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

Background
The Hanita absorption center is located in the heart of the Neve Shaanan neighborhood in Haifa, on the eastern mountain ridge of the city. With a population of over 56,000 residents, Neve Shaanan is the neighborhood with the largest population in Haifa and includes all sectors of Israeli society. Hanita is centrally located, and in close proximity to major services, such as synagogues, health clinics, hospitals, government offices, supermarkets, post office, pharmacy and a marketplace.

Haifa is one of the most beautiful cities in Israel with beaches and picturesque mountain views. It is the capital of the north, one of Israel's largest cities and enjoys full municipal and metropolitan conveniences.

Accommodations
Hanita is comprised of a large building with 77 housing units and a capacity for 350 residents. Each apartment has two rooms, a kitchenette and bathroom facilities. Basic appliances and furnishings, including beds, closets, refrigerator, stove, chairs and tables, are also provided. Upon arrival, new immigrants are welcomed with basic food provisions for their first days.

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

For adults this includes Hebrew studies, conversion classes, seminars, and community activities, workshops on parenting, employment, consumerism and trips around 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
Alcohol Prevention - An alcohol prevention and educational project has been developed, in conjunction with other northern absorption centers.

Health and Hygiene - Personal hygienic instruction, as well as its importance for maintaining general health and disease prevention, is taught to adults in the center.

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

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

Women's Empowerment Workshop – The aim of these workshops, which are run in conjunction with the local WIZO branch, is to facilitate easier integration into Israeli society.

For Children
Library Project - Reading habits and skills are developed among kindergarten children, elementary school students and teenagers. A weekly 'Story Time' is held for younger children, who can then choose and borrow books.

Volunteers performed at Haifa Absorption Center and donated the supplies needed for the arts and crafts activity that is part of the show .

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

Playroom Activities - Parents and children learn how to play games together, under the guidance of student volunteers from WIZO.

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

Mentoring Club - A special Mentoring Club takes place in the afternoon hours for the center's children and provides strengthening in schoolwork and homework assistance.

Computer Workshop - Classes on how to use the computer are run by computer teachers in small groups in the computer room.

Chess Club - A weekly Chess Club, run by volunteers, teaches children the intricacies of the game and to sharpen their minds.

Animal Workshop – This workshop, which is run by volunteers, teaches children about different animals through videos, a petting corner, books and lectures.

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 a director, administrative assistant, head of education and culture, social worker, housemother and counselors.