Several years ago, in Ashkelon, Chimes Israel ran a program for at-risk preschool children with disabilities that kept children at our centers after hours. They received extra care, dinner, a shower, a bedtime story, and went home in pajamas. It was safe. It was loving.
Over the past few years, we raised funds to bring that model back for Ashkelon and Tel Aviv. But while Covid and the war prevented its restart, we began asking a deeper question: What if the most powerful intervention wasn’t more hours at our centers, but stronger parenting at home? If mothers and fathers had the skills, confidence, and support they needed, would their children still be at risk?
That question led to the creation of the Families in Growth program. The funding comes from our Children At-Risk program, and the new program evolved directly from it.
Supporting Families with Disabilities Where They Live
The Families in Growth program is designed for preschool children with disabilities, many of whom have developmental delays, autism, genetic disorders, or other syndromes. On top of these challenges, some endure poverty, neglect, verbal or physical abuse, and inadequate care. Many parents are overwhelmed and lack the knowledge or resources to care for their children properly.
Families in Growth meets these children where it matters most: at home. The program serves families from our eight early childhood centers across Israel.Our team, including parenting counselors, health professionals, and specialized therapists, visits each participating family at home for approximately ten tailored sessions. Each visit focuses on practical child development education, improving family relationships, and creating a safe, supportive home environment.
The program also strengthens the work children receive at the centers, where they have access to occupational, physiotherapy, and speech therapists. The in-home program reinforces these therapies, helping parents implement a personalized plan at home. Each family receives a special game kit and additional equipment so progress continues even after the direct sessions end.
The program’s primary goal is to empower parents with the knowledge and skills needed to provide the best care possible, helping to prevent the need for foster care or social services intervention. Parents learn to address behavioral and developmental challenges, improve family dynamics, and reduce environmental risks that could negatively impact their child’s well-being.
The Real Impact on Chimes Israel’s Families
For the program’s first session, 16 families participated. The current cycle, which began in May, includes 11 families from five of our eight early childhood centers.
Parents from both sessions have reported positive transformations including stronger bonds with their children, improved caregiving skills, and, perhaps most importantly, renewed belief in themselves.
Examples of impact include a therapist suggesting a new room arrangement to help the child be more independent. After implementing her advice, the parents were thrilled when the child took his game off the shelf himself and played with it alone at his new right-sized table and chair.
A mother in Holon shared that the program improved communication across her family and transformed her husband’s relationship with their son. He had kept his distance before; now he actively engages. She applies the guidance she receives and sees how her own behavior shapes the home environment. She calls the program “a gift.”
The program also responds to crises. Recently, the single mother of four including a two-year-old at our center recovering from a kidney transplant, received both emotional guidance and financial assistance to help meet basic needs. With no extended family in Israel, three other children to care for alone, and constant hospital visits, she described the support as life-saving.
During the 12-day conflict with Iran, some families continued their sessions via Zoom, while others paused due to stress. The program respected both choices, resuming full support when routine returned.
“The parents have undergone a significant process in understanding how their behavior affects each member of the family.”-Chimes Israel Holon Rehabilitative Early Childhood Center Therapist.
Leadership & National Recognition
In July, Families in Growth received national recognition when the Israeli Ministry of Health invited Chimes Israel to present the program at the Rehabilitation Day Care Center Directors Conference in Jerusalem. Michal, Director of Early Childhood Rehabilitation Centers, and Lishai Aharonoff, Deputy Director, presented the model and results.
“This program is leading new thinking in connection, care, and community.” — Ministry of Health Conference Participant
The initiative was hailed as groundbreaking, as it redefines how professionals deliver early intervention. It is recognized as the first initiative in Israel to bring together paramedical therapies, professional guidance, and parental empowerment directly into the family home. It acknowledges the powerful truth that real, lasting change begins where families live, grow, and heal together.
Turning Risk into Resilience
We believe that every parent, regardless of their circumstances, has the potential to become their child’s greatest advocate. With the right support, guidance, and encouragement, even families facing the most difficult challenges can grow stronger, more connected, and more resilient.
Every parent, regardless of circumstances, has the potential to become their child’s greatest advocate.
The Families in Growth program proves this every day. From new immigrants overcoming cultural and emotional hurdles to single mothers juggling extraordinary burdens, parents are learning to believe in themselves and their children’s futures.
With continued support, the program will remain active throughout 2025 and beyond. We are committed to expanding this critical work to more families across Israel.
One living room at a time, with the Families in Growth program, risk becomes resilience.
