Chimes: Choice. Capability. Community.
Who We Are
Since our founding in 1947, Chimes has endeavored to assist people with intellectual and behavioral challenges to achieve three main goals:
- to live as independently as possible, guided by choice.
- to understand, respond to and achieve the potential of their capabilities.
- to serve as productive, contributing members of their community.
After starting in a Baltimore church as a special education day school serving five students and their families, Chimes has grown over the years and expanded its services to meet the changing needs of its community. Now known as Chimes Family of Services, we provide a wide variety of offerings — including residential services, support options, day habilitation, vocational programs, employment, and behavioral health — for more than 20,000 children, adolescents and adults in six states, the District of Columbia, and Israel.
What We Do
In other words, Chimes has become many things to many people. We operate a school. We manage multiple places to live, from group homes to private residences. We train and employ people who may not qualify for mainstream jobs. We sell affordable, high-quality, skilled workforce solutions to a wide variety of industries. We treat mental health and substance abuse conditions. And a whole lot more.
Chimes believes framing the right to effective treatment for people with disabilities as a social justice issue is both valid and powerful, and it may well assist us in capturing and leveraging our unique service proposition.
Why We Do It
What sets us apart, however, is that our founding principles — choice, capability, community — still resonate and guide us today. All of our services and supports are designed with a single goal in mind: to promote the unique abilities of each person and to support an individual’s desire to live an independent, fulfilling life.
What does CHOICE mean at Chimes?
For a person enrolled in one of our supported living facilities, it could mean making big decisions (such as choosing to live with a roommate) or little ones (such as picking out wallpaper or ordering cable TV). For a business owner hiring our workforce, it means peace of mind to focus on their core operations while our skilled staff provides a time — and money-saving solution — making Chimes the service of choice.
What does CAPABILITY mean at Chimes?
From the beginning, Chimes has taken a holistic approach to helping members understand and realize the potential of their strengths and abilities. That’s why we rarely say “can’t” and offer diverse opportunities that enable our participants to maximize their independence. For example, we recently opened a business incubator that partners with start-ups and entrepreneurs interested in creating integrated employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
What does COMMUNITY mean at Chimes?
At Chimes, the definition of “community” rings out in many ways. For one thing, experience supports the idea that there’s strength in numbers — whether choosing to live in a communal residence or attending a group treatment meeting, our participants thrive when surrounded by people who offer shared experiences and support. For another, we know that to live fully independent lives, all people must be afforded the chance to be highly productive citizens.
If Chimes sounds like the kind of environment you are seeking, whether for your loved one or yourself, then we encourage you to contact us today. We open our doors to anyone who has the drive to make a difference, the desire to improve the lives of people in need, and the commitment to make the communities we serve better places to live.
