***Press Release*** AFOCI

The American Friends of Chimes Israel (AFOCI) got off to a great start with two successful events held in Atlanta, Georgia and Montgomery, Alabama. AFOCI is a dynamic group of individuals who are committed to supporting the humanitarian and educational mission of Chimes Israel. Chimes Israel is a nonprofit organization in Israel that works to improve the lives of people with special needs.

Evan Wertheim, the representative from Chimes Israel, spoke at the inaugural meeting in Atlanta which was held at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta on September 29, 2009. Dr. Alan Manheim, the founding Executive Director of Chimes Israel was also present to answer the questions of participants and share his experience with the organization. The meeting brought together over twenty people to learn more about the formation of the American support group and begin planning the future of the nonprofit organization, AFOCI. The meeting generated a great deal of enthusiasm and excitement for partnering with an Israeli organization that impacts the lives of people with special needs.

A parlor meeting was held in Montgomery, Alabama at the home of Carol Hart on October 1, 2009. Rabbi Elliot L. Stevens of Temple Beth Or introduced Evan at the meeting. Fifteen people attended the event, donating over $6,500, far surpassing the goal for the evening.

Next up for AFOCI is a series of events to be held in Atlanta in early December. For more information on how you can be involved with this great organization, please contact Evan Wertheim at afoci.info (at) gmail.com.

Chimes Israel's mission is to improve the quality of life of people with special needs in Israel and assist its clients in developing to their fullest potential, so that each may live the most independent and rewarding life possible. Chimes Israel operates 18 different programs for people from birth through senior citizens without regard to religion, gender, age or ethnicity. Chimes Israel has a strong focus on working with the adult population through sheltered workshops, supported employment, inter-social skills, leisure activities and other programs that are geared towards increasing independent behavior. Additionally, it operates several centers for infants with developmental delays as well as several after-school special education programs for school-aged children. Further information can be found on the Chimes Israel website at www.chimesisrael.org.il.