The Iraqi Home Foundation for Creativity is a non-governmental organization established in 2004. The goal of the foundation is to provide shelter, education, emotional support and rehabilitation to help orphaned Iraqi children heal from the trauma of loss of their parent/s and other relatives due to political instability, displacement and the occupation of more than five provinces by ISIS. Our long-term goal is to create productive adults who are successful in life. After years of building the organization, adult mentors have harnessed the amazing talent and creativity of children who are overcoming tremendous odds. The focus on creativity is a means to help promote healing by giving orphaned children a creative outlet to release their pain. Our program is producing talented young artists who are highly capable of achieving international success in the arts, including cinema, theater, visual art and music. Additionally, our program positions young people to become leaders as we have helped some acquire esteemed government positions.

The foundation approach to mental health involves psychotherapy coupled with positive reinforcement, rewarding good behavior and redirecting negative behavior into positive activities.

 

The Foundation has three main programs that need support

1. Safe House for Homeless Children: We provide a safe place for orphaned children to heal, learn, create and grow. Providing adult mentors with the training and education needed to support the health, psychological, educational and cultural needs of children is no easy task.  Rehabilitation for each child requires a round-the-clock commitment. Our teachers, health care providers, mentors, therapists and case managers ensure that orphans do not suffer deprivation of basic needs and are protected from physical and sexual exploitation.  Currently we have sixty children from the ages of 2-16 years of age.

2.Elder Care:  Project  aims to support elders in need of shelter and care.  The program helps provide food, shelter, health care and emotional support.  We are currently caring for fourteen elders who are separated from relatives. Children from Iraqi Home help care for elders while learning valuable skills.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Bringing families together: We make every effort to reunite orphaned children with relatives. Being separated from loved ones is a very traumatic experience for all involved. Iraqi Home Foundation creates a sense of family through gatherings with the larger community.