A Unique Initiative in Yokneam: Nighttime Coffee Program

Each night a force of volunteers sets out for parks across Yokneam, armed with coffee, watermelons, and games (like Taki and backgammon), to meet youths and spend time with them throughout the night. The goal: Establishing direct one-on-one contacts, preventing loitering, and expanding the number of youths frequenting the Youth Center. The initiative is being guided by the municipal Youth Department in cooperation with the Yokneam Community Center.

The volunteers, some of whom are youths themselves, divide up into teams and set out each night, working from 10 p.m. until the wee hours of the night.  Each team is composed of a representative from the Youth Department, the Youth Empowerment program, and volunteers.  The initiative's guiding principle is that the best possible recommendation for the Youth Center is when it comes from youths themselves, much more effective than when activities are advertised by other means.

The focus of activity is twofold:
* Patrolling parks in order to come in contact with youths.
* Introducing the youths to the fare of activities offered at the Youth Center and inviting them for enrichment activities conducted there throughout the day.

"Youths loitering during the summer vacation is a countrywide phenomenon that we in Yokneam are determined to reduce here as much as possible.  We've offered numerous activities such as workshops, trips, activity days, performances, and summer camps, and have also taken action on an individual level, as in this program," comments Mayor Simon Alfassi, adding: "I want to thank the volunteers who are dedicating their time and energy and, of course, the city's Youth Department and Community Center.  I'm convinced that the program's personal touch makes all the difference," he said.

Gali Tayer, in charge of the Youth Department: "We're received wonderfully by the kids; we don't pretend to 'sell' them any sort of message or activity, we simply show up and spend time with them."

Zohar Yonai, a Youth Department coordinator, enjoys the night patrols: "We start off by sitting nearby, taking out the coffee and games, and engaging the kids in conversations on subjects that matter to them: what they do during the holidays, parties, activities, etc.  We talk to them on their own level and invite them to spend time at the Youth Center rather than the park.  They tend to listen to suggestions when they come from people of their own age."

Since the project began at the beginning of summer, more youths have come to the Youth Center and have requested joining its activities.  It's worth noting that police statistics are indicating a drop in crime in Yokneam, particularly in the number of cases involving youth.