Founded in 1981 by Leah Abramowitz and Prof. Arnold Rosin, Melabev Day Care Centers provide sensitive and stimulating environments for memory-impaired senior citizens. These centers provide tremendous support and reprieve for family members and caretakers who are often overwhelmed and exhausted from the strain of caring for loved ones who are disabled.
Melabev Beit Shemesh, directed by Shoshana Lichtman, is the first Melabev center located outside of Jerusalem. Located in the Zinman Matnas, this enriching and therapeutic program is currently operating four days a week.
"We have a steady group of over 30 seniors from Beit Shemesh, Ramat Beit Shemesh, and the surrounding settlements. The members certainly represent the Israeli melting pot - at Melabev you can hear various elders speaking English, Hebrew, Yiddish, Persian, German, Spanish and even Hindu."
"Some seniors come mainly to get out of the house and socialize. Others, who suffer from Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other conditions, benefit greatly from the mental stimulation and memory enhancing programs designed especially for them. But no matter what level of cognitive or physical functioning our clients may be on, they all receive a bundle of warmth, love, and affection which they so greatly deserve."
"At Melabev we focus on our members' strengths and set personal goals for each one. We also provide the opportunity to participate in group projects that foster self-esteem. Our seniors help the community in many ways. For example, they prepare sandwiches for needy children, care packages for Israeli soldiers and toys for sick children. The elders fill candy bags for bar mitzvahs and weddings and even help out our local sweets shop before the holidays. Melabev Beit Shemesh is proud of its dedicated staff and volunteers who are trained in dealing with this very special population. A typical day at Melabev includes a variety of therapeutic activities for the seniors such as: exercise, baking, arts and crafts, music, chesed projects, yoga, Hebrew ulpan, parashat shavuah, word games, visits and performances from schoolchildren, pet therapy, and much more. Breakfast and a hot fleishig lunch are also included."
"We invite you to come to our center and see for yourself the miracles at Melabev. Seniors that came to us withdrawn and lonely are now smiling and busy all day long. Please plan a visit to the seniors at the Melabev center! We assure you that you'll come away with a renewed appreciation for the verse "al tashlicheini l'et zikna" ..in my old age, do not abandon me."
