Milestones
-
1984
Jerusalem Elwyn is established on the initiative of the Jerusalem Municipality and the Government of Israel, as an offshoot of the American nonprofit, Elwyn, Inc
Among the first programs: Occupational Training Center (OTC) and Adult Day Center
-
1987
Opening of Israel’s first supported employment program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
-
1988
Management of Jerusalem’s Supported Living Services (formerly “the Swedish Village”) is transferred from the government to Israel Elwyn
-
1989
Opening of the first supported employment program for individuals with disabilities referred by the National Insurance Institute’s Rehabilitation Department
-
1991
IE assumes management of the Dvora Agmon Preschool Center, founded in 1971 by the late Prof. Naomi Amir, which maintains an international reputation for the education, training and care of children with cerebral palsy and communication disorders
-
1992
Community Living Services apartments established in Jerusalem
Early Intervention Center (for ages 18 months to three years) opened at Dvora Agmon Preschool Center
Training Center for supported employment established at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center
Opening of program for adults with autism at Jerusalem’s Adult Day Center
-
1996
The 18+ program was established, a unique transitional program to prepare high school students in special education for the world of work
-
1997
Israel Elwyn’s community services and management move to the new Sabbah Center building in Jerusalem
Direct Mail Social Enterprise established at Moshav Ora (near Jerusalem)
Haifa & Northern Israel branch opened at the request of the Municipality of Haifa, providing a continuum of employment services at the Hosen Center, Adult Day Center, and the Employment Training Center
-
1998
Name changed from Jerusalem Elwyn to Israel Elwyn
First job training course established, focusing on the food service industry (“Mirkam”)
Establishment of Mandell Exchange Program, funded by the Samuel P. Mandell Foundation, enabling annual week-long visits with overseas professionals in Israel and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA)
Israel Elwyn begins operating as an independent entity, ending its managerial ties with Elwyn, Inc
-
1999
Job training programs initiated in the western Negev and in Beit Shemesh for individuals with disabilities referred by the National Insurance Institute
Early Intervention Program for toddlers 1-3 years of age opened in the Adult Day Center in Haifa
Israel Elwyn joins Inclusion International, an international umbrella organization for nonprofits working towards the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the community
-
2000
Job Training Program opened in Be’er Sheba, for individuals with disabilities who are referred by the National Insurance Institute
-
2001
Program for retirees with disabilities opened at Sabbah Center in Jerusalem
Inclusive preschool opened in East Jerusalem
Israel Elwyn joins IAJVS (International Associate of Jewish Vocational Services) – a network of Jewish organizations in North America and Israel that offer employment and vocational services to individuals with disabilities
-
2002
Direct Mail Social Enterprise moves from Moshav Ora to the Talpiot Industrial Area
-
2003
Afternoon Enrichment Services opened in Haifa for students from the Gil Special Education School
-
2004
Masad course established to train individuals with disabilities in providing logistical assistance to the elderly and other populations, in their homes
Digital Archiving Social Enterprise established in Jerusalem
Israel Elwyn celebrates its 20th anniversary
-
2005
Israel Elwyn residents who volunteered in the “Everyone Can Contribute” program receive Shalem Fund Award for Excellence
Drama group established at Israel Elwyn’s Community Living Services in Jerusalem – the play “I’m Inspired” premieres at the Israel Museum
-
2006
Israel Elwyn is chosen to manage the municipal continuum of employment services in Ra’anana for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities
Inauguration ceremony of an operating garden at the Sabbah Center in Jerusalem
Opening of a supported employment training program on the topic of the transition to employment, funded by JDC Israel. The program is delivered nationwide by Israel Elwyn to entities that provide services to individuals with disabilities
Opening of the Tzomet Employment Center in Beit Shemesh. The center supports the acquisition of skills in preparation for the competitive job market for individuals with disabilities who are referred by the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs
-
2007
Katie Manson Sensory Garden inaugurated in Jerusalem
Shalem Fund Award received for the Digital Archiving Social Enterprise
Kibbutz Usha’s Early Intervention Center opened, Haifa & Northern Israel branch
-
2008
Dedication of the Feinstein Building on Jerusalem’s Legacy Heritage Campus to house the Dvora Agmon Preschool and the Roizman Early Intervention Center
Israel Elwyn selected to provide supported employment services in all regions of Israel by the rehabilitation department at the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs
Israel Elwyn selected by the Municipality of Ashkelon to provide employment training and other employment services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
The Early Intervention Center in Karmiel opens to serve children with autism from the Galilee and northern Israel
The Stein Early Intervention and Family Center dedicated in Haifa
Israel Elwyn influences the expansion of the Early Intervention Center legislation in the Knesset
International exchange between young adults from Israel Elwyn and JARC (Jewish Association for Residential Care in Boca Raton, Florida)
Following the opening of Israel Elwyn’s 18+ program, the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs selects Israel Elwyn to develop the new transitional program, Creating a Future, to prepare graduating students for the world of work
Kfar Yona selects Israel Elwyn to develop a continuum of supported employment services.
The Knesset enters into a standard employer-employee relationship for individuals with disabilities, supported by Israel Elwyn and other organizations
Construction of Weinberg Center for Nutrition in Jerusalem completed
-
2009
Kfar Yona Regional Employment Training Center opens
Israel Elwyn employees participate in the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs’ sixth conference “Whose Life is This?” in Tel Aviv
After years of collaboration, Israel Elwyn is selected by the national Aroma Cafe chain, as a community partner
-
2010
The cornerstone is laid for the new Albert Beresin Employment Training Center in Haifa
Establishment of support and guidance group for parents and siblings of aging individuals with disabilities living in Israel Elwyn’s Supported Living Program in Jerusalem
Opening of the Academy for Continuing Education to offer ongoing, comprehensive training programs, seminars, conferences, lectures, and workshops for a variety of audiences, including professionals, and individuals with disabilities and their families
Expansion of Early Intervention Centers in Karmiel and the Krayot, Haifa & Northern Israel branch
New program opened in Jerusalem at Israel Elwyn’s Sabbah Center for special education students with cerebral palsy to prepare for the world of work
Fully accessible women’s health clinic opened at Israel Elwyn’s Supported Living Program in Jerusalem, for regular checkups and treatment on site. Equipment includes an adapted examination table with adjustable height, and an ultrasound machine.
Israel Elwyn’s supported employees with disabilities are recognized in the cultivation of Jerusalem’s sports fields, as part of a public-private partnership between the Municipality of Jerusalem, Aroma Israel Ltd., and Israel Elwyn, at a ceremony hosted by Jerusalem Mayor, Nir Barkat
Willner Gardens dedicated in the presence of primary donor, Morris Willner and family; Jerusalem Mayor, Nir Barkat; Chief Rabbi of Israel, Yona Metzger; representatives of the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs and the National Insurance Institute; residents from Israel Elwyn’s Supported Living Program in Jerusalem and their families; and Israel Elwyn staff. With the completion of this project, Israel Elwyn’s main campus in Jerusalem is now completely accessible
-
2011
The Creating a Future transitional program for special education students ages 16-21 is expanded to schools in Tel Aviv
Beginning of a collaboration with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem: Direct employment of employees with disabilities at the Ein Kerem Campus, and transfer of 1,000 technical drawings from the campus to Israel Elwyn’s Digital Archiving Social Enterprise in Jerusalem
Cooperation is initiated with the McDonald’s chain that owns 154 restaurants in Israel, in hiring employees with disabilities, who are supported by Israel Elwyn
Establishment of a continuum of employment services in Herzliya
-
2012
One day seminar on “Removing the Barriers to Employment of Individuals with Disabilities” held at the Knesset, in a partnership between: Israel Elwyn, the Knesset, Tevet – JDC Israel and IAJVS, as part of the World Council of Jewish Community Services’ (WCJCS) international conference
On Israel Elwyn’s recommendation, corporate award presented to the Israel Electric Corporation by IAJVS, in recognition of its employment of people with disabilities
-
2013
Israel Elwyn receives its first Midot Seal of Effectiveness from the Midot nonprofit that evaluates the effectiveness and transparency of Israeli organizations
Dedication ceremony for the new Albert Beresin Employment Training Center in Haifa, which will provide a continuum of employment services
First Self-Advocacy Conference for Individuals with Disabilities is held, through a collaboration between Israel Elwyn and Beit Issie Shapiro, to help advance the development of self-advocacy groups and a leadership cadre among individuals with disabilities in Israel
One day seminar is organized: “We’re All Entitled to Service: Making Medical Services Accessible to People with Disabilities,” in a collaboration between the Henrietta Szold School of Nursing at the Hadassah Medical Center and Israel Elwyn’s Academy for Continuing Education and Supported Living Services
Israel Elwyn’s Academy for Continuing Education initiates a course in job-oriented computer skills for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Nine service recipients with intellectual developmental disabilities successfully complete the first leadership training course in Jerusalem, developed as part of Israel Elwyn’s joint project with Beit Issie Shapira, focusing on leadership of self-advocacy groups
Israel Elwyn’s Academy for Continuing Education begins collaborating with the Law Clinic for the Rights of People with Disabilities (Law Faculty, Hebrew University) on two projects: 1) lingual accessibility of labor laws and workplace regulations for the prevention of sexual harassment, and 2) workshops about workplace regulations for the prevention of sexual harassment.
Israel Elwyn’s Retiree Program in Jerusalem expands and moves to its permanent home, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Retiree Center
Early Intervention Center opened in Kiryat Bialik in temporary quarters
-
2014
Premiere of the play: “Love without Limits” is performed at the Israel Museum by residents of Israel Elwyn’s Community Living Services
Second Annual Self-Advocacy Conference for People with Disabilities is held with over 100 self-advocates, facilitators and professionals participating
Professionals from Israel Elwyn’s Supported Living Services begin to participate in meetings of the Knesset’s Health and Social Services Committee on the subject of accessibility regulations for Israel’s medical services
Israel Elwyn and its partner, the Ortal Human Resources Company, are awarded the National Insurance Institute’s contract for placement of employees with disabilities in the competitive job market
Israel Elwyn’s and Beit Issie Shapiro’s joint Self-Advocacy Project presented at AAIDD’s (American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) annual conference in Orlando, by professionals from both organizations
Israel Elwyn awarded contract by the Ashkelon Municipality and the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs to continue operating a continuum of employment services
Israel Elwyn selected by the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs to prepare young adults with disabilities, who are completing their national service, for the competitive job market through its Reshet (Network) program.
Israel Elwyn’s new, cognitively accessible booklet, “My Rights at Work,” formally launched
Initiation of the Mosaic Program, as an umbrella organization providing support and guidance to the Shlomit and Aminadav organizations, for inclusion of people with disabilities in National Service
-
2015
Transitional program to prepare students with disabilities for the competitive job market opens at Elwyn El Quds (East Jerusalem)
Israel Elwyn’s CEO David Marcu invited by Jerusalem’s mayor, Nir Barkat, to sit on the city’s Advisory Council on People with Disabilities, along with heads of municipal departments, and leaders of nonprofit organizations and other public bodies
Implementation of quality control regulation (ISO 9001) procedures in programs to augment staff professionalism and improve service
Members of “Photographing from the Heart,” the photography Social Enterprise developed from an activity at Israel Elwyn’s Kfar Yona Employment Training Center, win the Shalem Fund’s Excellence Award in the category of unique activities by people with intellectual developmental disabilities in the world of work
Within the framework of training courses funded by the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles – completion of the course for training female service recipients as assistants for early-childhood education, a partnership between WIZO and Israel Elwyn
-
2016
Course organized in collaboration with the Israeli Institute on Cognitive Accessibility to train staff members in linguistically accessible writing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Israel Elwyn awarded the Miriam Ben-Haim prize by the Technion in recognition of our work with medical students, as part of a course introducing them to Israel’s medical system
Transition of residents from the Supported Living Services to Community Living Services, as part of an ongoing process
One day seminar, facilitated by Israel Elwyn’s Academy for Continuing Education, on “Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace,” for staff members, as part of the process of making employment laws and regulations accessible to service recipients
-
2017
Construction of Early Intervention Center in Kiryat Bialik begins
The Leonardo Hotel in Netanya (a member of the Fattal group) mounts a permanent exhibition of works from the Social Enterprise workshop: “Photographing from the Heart”
Israel Elwyn wins several significant contracts – the National Insurance Institute’s rehabilitation department’s proposal for professional rehabilitative support in the Jerusalem & Southern Israel branch; the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affair’s proposal for operating an Early Intervention Center in Kiryat Ata; and the Isfiya local municipality’s proposal for employment services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Production of a cognitively accessible booklet on the transition from work to retirement for service recipients
Israel Elwyn and Beit Issie Shapiro, who initiated the National Self-Advocacy Project in 2011, win the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affair’s category of Special Social Enterprises – National Leadership for Self-Advocacy. The project has enjoyed years of generous support from the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and the Ruderman Family Foundation
-
2018
One day seminar in collaboration with the Hadassah Medical Center’s School of Nursing, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, on making hospital emergency rooms accessible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Opening of Retiree Center in Herzliya
Israel Elwyn wins Ministry of Justice contract to make legal services accessible for children, youth, and adults with disabilities by training the legal system’s staff through education in the field of disabilities
-
2019
Opening of accessible courses for people with intellectual disabilities at universities and colleges throughout Israel – “Academic Exposure” at Haifa University, “Equal in Education” at the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) in Herzliya, learning skills course at the Talpiot College in Holon
Opening of Chef’s Assistant Professional Training Course, in collaboration with Teamim College at Israel Elwyn’s branches throughout the country
Opening of the Early Intervention Center in Tzfat
The For a Change volunteer program is awarded The Zero Project entrepreneurial prize at a well-attended ceremony at the UN building in Vienna, Austria
Israel Elwyn wins a Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs proposal for Early Intervention Centers in Nahariya and Ma’ale Yosef
Israel Elwyn awarded proposal by the Ashkelon Municipality for Afternoon Enrichment Services program at the Moriah school
Israel Elwyn wins a Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs proposal for the Tomorrow Project, involving the placement of groups of employees with disabilities in the competitive job market
The first group of the Shoval program was initiated at Reichman University (formerly, IDC Herzliya)
-
2020
Israel Elwyn received the Zero Project Award for the Creating a Future transitional program at a ceremony at the UN in Vienna, Austria
Ofir Akunis, Minister of Welfare and Social Affairs, visits Israel Elwyn’s Academy for Continuing Education
Israel Elwyn awarded contract by the Ra’anana Municipality for operating retiree programs
-
2021
The “Open-Door Employer” social badge campaign was launched to encourage businesses to hire people with disabilities as employees
Israel Elwyn won the contract to operate the Inclusion in Uniform program, initiated by the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs. The program supports young people with disabilities to volunteer and recruit for military service
Israel Elwyn was successful in its proposal to operate the Early Intervention Center in Kiryat Ono
Two new classes were opened in the Early Intervention Centers in Shomera and Nesher
Another new class was opened in the Early Intervention Center in Kiryat Bialik
The innovative course at the Vocational College for Dog Training in Tel Mond for young adults with disabilities was opened
The “Walking and Running for Safety for All” campaign was launched to promote International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD)
An opening ceremony was held for the new Adult Day Center in Ashkelon
A new Adult Day Center opened in Ramat Hasharon
The international NJHSA Award was given to the pilot program: “Accessible Legal Services for People with Disabilities”. The program was initiated in a collaboration between the Ministry of Justice and Joint (JDC) – Israel Unlimited and operated by Israel Elwyn
The Israeli Friends of Israel Elwyn was established
The first group of the Shoval program was initiated at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
-
2022
David Marcu was appointed Senior CEO and Margalit Piller was appointed CEO of the organization
The unique fashion show, “Suits You Perfectly”, was produced to include people with and without disabilities and took place at the Dizengoff Center in Tel Aviv
David Marcu, Senior CEO of Israel Elwyn, was awarded the 2021 Sylvan Adams Nefesh B’Nefesh Bonei Zion Prize
The international Zero Project Award was awarded to Israel Elwyn in an official ceremony at the UN building in Vienna, Austria, for the pilot program: Making Legal Services Accessible to People with Disabilities. The program was initiated in a collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and Joint (JDC) – Israel Unlimited and operated by Israel Elwyn
An opening ceremony was held for the Mimush (Fulfillment) Center in Herzliya
An opening ceremony was held for our renovated Adult Day Center in Ra’anana
An opening ceremony was held for the new George and Irina Schaeffer Early Intervention Center in Karmiel
The opening ceremony was held for the new Early Intervention Center in Kiryat Ono
Former Minister of Welfare and Social Affairs, MK Meir Cohen, visited Israel Elwyn’s Supported Living Services
Bader Philanthropies, Inc.’s leadership visited the Weinberg Retiree Center in Jerusalem
The delegations of the JEVS Human Services organization and Israel Elwyn participated in the Mandell Conference in Barcelona, Spain
Israel Elwyn participated in the NJHSA Conference in Minneapolis, USA
Israel Elwyn’s Supported Living Services’ soccer team, in partnership with Hapo’el Jerusalem, won first place in the Special Olympics Israel tournament
Former Minister of Welfare and Social Affairs, MK Meir Cohen, visited the Weinberg Retiree Center in Jerusalem
The first group of the Shoval program was initiated at the Technion in Haifa
Israel Elwyn received the Jerusalem Business Conference Award for our promotion of the inclusion of people with disabilities in gainful employment in the community
-
2023
Israel Elwyn’s Ilan Gilon Excellence Awards ceremony, in the presence of the Director General of the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs, mayors, members of the business community and friends. The event received the blessings of the President of the State of Israel
At the ceremony, excellence awards were given in various categories for contributions and recognition to organizations, business companies, community leaders, and cultural and media personalities who stand out in their efforts to promote and raise awareness about people with disabilities, while removing barriers, prejudices and including them into the community
IE was presented with two international Zero Project Awards in an official ceremony at the UN building in Vienna, Austria. The first one was awarded, together with the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs, for closing down sheltered workshops and promoting the gainful employment of people with disabilities in the competitive job market
The opening ceremony was held for the new Early Intervention Center in Kiryat Ono
Former Minister of Welfare and Social Affairs, MK Meir Cohen, visited Israel Elwyn’s Supported Living Services
Bader Philanthropies, Inc.’s leadership visited the Weinberg Retiree Center in Jerusalem
The delegations of the JEVS Human Services organization and Israel Elwyn participated in the Mandell Conference in Barcelona, Spain
Israel Elwyn participated in the NJHSA Conference in Minneapolis, USA
Israel Elwyn’s Supported Living Services’ soccer team, in partnership with Hapo’el Jerusalem, won first place in the Special Olympics Israel tournament
Former Minister of Welfare and Social Affairs, MK Meir Cohen, visited the Weinberg Retiree Center in Jerusalem
The first group of the Shoval program was initiated at the Technion in Haifa
Israel Elwyn received the Jerusalem Business Conference Award for our promotion of the inclusion of people with disabilities in gainful employment in the community
The second one was awarded, together with the Beit Issie Shapiro, for establishing and operating the Self-Advocacy program for people with disabilities
-
2024
Israel Elwyn and the Harris Program at the Faculty of Education in Bar Ilan University received the Zero Project Award in a well-attended ceremony at the United Nations in Vienna, Austria, for implementing the evidence-based early intervention model at our early intervention centers
-
Head Office
+972-2-641-5448
+972-2-643-0495
2 Agudat Sport Hapoel Street, Jerusalem 9695102
