Akim-Jerusalem is an Israeli nonprofit founded in 1951, with a wealth of experience in assisting individuals and families of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Its mission is to develop, advance, and improve the quality of life for Jerusalem's intellectually challenged youth and adults. Akim-Jerusalem offers comprehensive leisure activities, vocational training, therapeutic and residential services to 170 residents and some 200 families in the community. Serving people of all ages and levels of functioning, the organization is run by professionals and a board make up of parents, and public representatives. Whereas most organizations work with specific age groups, Akim-Jerusalem is an ongoing presence in the lives of its members, from childhood to old age. Being a lifelong service provider enables AKIM-Jerusalem to observe, assess, and tailor programs and services which appropriately address individual and communal needs.
Its principal services include: (1) a Family Support Center, which addresses the needs of 200 families that care for a child or an adult with intellectual disabilities living at home. (2) Residential Services-independent living apartment and hostel facilities. (3) Leisure/Social Platforms-activities that allow for creative expression, life skills acquisition, and socialization. AKIM-Jerusalem receives financial support from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services, but requires further philanthropic support to meet the growing needs of the different age groups it serves.