Posted 10/2/2026
Passport to Wellness Hawaii
Here’s your “Passport to Wellness!” Susquehanna Center has been hosting wellness events, where each month, an event will feature a different destination and a new wellness focus. This September, their destination was Hawaii, which led to a discussion about staying hydrated.
As individuals and staff arrived, they picked up a welcome sheet that included information about the wellness focus, the activities for the day and a scavenger hunt they could complete around the marina. Participation was highly encouraged, and individuals loved collecting stamps for their new passport books, which also serve as entries into a raffle that will be drawn at the December wellness event.
Everyone got crafty at the main event, making lei bracelets using repurposed cupcake liner flowers, construction paper leaves and straw piece spacer beads. There was Hawaiian music playing as individuals enjoyed light refreshments, including fruit, vegetables and salty snacks.
The goal is to make each month special and give the individuals an opportunity to learn about wellness in a way that is interactive, social and fun! Stay tuned for Susquehanna Center’s spooky Transylvania wellness event coming up this month.
Hippley Gardens
The ladies from Galey enjoyed a visit to the beautiful Hippley Gardens in Columbiana, OH.
Lake Tobias
Hakuna Matata! Teresa, Denise and Genny had a wonderful outing to the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh to see a performance of The Lion King.
They had a fabulous time experiencing the music, costumes and magic of the production.
It was a truly memorable day!
Our Lady of Grace Funnel Cakes
Volunteers from Our Lady of Grace Church continued their beloved 10+ year tradition of making homemade funnel cakes for individuals and staff at the Pittsburgh Campus. This year, they even recruited Merakey’s Staff Development Executive, Carol Erzen, to join the fun and work the fryer.
The delicious homemade treats were a huge hit with everyone and brought plenty of smiles to campus. We’re grateful to Our Lady of Grace Church for continuing this wonderful tradition and sharing their time, talent and delicious sweet treats with the Merakey community!
Lake Tobias
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! The Northeast and Central PA IDD Teams had a fantastic trip to Lake Tobias Wildlife Park.
London in Disney World
London had an unforgettable vacation to Walt Disney World, filled with adventure, laughter and plenty of magic!
She rode a banshee, survived the Yeti, joined the Resistance, helped save the galaxy, rocked out with the Muppets and took a spin on the “wildest ride in the West.”
Rain or shine, London was all smiles as she explored the parks with her Merakey AVS staff, Wendy and Marsha. Her favorite adventures included the “Elevator” ride (Tower of Terror) and having a rowdy, fun-filled time with friends at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue!
Oregon Summer Parties
The Oregon Home hosted its annual Summer Party Fest, bringing friends together for a summer filled with fun, laughs and themed celebrations.
Branchton and Grove City joined the fun for a swashbuckling Pirate Party, while Keister II and Route 108 came together for a festive Carnival Party. Everyone had a fin-tastic time at the Gone Fishing Party, enjoying great company and making wonderful summer memories!
A big thank-you to the Oregon Home for creating so many opportunities for friendship, fun, and connection throughout the summer.
Treasure Trove Fleatique
Cheyan, Genny and Wendy love exploring their community! They recently went bowling and visited Treasure Trove Fleatique.
Happy Birthday Dawn
Dawn F. from the Keister 1 Home in Slippery Rock just celebrated her 60th birthday. She and her friends went to Chick-Fil-A (one of Dawn's favorites) for lunch. One of the Chick-Fil-A employees noticed Dawn's birthday crown and sash and led the entire crowd at the restaurant in singing "Happy Birthday". Dawn was both surprised and thrilled. Later on, she enjoyed opening her presents and eating her birthday cake at home.
She had quite a spectacular 60th!
Clearview Activities
Cheryl, Tanya, Vicki, Anna and Caitlynn from Clearview have been making memories out and about. They’ve enjoyed bowling, visiting Moon Park, creating crafts at Zapp Program Center and getting creative at Kolor and Kiln.
They also had an awesome time watching the Pittsburgh Penguins practice at the Mario Lemieux Center in Cranberry, PA.
Snack Easy
The County Line Program Center recently celebrated the Grand Opening of Snack Easy, and it was an exciting and snack-filled day! Individuals and staff enjoyed a variety of delicious treats, including sausage, hot dogs, soft pretzels, snow cones, popcorn and more.
The Grand Opening brought everyone together to celebrate this wonderful new addition to the program, and the smiles, laughter and endless positive energy made the day one to remember. We look forward to many more enjoyable Snack Easy experiences in the future!
Happy Birthday Cheyan
Happy Birthday dear Cheyan! She celebrated with her friends from Nolte with a fun birthday dinner at Texas Roadhouse and even got to take a turn on the birthday saddle.
Sperdute Farms Pumpkin Picking
The gentlemen from the Willow Acres Home near Slippery Rock spent the day at Sperdute Farms in New Castle, PA. Bobby, Mark, Paul and Sean had a great time on the hayride farm tour. After that, they went into the pumpkin patch to pick out their perfect pumpkins for Halloween. It was a wonderful day filled to the brim with autumnal magic!
DSP Appreciation Week- Redding, CA
Residents and staff at Cedars Old 44 in Redding, CA came together to celebrate DSP Awareness Week with a day of appreciation, games, prizes, and community connection. Participants enjoyed themed activities, received gift bags and recognition items, and shared time together celebrating the people who make the program special.
St Andrews Consignment Sale
Mike F., James H. and Michelle E. From the Slippery Rock Program Center volunteered at St. Andrew's Presbyterian church in Butler, PA to help organize clothing for their annual consignment sale. First, they sorted the clothing by size, then folded the items or placed them on hangers. Michelle said she had fun and that it felt good to help others. The church members were glad to have the help and said those three were some of the hardest workers they’d ever met!
