This project was selected for funding under the University of Haifa’s Impact Research Initiative (2024–2025) and supported by a NIS 50,000 grant from the Innovation and Sustainability Division.
The awarded research reflects the University’s leadership in shaping a more sustainable future, positioning academic research as a catalyst for social responsibility, environmental resilience and long-term impact.
In response to traumatic events since October 2023, young children and their families often face heightened emotional vulnerability, yet access to early, effective support is limited worldwide. A Home at Heart, developed at the University of Haifa by Dr. Yael Enav and Dr. Yael Meir from the Faculty of Education, is an innovative program designed to provide immediate, community-based emotional support for families with young children facing displacement, parental absence, or ongoing stress.
The program combines short, targeted therapeutic sessions with creative, play-based interventions. Children and parents participate together in four experiential sessions, guided by a knitted bunny doll that encourages emotional expression, coping skills, and resilience. An additional session for parents focuses on strengthening family dynamics and parental coping strategies. Delivered directly within communities, the model ensures accessibility even in areas with limited mental health resources.
A unique intergenerational component connects generations: senior women knit the dolls for each child, fostering social cohesion, intergenerational engagement, and a sense of care that extends beyond the immediate family.
The program demonstrates how thoughtful, community-centered approaches can subtly transform the way families navigate stress, providing a model for early intervention that blends science, culture, and human connection.