Chimes opens new $1.8 million Levin Center in Millsboro
Chimes, a leading provider of services and supports for people with disabilities, celebrated the official grand opening and dedication of the Irv and Phyllis Levin Center Sept. 12 at 28393 DuPont Highway in Millsboro. The new $1.8 million state-of-the-art Chimes Delaware facility will provide rehabilitation services, day programs, vocational training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Sussex County and beyond.
In addition to Chimes leadership and staff, and people served by Chimes and their families, various state and local government and community leaders took part in the event and offered remarks, including Rita Landgraf, secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, and Jane J. Gallivan, director of the Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services.
“The Town of Millsboro is excited about this outstanding addition to our community,” said Millsboro Mayor Robert Bryan. “I am proud of the work Chimes is doing and am confident residents and businesses alike will continue to support the organization and this wonderful new facility.”
The new building is an 8,000-square-foot, barrier-free, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant home for Chimes that will allow the agency to expand the breadth and depth of services it provides to people with disabilities.
The Levin Center currently serves 35 individuals, with the capacity to double that number as Chimes continues to see an increased demand for services in Kent and Sussex counties. The center will house the support center for Chimes services in southern Delaware, including residential program directors, nurses and medical staff, administrative headquarters and supported employment staff.
“The Levin Center represents a long-term commitment by Chimes to southern Delaware,” said Marty Lampner, president and CEO of Chimes. “As Chimes was quickly outgrowing the leased space we have operated out of for nearly a decade in Millsboro, it was a prudent step to invest in a permanent facility built to our exact specifications so we can continue to evolve and meet the ever-changing needs of the people we serve.” In late 2011, Chimes launched a $1.8 million capital campaign with the goal of covering the cost for the acquisition and construction of the new Levin center almost entirely through private philanthropy.
Two of the biggest champions of the campaign have been Irv and Phyllis Levin, who contributed $100,000 toward the new center. The Levins' son, Jamie, lives in a Chimes Delaware residential facility and is enrolled in a Chimes Delaware day program.
“We know firsthand what a tremendous resource Chimes is and how important the work they do is for the people they serve and their families,” said Irv, who is also a Chimes Delaware board member. “It is a big challenge to care for someone with a disability, even if it is your son or daughter. We were more than happy to support the campaign for the building in Millsboro and to help Chimes.”
To date, the capital campaign has raised more than $462,194.20. To make a contribution to the campaign, contact Chimes at 1-800-Chimes1.
Chimes is an international multiservice agency delivering a wide range of programs, services and supports to more than 17,000 people of all ages and many levels of ability. Chimes employs more than 3,000 people. Its family of services includes agencies in six states, the District of Columbia and Israel, assisting people with developmental disabilities, mental illness and other specialized needs. Chimes International is the support organization for Chimes Family of Services and provides executive management and business support services. Go to www.Chimes.org.
