Akim Israel

BUILDING A NEW HOME FOR THE

AKIM ARAZIM HOSTEL IN ASHKELON

AKIM ISRAEL

One  out  of  every  hundred  children  is  born  with  some  degree  of  mental  impairment.

The higher functioning among them will grow up to become part of society, or live at its margins, perhaps without the general public being aware of their limitations.  Others will need treatment all their lives.

AKIM  –  the  National  Association  for  the  Rehabilitation  of  intellectually disabled children and adults  is  the  largest  provider  of  services  for intellectually disabled people  in  Israel,  a  community that numbers about 22,000 adults  and  12,000  children.  AKIM  also  serves  the  130,000  family members who are responsible for their care and need support as well.

AKIM  has  extensive  experience  and  professional  expertise  in  providing  comprehensive  care for  people  who  are  intellectually disabled.  With  the  help  of  its  dedicated  staff,  parents,  and volunteers,  AKIM  offers  a  helping  hand  to  people  with  intellectual  disabilities  and  improves their  quality  of  life  through  specific,  tailor-made  programs  that  address  their  multi-faceted needs.  AKIM’s interactive programs make a real difference in their lives.

Established in 1951 by a group of parents of intellectually disabled  children, AKIM believes that every intellectually disabled person has the right to an education and a full life that includes appropriate housing, employment, and leisure-time activities.  

Headquartered in Tel Aviv, there are regional branches of AKIM throughout the country, most of which are run by the parents of the intellectually disabled and by volunteers.  As part of its ideology of caring for the disabled within the community, AKIM promotes the establishment and  operation  of  day  care  centers  for  children,  adolescents,  and  adults;  hostels; community apartments; employment and job placement programs; and leisure-time activities.

AKIM also protects the rights of the intellectually disabled population and their families, providing advice and consultation.

The AKIM Arazim Hostel in Ashkelon

The  AKIM  Arazim  Hostel  in  Ashkelon  serves  mentally-challenged  and  developmentally  disabled adolescents. The Hostel is their home, where they acquire the confidence and basic skills to integrate into society. By operating the hostel as a residence within the community, Akim seeks to further their integration and enhance their social skills and self-image.  AKIM tends to all their needs, providing, in addition to psychological and social services, therapy, nursing and medical care, social programs and sports activities, as well as meals, laundry and cleaning services.  24-hour-a-day supervision is provided.

Built over 35 years ago, the existing building is no longer serviceable. It needs to be replaced with a new structure that will meet the needs of its residents. The new building will have the capacity for 24 permanent residents, as well as a respite center for an additional four severely impaired youngsters, that can accommodate them for short stays.

Funding Request

Akim Israel  is seeking contribution to build the new AKIM Arazim Hostel in  Ashkelon.

In  recognition  of  the  donor’s  desire  to  benefit  Israel  and  help  mentally  challenged adolescents, naming recognition will be provided inside the building

Budget (construction, equipment and furnishings)

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Total cost           £1,238.000

Income

Ministry of Social Services                                                                    £309.500

The Shalem Foundation        £309.500

Other sources       £415.917

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Total                                                                      £1,034.917

Balance needed   £203,083

Timetable

Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2012

Estimated completion time is approximately 18 months.