Report

Chimes MarylandProviding Options Throughouta LifetimeIn 1976, the United States celebrated its bi-centennial,Reggie Jackson was a Baltimore Oriole and the Coltsstill called Charm City home and seemed here to stay.William Donald Schaefer was beginning his second termas Baltimore’s mayor, and started planning an ambitiousnew project called Harborplace.At Chimes, a young mannamed Donald Kollmanenrolled in one of the newday programs. In the 36years since, Mr. Kollman hasseen and been part of thecontinuous development ofthe Chimes residential andday program options.In 1977, he entered Chimesresidential program. Hisfather had recently passed away and his family neededmore assistance with his care.“A year or two after my dad died, we realized my momwas not going to be able to take care of all of my brother’sneeds,” said Nick Kollman, Donald’s brother. “Whenwe found Chimes, it was a great relief for us. My motherwas able to have peace of mind knowing my brother waswell cared for. She was able to be a big part of his world,but continued to have a life of her own.”Donald first lived in a Chimes group home beforetransitioning to an apartment, then to Curtis HallAssisted Living.With the transition of the Curtis Hall folks into smallercustom built community homes, which officially beganthis past year, Donald became one of the first men tomove into the new Parsons Avenue home in NorthernBaltimore City.At 80, Donald is retired. Prior to his retirement, he wasactive in Chimes vocational programs, working on site atthe Terry Allen Perl Center and at full-time jobs outsideof Chimes. Donald was also one of the first to participatein a day program at Chimes that would eventuallybecome the Liberty Club.For Donald, retirement has its benefits. Being atParsons Avenue means Donald and his fourhousemates have plenty of opportunities to visitplaces like Harborplace, that like Chimes, has changedconsiderably in the past 36 years.The men at Parsons Avenue get to choose how theyspend each day, enjoying bowling outings, movies andother benefits of city living. When at home, Donald isbusy on the computer, solving word puzzles, workingon arts and crafts or engaging people in livelyconversation.The staff at Parsons Avenue are there to help guide andsupport the housemates, all of whom are becomingmore self-sufficient and active in the community. Theyare also assisting with cooking, cleaning around thehouse and planning their day.The positive changes Donald has experienced throughouthis lifetime are representative of how Chimes hasgrown to meet the needs of people with disabilities ofall ages and how the agency creates customizedoptions for the people served to enrich their lives.“Chimes continues to be a blessing to Donald and ourfamily,” added Nick. “Donald considers his housematesand the staff at Chimes to be part of his extendedfamily. He is proud and happy to call Chimes home.”4