Celebration Includes Gala and Groundbreaking for New Center

In commemoration of 15 years of success, Chimes Israel celebrated with a gala reception that recognized the role the organization has played in the care of individuals with disabilities in Israel. A day later, signifying continued growth, Chimes Israel broke ground for expansion of a much-needed regional facility in Taybeh.

The gala, held July 12, brought together Terry Allen Perl, President and CEO of Chimes International, Ltd.; Stephen S. Kramer, Esq., Chair of Chimes Israel; Ron Huldai, Mayor,  Tel Aviv; and Moshe Sion, Executive Director of the Ministry of Welfare, as hosts for the event held at Chimes Israel’s headquarters in Tel Aviv. The nearly 400 guests included 16 staff members and supporters who traveled from the United States.  A puppet show and choral performance by program participants drove home the importance of the work at Chimes Israel.

The history-making occasion was marked by proclamations from both the Mayor of Tel Aviv and the Mayor of Baltimore, Md. The proclamations recognized Chimes Israel as a leader in providing individual habilitation programs for people of all ages, from newborns to senior adults and for serving all of the country’s citizens – Jewish, Christian, and Muslim. 

“Our programs really cross all ethnic and religious lines,” Terry said. “We serve everyone equally.”

On July 13, as rockets struck towns in northern Israel, Taybeh’s Deputy Mayor joined the Chimes delegation and other dignitaries to break ground on the expansion of a regional facility that serves people with disabilities.

The Taybeh Center, scheduled for completion next year, symbolizes a breakthrough in an Israeli-America partnership that has successfully delivered human service programming and support for people with disabilities.

The expansion will allow the Taybeh Center to serve more individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. All too often, individuals with disabilities do not receive comprehensive needed services, as the pool of resources for social service programs – especially to address developmental disabilities – dwindles, explains Terry.  The Taybeh Center will reflect the successful model already pioneered and proven by Chimes programs throughout Israel. Those served by the Taybeh Center will perform meaningful work, including assembling electrical components, participating in horticultural programs, framing, and packaging goods in blister packs.

Setting the Pace

Nine years ago, the mayor of Taybeh approached Chimes Israel. He asked for help in pulling resources together to complete a program, including a physical space, for people with disabilities. At the time, many in the community never imagined that the unfinished site and programs would become a viable presence.

Slowly, Chimes Israel won the cooperation of national officials and social services professionals. Today, the organization is making significant inroads – the building is expanding and the culture is changing from one that had seen people with disabilities cared for at home or neglected. “This milestone could never have been reached without the cooperation of many government officials,” said Alan Manheim, Ph.D., Vice President of Chimes Israel.

The Taybeh Center will operate under the general direction of Executive Director Jorge Zimmermann. “The expanded center will serve about 100 people, nearly double the number served today,” Jorge reports. “It will also employ 35 people, more than double the 17 who work there now.”

Chimes Israel works with many local municipalities, organizations, and government offices in Israel. These partnerships include the municipalities of Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Hod HaSharon, Ramat HaSharon, Ariel, Kfar Saba, Modi’in, Askalon, and Rosh Ha’ayin, as well as Taybeh and organizations such as The National Insurance Institute and Shalem Foundation and government offices of the Ministries of Welfare, Health, Education, Justice, and the Environment.

 

Click HERE to see pages from our Annual Report & 15th Anniversary Book.