The goal of the Absorption Center is to help integrate and prepare olim for independent living within Israeli society.

Background
The Gilboa absorption center is located east of the Jezreel Valley, at the foot of the magnificent Mount Gilboa, in one of the Galilee's most scenic regions. Situated between the towns of Beit Shean and Afula, a convenient 15- minute drive to these cities, offers access to supermarkets, a shopping center, banks, clinics, pharmacies, shops and a large marketplace, as well as employment possibilities. There is regular and frequent public transportation available to these locations. The center is adjacent to Kibbutz Beit Alfa, where there is a post office and general store within walking distance.

Accommodations
The center includes 60 cottage-style housing units with a capacity for 350 residents. Units have basic appliances and furnishings, including beds, closets, refrigerator, stove, chairs and tables.

A delegation of African-American visitors spend time at the Jewish Agency's Gilboa Absorption Center in the Lower Galilee. Members of the group surround the absorption center's director, Vered Achion.

Situated in an expansive and green open area, the center provides a pleasant and rural atmosphere. The Gilboa absorption center offers services such as a health clinic, laundry facilities, pay phone, library, computer room, classrooms, studio, synagogue, soccer fields, basketball courts and a playground.

Activities and Special Projects
The center provides activities for both adults and children.

The center’s activities for adults include Hebrew Ulpan studies, conversion classes, seminars, trips, community activities, workshops on parenting, employment, consumerism, legal aid and trips throughout Israel.

Activities for children focus on educational reinforcement and enrichment in subjects such as Jewish customs, festivals and Israeli culture. In addition, they have sports, drama, music, day camps, trips and more.

Activities are geared towards the different stages of absorption and assisting olim in becoming familiar with their new surroundings.

Special Projects
Israeli Cooking - Regular classes in cooking Israeli food, familiarity with products and special menus for Israeli holidays and celebrations, take place in the center.

Adult Workshops – Workshops on a variety of subjects such as employment, relationships and parenting, household management, and oleh services in Israel, are held regularly.

Home Maintenance - Classes are held to give the olim information on buying and maintaining a home in Israel.

Friends Network - A 'Friends of the Gilboa absorption center' is presently being established.

For Children
Mentoring Club - A special Mentoring Club takes place in the afternoon hours for the center's children, providing reinforcement in studies and homework assistance.

Educational Reinforcement - Extra strengthening in Hebrew and math studies is available for children and youth.

Preparation for First Grade - Readiness classes for first grade, are provided for preschool children, prior to their entering school.

Summer Camp - A yearly summer day camp is held for the center's children and combines crafts, performances, hiking and general activities, in cooperation with local volunteer groups.

Staff
A dedicated and professional staff is responsible for the care of the new immigrants and for the daily running of the absorption center. The staff consists of 11 employees (director, administrative assistant, coordinator of education and culture, social worker, housemother and counselors).