Posted 11/27/2024
Merakey IDD Passion Ambassadors met virtually on November 20 for their monthly Engagement meeting. Chief Strategy Officer Brandon Fisher joined the group to present a deeper dive into the Engage goal from Merakey’s Strategic Plan. Members of the group gave examples of how they’re recognizing employees and showing gratitude as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.
The Passion Ambassador group was originally created to bring staff together to share the reasons why they chose their profession, learn new strategies, stay engaged, and focus on their well-being. The group is always welcome to new members. If you’re interested in joining, please email Vanessa Albo at Valbo@merakey.org to be added to the monthly virtual meetings.
Jan Harvilla, Tammy Anderson, and Tom Ford from Merakey AVS’s Kennedy and Edward J. Zapp Program Centers are showing how thankful they are for their employees. They created a beautiful tree with each staff member’s name and treated them to a special dessert.
During the week of October 21, the gentlemen from Meetinghouse Road home in Delaware County, PA enjoyed the last of the warm weather with a vacation to Brigantine, NJ. They enjoyed going out to eat, shopping, and of course, visiting the beach. At the home they enjoyed the heated swimming pool, game room, and home cooked meals. Special thanks to House Manager Beatrice and DSPs Sam and Paul for accompanying these gentlemen.
On November 20, Julie celebrated her 62nd birthday with a party at the local Bowlero. She enjoyed bowling with peers and supports, a delicious ice cream cake, and a special lunch catered by Bowlero. Julie was so excited because her brothers stopped by her home prior to the party. Julie invited her peers from several different homes to join in the celebration. Special thanks to house manager Vanessa for planning and coordinating this special day for Julie.
On November 16, Magda from Greenbrier Lane/Newtown Square home in Delaware County, PA enjoyed a shopping trip to the local mall. She was very excited to pause for a visit with Santa Claus.
On November 9 Brian, Joey, and Magda from Greenbrier Lane/Newtown Square home in Delaware County, PA enjoyed a day at the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, PA. Everyone was excited to visit the animals at the petting portion of the zoo and then enjoyed a meal together at the zoo’s café. Special thanks to DSPs Christina and Keith for making this a fun day for all.
Dulcie from the Penn Hills Adult Training Facility celebrated a very happy 70th birthday this week with her friends and staff!
On October 14, friends, family, and current and former employees of Merakey Woodhaven came together to celebrate the rich history of the campus located in Northeast Philadelphia. Attendees were fortunate to be joined by Deputy Secretary of the Office of Developmental Programs Kristen Aherns who spoke kindly about the collaboration between Merakey and the State of Pennsylvania in developing homes for people with IDD. Former Senior Vice President of IDD Services Terry McNelis also attended and spoke of Woodhaven’s history and Merakey’s commitment to individuals served there. The Woodhaven Parents Association also spoke and acknowledged the dedication that Woodhaven employees have displayed over the years. Attendees enjoyed a meal and shared stories about Merakey Woodhaven’s 50 year legacy.
How did we celebrate Frank’s 80th birthday while also holding a Consumer Advisory Group meeting? By throwing a “Franksgiving” celebration! The group worked together to make turkey cookies for family, friends, and staff. Shout out to Heather Downey, Alivia Leary, Rachel Bainbridge, Stacy Cooper, Karen Jimenez, and the entire Merakey Lehigh staff for their participation with the turkey cookie project. Everyone had a great time celebrating Frank! Thanks also to Nadine, Micheal, and Gina for the turkey cookie idea, and for supplying the project materials.
Merakey AVS extends a heartfelt thank you to FedEx’s sales team, The Boston Beans, for volunteering at Paticia Hillman Miller Campus on November 12. They painted the bedrooms in Apartment 3 and refreshed the exterior building railings, which greatly enhanced the spaces. Their efforts not only improved the aesthetics but highlighted the positive difference a group of motivated individuals can make.
"Our organization deeply benefits from volunteers like these,” commented Merakey AVS Development and Community Engagement Coordinator Sade Fountila.
If you’re a member of a volunteer group or know of any community organizations who are looking for service projects at Merakey AVS, please contact Merakey_AVS@merakey.org.
