About the project
The Hettena Day Care Center (formerly the Albert & Suzanne Hettena Day Care Center) was the first institution in Jerusalem to care for children and young adults (aged 3-21) with mental disabilities and severe motor problems. The center, which is operated by Akim, provides medical care, basic educational instruction and support for families. The Jerusalem Foundation established the center by renovating a building in the city center in 1978, supported construction of an addition in 1984, renovated a playground in 1988, periodically purchased equipment and supported activities, including a summer camp program. In 2006, the Foundation supported renovation of the former Shaked School for Special Education and construction of new wings to create a new facility for the center in Kiryat Hayovel. While the original facility served 20 children, the new facility serves 70 in ten classes and includes classrooms, a kitchen, laundry room and playground. A nursery school wing will be completed in 2007.
