Reem Association, for the elderly at the Menashe Region

• Reem Association, for the elderly of Menashe Region is responsible for a number of institutions and activities for the benefit of Menashe's seniors: “Milo” socio-educational center for the elderly; Arab Seniors Center in Meiser, attended by senior Reem Association, for the elderly residents of Menashe Region, was founded in October 1989 by the Menashe Regional Council, as an urban association. On 07/19/11, the Menashe Regional Council decided to separate from the Association; The Association became a private organization in every respect, supported by the Council and serves as the executor of the council's policy of elderly affairs. The association is responsible for a number of institutions and activities for the benefit of Manasseh's seniors: • Milo – the learning center for the elderly celebrates its 20th anniversary. Over 670 seniors study in the center in 85 different yearly courses. "Milo" is acting for and thanks to the seniors. Milo constitutes an attractive and vibrant meeting point of an impressive mosaic of people, Jews and Arabs , kibbutz members and moshav members, religious and secular - all together are enjoying a fascinating framework combining expansion of knowledge, creativity, physical exercises, volunteering and friendships. Milo allows social activities, as well as educational system. Menashe's seniors enjoy sightseeing tours, vacations across Israel and abroad, holidays and different events. • Volunteer Center - The Association supports a team of 50 volunteers, which operates within the organization by performing home visits for elderly, supporting and assisting survivors of the Holocaust and more. • Counseling Center - The Association runs a set of workshops designed to advise and assist the elderly and their families coping with changes and crises in the golden age. Throughout the year, a number of workshops are held: support workshops for the primary caregiver, document preparation workshop, preparatory workshop for retirement, empowerment workshops and more. • Supportive Community - the community that supports Menashe was established four years ago and consists of about 130 households. Being a part of the community allows the elderly to enjoy safer, healthier and more independent life. • The Arab Elderly Club in Maisar - throughout the week, elderly from three Arab villages visit the club for coordinated activities. Some of the activities of the Arabs pensioner take place in Milo center, which is common for all. • Katzir Elderly Club – In July 2012 Katzir settlement joined Menashe Regional Council and its 300 seniors. A coordinated activity will take place at the settlement's "Pais" building. The activities will be especially performed for Russian immigrants. • Warm Homes - a social in-community framework for seniors. The Association operates and supports a number of Warm Homes: a Warm Home for Holocaust survivors in Regavim, a Warm Home in Talmei El`Azar settlement, a Warm Home in Kibbutz Mishmarot and Kibbutz Magal. A Warm Home is also planned for the Russian speaking population in Katzir. • Holocaust Survivors Documentation Project - along with students of "Gvanim" Secondary School, we record eleven survivors, yearly. • Adoption of the Holocaust Survivors Hostel: Sha'ar Menashe - once a week, a group of volunteers visits the Holocaust Survivors Hostel in "Sha'are Menashe" hospital, for a joint activity. Additionally, the hostel tenants visit Milo Center on a weekly basis, for a coordinated physical activity. • Employment - The Association intends to develop resources and jobs opportunities for the senior population in Menashe Regional Council. The Association maintains extensive cooperation with educational and communal organization within Menashe Regional Council and beyond, such as the "Kshatot" School for autistic students, "Reut" Elementary School, "Ein Shemer" Educational Greenhouse and more. The Association is thankful for all the individuals and organizations helping to maintain the activities, thus improving and empowering the quality of life of the seniors in Menashe.