Empowering Families Through Mental Health and Home Rehabilitation
The International Day of Families (observed on May 15) is a reminder of the crucial role families play in society. It is the first place where children learn values that shape their character and, at large, their communities.
This day also reminds us of the challenges they encounter and the importance of advancing family-oriented programs that foster stronger and healthier family relationships and supportive environments, significantly impacting young people's development, well-being and future prospects.
In Palestine, familial identification and solidarity is a traditional structure that holds the Palestinian society together.
In the refugee camps and most disadvantaged communities in Nablus, families face multiple challenges. And in light of their multifaceted needs, TYO’s Mental Health Program offers services of Family Counseling & Support.
Through evidence-based mental health counseling and psychosocial interventions, social workers and psychologists empower families to cultivate resilience and foster healthy relationships, while also assisting individuals and their relatives in navigating mental health issues and equipping them with tools to thrive.
One of TYO’s program's components is restoration of home infrastructures, building safe and comfortable environments for families and children’s upbringing. Ensuring that families have secure living spaces not only enhances their physical safety but also contributes to their mental and emotional wellbeing.
This is reflected in TYO’s work with an Al-Qudsi family. Their journey with TYO began by working with a social worker to improve the communication among the family members. Through the counseling sessions, it became clear the problem originated from a damaged door and staircase that endangered their safety, hindered their privacy, and prevented them from hosting guests, causing a lot of psychological pressure and tension.
So the intervention moved to the Case Manager in order to carry out a renovation in the house. And the result was remarkable. The family felt a significant improvement in the quality of life inside the home. They became more comfortable and secure as they moved around the house, and their sense of privacy and comfort increased after returning to their own rooms.
Home rehabilitation provides families with more than security and comfort. It uplifts their mood, it restores their sense of pride, and it provides them with a proper space for bonding and socializing. It creates a supportive environment for children and teenagers and it lays the foundation - quite literally - for a healthier future generation.
In addition to home rehabilitation, this year, TYO has provided economic support to 34 families, empowering them with the resources needed for more secure and sustainable livelihoods. Through its holistic approach, TYO's Mental Health & Family Support Program exemplifies the importance of addressing the interconnected needs of families for a thriving society.
Zain Masri, Mental Health & Family Counseling Program Manager