What’s Happening in IDD Services?

The Greater McKees Rocks Rotary Club visited Merakey AVS’s Kennedy Program Center on December 19, bringing gifts for 30 individuals and providing a little extra holiday spirit. The group helped to open gifts, played a snowball parachute game with Classroom 3, and got to see a 12 Days of Christmas performance by Classroom 4. A big thank you to all the members for purchasing gifts and joining the celebration!

On December 19, Merakey IDD programs in the Capital Region and AVS waiver homes held their annual Christmas/Holiday party. This program supports 18 residential homes, eight family living homes, and several individuals in the home and community rehabilitation program. Thanks to generous donations from Merakey employees in the Crums Mill office in Harrisburg and the staff at Capital Region and AVS, every individual received a gift that they selected. The group enjoyed a meal with ham, salad, mashed potatoes, green beans, and various goodies for dessert. Christmas music was played, and word puzzles were completed, while participants waited for Santa Claus to call their name. Several Zembo clowns visited and mingled with the crowd and made balloon animals and flowers. The clowns have joined the annual party for several years and everyone enjoys seeing them.

Consumers and staff from Branchton home recently celebrated the holidays with snacks galore and a gift exchange with presents for all! There were lots of smiles and laughs while they enjoyed playing new games. Program Coordinator Jackie Stewart, Maintenance Technician Matt Rodemoyer, resident Louis, and his little friend Gavin (son of House Manager Jessica Ferguson) played an intense game of "Sorry!" House Manager Aide Stacy Ferguson cheered them all as they played and kept everyone in the house chuckling and applauding! John, a resident, received the perfect gift for his sweet tooth - a hot chocolate and s'mores set. He can't wait to enjoy and share it with his peers, while watching Christmas classic movies. Another resident Tim loved his gift so much and didn't want to let it go! It was a wonderful day for all.

The Merakey AVS campus on Verree Road in Philadelphia celebrated the holiday season with a Giving Tree gift exchange between staff and individuals. This meaningful exchange highlighted the generosity of both Interdisciplinary team members as well as on-site vendors. Everyone offered their time, talents, and resources with the Individuals demonstrating Merakey Core Value of compassion. Seasonal music, endless smiles, impromptu caroling, and photos taken at the photo booth complete with props were enjoyed by everyone in attendance.

Guardian Protection recently visited Merakey AVS Pittsburgh Campus to spread holiday cheer for the 28^th year! Each building and home were visited by a group of Guardian employees accompanied by Santa and Mrs. Claus, who sang Christmas Carols and passed out gifts. This tradition has become a favorite for individuals and staff at the campus, and everyone looks forward to the holiday celebration. A big thanks to everyone at Guardian Protection who made the holidays special for so many people and to Guardian’s Marketing Manager Todd Homitz for coordinating the program.

Senior Executive Director Roni “Frosty” Erath surprised individuals and staff at Merakey AVS Hummelstown Campus, when she walked the halls of the sites as the beloved holiday character and received many smiles and hugs.

The Slippery Rock Program Center held its annual Christmas luncheon for all the individuals. Everyone enjoyed a ham dinner and Christmas cookies. All the areas were decorated for the festivities. After the luncheon, a special guest came to make spirits bright – Santa Claus. He brought his favorite elf, Jordan, to help hand out gifts to everyone. The Grinch also made an appearance and tried to create havoc by stealing Santa’s bell. The Grinch even tried to steal a few Christmas gifts. The final straw was when the Grinch tried to decorate Santa with toilet paper. Santa put the Grinch in time out and gave him a candy cane to sweeten his disposition. There was laughter and joy throughout the building.

The Edward J. Zapp Center held a fun holiday door decorating contest. The winner received an afternoon sweet treat. Congratulations to the following: