Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a time for introspection; it is a time to review what one has accomplished and to set goals for the future – as individuals and organizations. This year Melabev will celebrate its 30th anniversary of providing innovative caring services for people with Alzheimer's disease. And there is indeed much to be proud of - but more to do in the future.
I have spent considerable effort to make Melabev run more efficiently and make each penny count. This year, with the help of the staff, I have succeeded in cutting costs by 15% without compromising the quality of care. But that is still not enough. A significant and shared budgetary problem is the large and growing gap between actual costs of day care services and the coverage for eldercare by the government.
I was recently chosen to head a committee of the 180 nationwide daycare center directors to document the gap between the fee payments received from Bituach Leumi (National Insurance Institute – NII) and our actual operational costs. Even if we are successful, it will take months before the gap between income and operating expenses actually close. In the meantime, Melabev staff rely on your help to maintain Melabev's exceptional and unique array of programs to the Alzheimer's victims and their loving family members who need us. Please open your hearts - and pockets. Please support our fundraising efforts and contribute generously.
In 2009-2010 alone, despite the global financial uncertainty, Melabev launched many new initiatives and received a number of awards including:
- Extension of "Moked 109" telephone service into a day long volunteer service to assist the elderly
- Entrance of Melabev Memory Clubs into Jerusalem Assisted Living Residences
- Initiation of English language courses run by Melabev's Institute for the study of Aging including upcoming 3-day study tour in Eilat
- Publication of new Hebrew language book on Alzheimer's care with JDC-Eshel
- Presentions at International Conferences in Israel and abroad
- Yakir Yerushalayim award given by Municipality to Melabev founder Prof Arnold Rosin
- Translation of Savion to Greek by European volunteers
- Preliminary approval for land allocation for day care center in Beit Shemesh .
As we begin Melabev's 30th year of service, I want to toast everyone: L'chayim u'Lebracha - may this be a year of health and happiness and many new achievements for you and your family – and all the families involved with Melabev. I look forward to seeing you at Melabev's 30th anniversary celebrations , benefit film screening Secondhand Lions- and of course at this year's Walkathon!
Wishing you a sweet new year! Shana Tova!
Motti Zelikovitch
Director-General
