In the heart of Beit Shemesh, a transformative initiative is reshaping the futures of struggling youth by combining creativity and entrepreneurship. At the forefront is Goldie Sternbuch, 47, founder and CEO of Quantum, an Israeli nonprofit dedicated to uplifting this vulnerable population.
Sternbuch’s journey—from her birthplace in Belgium to immigrating to Israel with her husband 28 years ago—laid the groundwork for a life of purpose.
A mother of six who is fluent in several languages, she has held senior roles in the nonprofit world, at NGOs providing meals to Israel’s poor and an array of health and home care services for people of all ages. “Having worked in the intersection of health, welfare and education, on both sides of the funding table—as a grant recipient and later as a grantmaker—I gained a rare perspective,” she says. “Understanding the inner workings of philanthropy and the struggle of those seeking help shaped the way I built Quantum: practical, dignified and effective.”
“These encounters exposed me to the challenges faced by disadvantaged Israeli families, inspiring us to develop programs that offer holistic support,” Sternbuch tells JNS.
In 2018, amid a personal crisis involving her own struggling teen—and the intense emotional and financial toll it brought—Sternbuch made a pivotal decision: to channel her energy into creating lasting solutions for families like hers.
That experience became the catalyst for Quantum, a model built on dignity, opportunity and long-term sustainability. “Because when a teen struggles, the whole family and community feel the impact—and when healing happens, it uplifts everyone,” she explains.
Having exhausted every avenue—and spent overwhelming sums seeking help for her child—Sternbuch knows firsthand the pain a struggling teen brings to an entire family.
“Unlike many costly and stressful interventions, Quantum offers a zero-cost solution for families, where youth are not only supported but also paid for their work,” she explains. “This transforms them into active contributors.”
At the heart of the initiative is the Q Center, operated in partnership with Susan’s House. The center uses a social enterprise model that engages youth in every step of the business cycle—from product development to sales—while offering therapeutic support as needed. Participants earn a salary, gaining both financial independence and self-confidence.
Quantum is all about empowerment. The Q Center isn’t a therapy office or a shelter—it’s a launchpad. “This is not about charity—it’s a dynamic partnership model that blends business, education and the arts,” says Sternbuch. “Participants gain hands-on experience, develop marketable skills and contribute meaningfully to the community.”
Guiding Quantum’s development is Marc Lesnick, chairman of its Advisory Board and a partner at Fortissimo Capital. Sternbuch says that Lesnick is known for investing in people as much as in projects. A longtime resident of Beit Shemesh, he brings a blend of sharp business acumen and deep community engagement.
“Contributions to the Q Center are not charity,” he says. “They’re investments in future generations.”
The success of Quantum hasn’t gone unnoticed. Jewish communities abroad are already expressing interest in replicating the model, drawn by its ability to transform lives while strengthening the broader social and economic fabric.
Although Quantum was born from Sternbuch’s journey as a mother, it was built to serve many. “It started as something deeply personal—but now it belongs to the community,” she says.
The Q Center program
The original Q Center began modestly but has since evolved into a thriving program. In addition to its Board of Directors, the initiative is powered by 10 professionals from Susan’s House, nine Quantum volunteers and a team of consulting experts. Together, they’ve supported nearly 150 teens through the program, with many more on a growing referral waitlist.
“For me, it wasn’t about fixing a broken system—it was about building what I wished had existed,” Goldie reflects.
The teens at Quantum reflect the community’s diversity, coming from a range of religious, Orthodox, traditional and secular backgrounds. “The flagship Q Center, in partnership with Susan’s House, offers the teens a chance to work in a creative, professional environment, learning art, design, production and business skills—all while earning a salary,” Goldie adds.
A highlight of the year is the annual pre-Pesach sale, where youth showcase and sell their handcrafted creations. The event not only displays their talent but also builds their confidence. As one teen shared, “This isn’t just about selling; it’s about believing in myself.”
During a recent visit, the energy at the center was palpable. Teens shaped clay at pottery wheels, focused and proud. Others worked at design tables in deep concentration. Laughter bubbled in one corner, music played in the background and the aroma of a home-cooked lunch filled the air. The space felt like part creative studio, part start-up incubator.
Plans for Gefen Park
Looking ahead, the next major milestone is the creation of The Wohl Q Center in Beit Shemesh’s Gefen Park. This is a dream come true,” Goldie continues, “a space that reflects our philosophy—green, inviting, open spaces that will bring both healing to youth and a hub of activity for the community.”
More than just a workspace, the new facility will be a vibrant beating heart where teens, families, seniors and others come together to create, connect and grow. Plans include the Q Café, a high-end coffee and pastry shop with youth involvement; Q Studio for public pottery workshops; a woodworking school; and even an event space for community gatherings.
“Our teens receive a monthly salary, not a handout—because they’re building their future,” Sternbuch emphasizes.
Through her unwavering dedication and with the help of the Azrieli Foundation, which will steer the development of the Wohl Q Center, Sternbuch shows how visionary leadership and strong community partnerships can open meaningful pathways for youth.
“This isn’t a project. It’s a promise,” she says. “That our community stands by its young people—not just in crisis, but in creativity, in dignity and in hope.”
The Wohl Q Center will stand as a physical expression of that promise, where Sternbuch’s journey becomes a shared mission. As she puts it, “It’s a place built not only to help youth survive, but also to help them thrive—surrounded by mentors, makers, families and friends.