AKIM-Jerusalem was established in 1951 by a family of Jewish immigrants from Germany to Israel, Drs. Avram and Mali Spighel whose third child, Gavriel, was born with mental disabilities. The association has worked, ever since its inception, to improve the welfare of people with mental disabilities and the well-being of their families.

AKIM-Jerusalem operates in and around the city of Jerusalem and is an independent, voluntary, non-political, not-for-profit association, administered by parents and other representatives of the general public. AKIM-Jerusalem is one of the most experienced non-profit associations in the area of social service development and administration in Israel. Services are provided to all population groups independent of their religious, ethnic, gender or other affiliations.

At this point, AKIM-Jerusalem operates 19 community based living arrangements for a total of 157 residents. The association also operates a Family Support Center which includes a Respite Care Service, a Home Care Program in the name of Batsheva Chai, an Extended School Day Program at the Ben Yehuda School of Special Education and Parents’ and Siblings’ Support Groups.

Although part of their care is funded by the Ministry of Welfare, leisure time activities, further education and specialized para-medical services such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, etc., are not covered by the government. As a consequence AKIM-Jerusalem must raise extra-budgetary money for these services from outside sources. In addition, the association also needs the support of donors in order to develop new services and to expand the existing ones.