirit reaches capacity, it will be necessary to supplement from philanthropic sources in order to give residents the necessary type and frequency of therapeutic care.

Construction Phases

Phase 1 includes:

• Three residential buildings for 52 adults
• Three residential buildings for 48 youth
• Residences for staff
• An administration building for adults with therapy, conference and fitness rooms
• An administration building for youth with therapy and meetings rooms
• Dining hall
• Technical systems building
• Landscaping

Construction and organizational planning are underway to receive the first residents during 2010.