Merakey

The individuals and staff at Merakey AVS Snyder I home have been busy this spring and summer planting and taking care of their garden. They have been growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The group is very proud that their hard work has blossomed into a bounty!

The new Enhanced Behavior Support Home, Merakey Kingdom, in Sheridan, CA hosted a successful open house on July 25. Attendees included members of Alta California Regional Center and the Department of Developmental Service.

We are honored to be featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for our partnership with the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, which has supported Merakey AVS since its inception in 1983. At the recent Black Tie & Tailpipes Gala, our Senior Regional Executive Director, Roni Erath, highlighted the profound impact of the funds raised by the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix on the lives of the individuals we serve. “While the state helps to fund Merakey AVS, the Vintage Grand Prix benefits our ability to enhance the lives of those under our care with things that are not funded by the state,” said Roni. “Even individuals who require total care benefit from sensory equipment because you can use it to elicit responses or use it for calming techniques. So, the funds are not just for buying new kitchen equipment or putting on new doors or a roof. The money supports independence for individuals.” Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/W9Sh50STcfL

Today marked the open house and ribbon cutting of Philadelphia’s first adult mental health urgent care clinic! Visitors had the opportunity to tour our brand new Merakey Mental Health Walk-In Clinic, meet our dedicated staff, and learn about the services we will offer to support the mental health and well-being of our community. Officially opening on September 3rd, 2024, we are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this a reality. Together, we’re paving the way for better mental health care in Philadelphia. 💙

Today marked the open house and ribbon cutting of Philadelphia’s first adult mental health urgent care clinic! Visitors had the opportunity to tour our brand new Merakey Mental Health Walk-In Clinic, meet our dedicated staff, and learn about the services we will offer to support the mental health and well-being of our community. Officially opening on September 3rd, 2024, we are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this a reality. Together, we’re paving the way for better mental health care in Philadelphia. 💙

Merakey’s School-based Therapeutic Summer Program in Keystone Central Community has been a great success! Our attendees have been having fun making affirmation bracelets, participating in scavenger hunts, doing puzzles, and creating calm-down bottles. Individuals also created a coping cat followed by a visit from the local animal shelter to interact with the animals while learning about pet care.

For 27 years, local weatherman from WNEP-TV 16, Joe Snedeker, has been riding his bicycle in support of a charity for St. Joseph’s Center in Scranton, PA. Merakey staff from the Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) program in Williamsport, PA were lucky enough to have Joe ride right past their office building. Administrative staff Heather Joscelyn, Adrienne Sell, Kristi Zellers, and Sarah Frey took a few minutes out of their day to show their support, talk with the crowd and media, and to see the local legend himself.

Merakey Woodhaven in Philadelphia bid Ms. Hawa Johnson a fond farewell upon her retirement after 22 years of service. Enjoy your retirement, Hawa!

A big thank you to Langan Financial Group and our amazing community for a successful back-to-school drive supporting Merakey’s Children and Family Services! The drive resulted in a collection of essential school supplies that will benefit some of the most vulnerable students in Central PA as they prepare for the new school year.

Recently, Merakey’s Mobile Team encountered Jerome, a 90-year-old Korean War Veteran and retired Philadelphia Police Officer, living in his car. Disheveled and in need of help, our team sprang into action. With the support of Officer White from the Philadelphia Police Department, staff members Andres Rodriguez and Katelynn Soto secured Jerome temporary housing, fresh clothes, and food. Renaildo (Rey) Inchautegui, Mary Kremer, and Katherine Young joined efforts to ensure Jerome’s well-being, providing daily check-ins, meals, and companionship. Mary and Rey dedicated countless hours at the Veterans Administration and other agencies, while Andres and Kate tirelessly coordinated with the Social Security Administration to secure Jerome’s benefits. Their unwavering support and empathy helped Jerome regain his dignity. Today, Jerome is safe and secure in a rent-free apartment, thanks to Impact Services in Philadelphia, while awaiting permanent housing. Our Mobile Team, led by Natasha Lundy and Executive Director Dave Malloy in partnership with Kurt August from the Office of Criminal Justice in Philadelphia, demonstrated incredible passion and teamwork. Jerome’s story reminds us that it takes a community to care for one another. While our work continues, tonight, Jerome has a home. 🏡