Principles of Animal Assisted Therapy
Humans and Animals in Mutual Assistance in Israel (HAMA) is dedicated to child and family development by use of Animal Assisted Therapy(AAT), education, and enrichment activities, all of which endeavor to enhance the quality of life in both humans and animals alike.
This unique linkage between human and animal welfare makes HAMA a highly respected, cutting edge service organization in Israel.
Who HAMA Serves
HAMA works largely with low income populations who can benefit from AAT (Animal Assisted Therapy). Unfortunately most of the children and families under HAMA’s care are unable to provide proper guardianship for the animal with their own resources. They can neither physically afford proper maintenance of a cat or dog nor be able to emotionally and even sometimes physically attend to the animal’s needs.
Core beneficiaries are:
1.Children suffering from learning disabilities such as Attention Deficit Disorders;
2.Children who have been deprived of potentially positive paternal contact because of severe interpersonal conflict between divorced and separated parents;
3.Children learning to live and reestablish ties with parents undergoing drug rehabilitation;
4.Children who are suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) after suffering physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
5. Holocaust Survivors at the Abarbanel and Lev HaSharon Centers of Mental Health
6.Juvenile prisioner populations