Chimes CEO discusses Sussex-Israel connection
Chimes International President and CEO Marty Lampner presented “From Israel to Sussex County: Serving Children and Adults with Disabilities” at Seaside Jewish Community in Rehoboth Feb. 22.
Chimes, a Baltimore-based nonprofit agency, originated 67 years ago as a small school for children with disabilities. Today, Chimes is a recognized industry leader that provides education, training, employment support, behavioral healthcare and residential support to children and adults with disabilities. It serves over 19,000 participants in six states, the District of Columbia and Israel.
Primarily serving those with autism and Prader-Willi syndrome, the staff at Chimes works to develop a plan for each participant, including personal goals and plans to achieve them. Participants have “a greater chance to fulfill their potential, maximize their independence and live truly satisfying lives. Most people think those with disabilities have different needs or goals, but they’re just like everyone else,” Lampner said.
The Delaware branch of Chimes, one of the largest providers of community services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the state, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.
Rehoboth resident Emanuel “Manny” Hill Jr., 31, lives in a group home and found employment through Chimes Delaware, where he has been a client since 2005. He takes the DART bus to Ocean City, Md., Monday through Friday, where he works at Marshall’s.
“They help keep me motivated at Chimes,” Hill said. “Everyone is very nice. They help me out.”
Delaware was instrumental in Chimes' expansion to Israel. Chimes opened in Tel Aviv in 1991 and today operates a network of 17 programs throughout the country, aiding over 700 participants. In turn, Chimes associates learned new methods and techniques in Israel that are now being implemented in Delaware.
Lampner said the presentation is primarily for Chimes participants and their families, those interested in services for children and adults with disabilities, and those interested in communications between Delaware and Tel Aviv. However, virtually anyone could learn from and enjoy the presentation.
“My general goal is awareness,” Lampner said, “Or maybe there will be a small business owner in the audience who is interested in our workforce.”
The presentation also detailed simple ways people can volunteer to assist Chimes and its participants. For more information, go to www.chimes.org.
