Since 2013, Mavar has worked tirelessly to be a safety net and a helping hand to people making daunting steps on their own. 2021 was a year of exciting developments for Mavar, with new staff, new volunteers, and new opportunities – and we are now a crucial part of the global movement for Yotzim (people exploring life beyond the Charedi world). With…

Amos Schonfield - Mavar's new CEO What is the first day of a new job ‘supposed’ to look like? Arrive in your office to be shown which are the correct mugs to use, be handed a code for the photocopier that you’ll likely forget at the bottom of your drawer, sheepishly introduce yourself and try to remember everyone’s names? It…

After seven exhilarating, heart-warming years as CEO of MAVAR, the time has come for me to step down. What a journey! Founding the charity, establishing its ethos and providing comprehensive support to over 100 men and women who have sought our assistance has truly been a privilege. I will of course miss our wonderful team of volunteers who offer support…

Expansion, Expansion The last part of 2018 was a crazy but exciting few months, launching Mavar North (based in Manchester) and training additional mentors for Mavar London who themselves grew up in the Charedi world. This has meant running a bunch of training sessions, supported by updated resource packs, revised policies, DBS checks, references…….. you name it! All in a…

Coming full circle There’s been a sudden rush of calls from people who left ultra-orthodoxy some years ago who now want to support others in the process of leaving the haredi community of Stamford Hill.   Within the space of 3 weeks we had 4 emails from formerly frum young men and women who want to ‘give back’, so we’ll be…

Post Pesach, Mavar’s hotline (unsurprisingly) rang more frequently and one of the young women who made contact with us became our 100th caller!! With that milestone under our belt it feels like we have traction and that the word is finally out. It’s been a challenge over the last four years building partnerships, awareness, supporters, policies, teams of specialists and…