Posted 2/23/2024
In January, Merakey IDD Services expanded in the State of California with the acquisition of North Valley Developmental Services (NVDS), Inc. Located in Northern CA, the former NVDS has been in operation nearly three decades providing community residential, day program, vocational and skills training services for more than 75 individuals with developmental disabilities and co-occurring complex medical needs. With a shared focus on supporting individuals and families served with exceptional quality of care, compassion, and commitment, Merakey welcomes approximately 130 employees who transitioned from NVDS to the Merakey IDD team.
Merakey is excited to build on the success of this organization and to enhance the exceptional services provided to individuals and families in California!
On February 17, the Merakey AVS team at the Verree Road Campus in Philadelphia celebrated Black History Month with an interactive and educational presentation. Performers from several departments portrayed a variety of influential African Americans in the fields of performing arts, activism, athleticism, abolitionism & space exploration. The audience, comprised of staff and individuals served, celebrated the achievements by Black Americans, broadened their knowledge and recognized their monumental roles in U.S. history. The event displayed amazing cultural expression and highlighted the vast talents of the Merakey AVS Verree Road team!
Ted receives Adult Autism Services through Merakey Chester County, PA. He and his sister Lindsey started a podcast called “Life in the Ted Lane” during the pandemic. Ted is actively engaged in all the work behind the scenes including using digital media and editing apps to create and post the podcast.
Ted’s most recent episode is titled “Navigating the Holiday Season with Autism”. Thanks for sharing your podcast, Ted!
The residents and staff at the Wyndemere home in Escondido, CA hosted a delicious dinner on Valentine’s Day to include the residents and staff from the Ramona View home. Everyone had a fun-filled night filled with great company and good food!
The Slippery Rock area at Merakey AVS celebrated National Caregivers Day on February 16. Passion Ambassadors Nancy Natili, Cindy Solman, Heather Krenn, and Bob Graziani filled hundreds of treat bags which were distributed to all staff in the region. Several homes shared snacks, sandwiches, and other treats to their dedicated workers. Staff from the Slippery Rock Program Center joined in on the celebration and brought doughnuts for employees. Employees expressed how awesome it was to see the outpouring of love they were receiving.
Molly from East Gait home at Merakey AVS in Pittsburgh celebrated her birthday with her housemates Melissa, Amy and Kori. Happy Birthday, Molly!
Program Aide Madison Hey from Slippery Rock Program Center at Merakey AVS took a small group of Certified Peer Specialists to Playthings Etc., a spaceship shaped toy store located between Slippery Rock and Butler, PA. The owners encouraged everyone to try out their various games and toys. The individuals had a great time exploring the store, buying items, and posing as aliens.
After a vote from the members of their area, Slippery Rock Program Center Program Instructor Megan Jesteadt and her Aide Christie Laderer decided it was time to transition away from Valentine’s hearts into decorating with green for St. Patrick’s Day. After a lesson about leprechauns, the group designed and created their own leprechaun hats. Everyone enjoyed the activity and they are looking forward to giving a complete makeover to the area in time for the upcoming holiday.
On February 21, Slippery Rock Program Center Program Aide Ashley Sutton took a small group of individuals to Steele’s Brushes and Ceramics in Butler, PA. Steele’s Brushes and Ceramics offers painting and ceramics classes, as well as specialized classes for people with differing abilities. The group chose to paint spring butterflies, and everyone had a great time working on their artwork.
