It started 20 years ago
Our Story
How It Began
Our story began 20 years ago when Shoshi, a single Tel Aviv resident at the time, joined a relationship workshop led by Rachel, titled The Journey to Relationship. "That workshop, and getting to know Rachel, marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life—getting married, making peace with my disability, and transforming it into a source of strength to impact others with disabilities alongside Rachel," says Shoshi.
Over the years, we’ve worked together with hundreds of people, including those with disabilities across various projects, making a real difference in their personal, social, and professional lives.
The Lavo B'tov initiative was originally launched in response to the immediate needs of people with disabilities in Israel, particularly in the wake of the challenging events following October 7th.
These times have been difficult for all of us, but even more so for those with physical disabilities as well as those with communication, social, cognitive, and sensory disabilities. In stressful times like these of uncertainty and danger, people tend to withdraw—and this is even more pronounced among individuals with disabilities.
The empowerment support programs we have offered were highly successful, we heard a lot "I do not know how I would have passed this time without your support", "I did not believe anybody thinks of me in time of such distress, I have no words to appreciate your support love and caring".
The initiative received initial financial support from a donor familiar with our past work, intended as seed funding. Shortly after, people familiar with our work, vision, commitment, and unique approach were also eager to join forces with us. Several additional donors who trust our work also supported this unique venture.
That is how it all started.
As we approach the end of our second year, we reflect on a time that has been both challenging and deeply meaningful. The ongoing missile attacks on Israel and the war with Iran were challenging to everyone — especially those living with mobility, vision, or other disabilities.
During this time, we created special Zoom peer support groups, bringing together people who are blind and visually impaired, physically disabled, or with other challenges to share, support, and uplift one another and be empowered.
Alongside this, with all the special support needed, we continued working with individuals to support them in moving toward greater independence and self-fulfillment in their personal and professional lives.
We now conclude our second year with the launch of our Basic Mentor Training Program, and step into our third year, we are ready to expand our impact and reach even further.
We are happy to see how much good has been created, how much it was needed, and to see the wonderful people who joined us to be on board with us, inspired to make a difference both in individuals' lives and aiming to impact society as a whole.
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Thank you for visiting our website. If reading about our work resonates with you, we would love to hear from you.
Rachel, Shoshi, and all The Collective Lavo B'tov team
Who We Are
Shoshi Margolin, Co-Founding Director
For over 20 years, Shoshi held executive management roles across various industries, including banking and high-tech. In 2017, she transitioned to the nonprofit sector, serving for six years as the Executive Director of Inbar, an organization that was helping individuals with disabilities in the area of relationships.
Shoshi's height is 3'9" (1.2 m), and she grew up believing she was just like everyone else. However, as a teenager, she realized her differences when others began dating. Her inspiring journey of embracing her disability and overcoming life’s challenges is at the heart of the powerful lectures she delivers.
Shoshi holds an MBA from Ben-Gurion University and was a candidate for the Harish City Council in the 2023 elections. With her energetic positivity, warmth, and unwavering dedication, she is a role model for many.
Shoshi is the Financial Manager and Co-Director of Lavo B'tov. Sue is married and lives in Harish.
Rachel Kolette Wheeler, Co-Founding Director
With over 35 years of diverse experience in Israel and internationally, Rachel has worked with thousands across the private and non-profit sectors. She is a seasoned communication coach, transformational organization consultant, and management expert, including extensive work in the third sector. For six years, Rachel served as the strategic consultant and professional manager of Inbar, an Israeli non-profit supporting people with disabilities in relationships. Prior to this, she designed and developed empowerment programs for relationships and created a transformational mentoring methodology that has been successfully implemented. This mentoring program is the foundation of Lavo B'tov's approach and practice. Rachel is a role model for many, known for her positive attitude, visionary outlook, and deep commitment to the well-being and success of those she works with. She is the professional manager and co-director of Lavo B'tov. Rachel is married and a mother to a son. She divides her time between the USA (Omaha, Nebraska) and Israel.
Adina Noah, Team Member
With more than 25 years of experience in Special Ed, as a teacher, Integration and Inclusion Counselor for students and parents, as well as a teacher Instructor specializing in those who are blind and vision impaired. Adina has been working together with Rachel for more than seven years empowering people with disabilities. When Lavo B'tov was formed Adina was excited to join the team. Adina herself is vision impaired and in addition to her vast professional experience, she is a role model for others. In Lavo B'tov Adina is facilitating groups mentoring individuals and leading the support groups for those who are blind or vision impaired. Adina is married and a mother of three.
Miriam Cheruty, Team Member
Miriam has experience as a Well Being Coach for over 15 years, as well as a background in teaching, family coaching, and educational kinesiology. In Lavo B'tov Miriam is the empowerment programs coordinator, a mentor, and a program facilitator. Miriam was trained by Rachel and they have a long time experience of working together. When Miriam got the phone call about the creation of Lavo B'tov , she was overjoyed and looked forward to contributing.
Miriam is married, a mother of eight and a grandmother
Riki Golan, Associate
Riki is a mentor, life coach, motivational speaker, and social activist focused on integrating people with disabilities. Born a triplet and injured at birth, she didn’t walk until age four. Her determination led her to a full, meaningful life. For 25 years, Riki worked as an HR officer in the IDF, achieving the rank of major. Despite her physical limitations, she overcame barriers to build a successful army career, earn an MBA, travel the world, and become a single mother to two daughters. Her cerebral palsy taught her to embrace the journey and find solutions along the way. These hard-earned insights are what she is passionate about sharing with others.
Vlady Gurari, Associate
A lawyer, a social activist with a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Policy, and Vlady works in the Israeli Electric Company responsible for community relations. Vlady is a member of the advisory board of the Commissioner for Equality and Rights of Persons with Disabilities and a vibrant lecturer on his life journey with CP and on social and legal aspects of life with a disability. When Vlady heard about Lavo B'tov he was thrilled to come on board with the team to bring forward a new voice that is not heard enough.
Natanel Yermiyahu, Associate
Nathanel is a man of words (professional English-Hebrew translator), a producer of space Ambient music, and a seasoned lecturer who shares his life journey with cynical humor on living with Cerebral Palsy. He is residing in Metula, a small picturesque village on the Israel-Lebanon border. Sadly, in October 2023 he was displaced alongside most of Metula’s residents in hotels throughout Israel. When Nathanel heard about ‘Lavo B'tov, he gladly joined the team. Nathanel shares a unique and often unheard viewpoint about life with a disability and contributes to our blog writings.
Haggay Sadeh, Chairman of the Board
Hagay is a lawyer and a social activist. "When Shoshi and Rachel asked me to serve as the Chair of the Board of the organization, I jumped at the chance without hesitation. I have known both of them for years, through various business and personal phases, and now it’s finally my turn to be involved in the work, rather than just enjoying the stories from the sidelines".
Zehava Salomon-Jutan, Board Member
CPA, Financial Manager at ALU"T.
Zehava has more than 15 years of experience in finance in Non-Profit.
Bracha Cohen, Board Member
Bracha is a senior medical research data analyst lead at Schneider' Children's Medical Center Research and Innovation Group in Petah Tikva.
Bracha was born with Cerebral Palsy, this does not prevent her from manifesting a humble style of leadership and professionalism wherever she is. Bracha is a dedicated supporter of our work in Lavo B'tov, appreciating the unique value added to the lives of those we work with.