Posted 4/24/2026
At the Circus
Individuals from Merakey Portage Adult Training Facility (ATF) recently had the chance to enjoy the circus. The group saw several different acts, visited with the clowns, and held a snake. Some of the acts performed featured animals, including a camel, a dog, and a horse. Everyone had a great time.
Wellness Wednesday
The month of April brought another Wellness Wednesday to the IDD programs in the Capital Region. Individuals gathered for fun craft activities and enjoyed healthy snacks while LPN Chaunelle took everyone’s vitals. Learning to incorporate wellness into everyday routines is important for all of us!
Earth Day at Jennings Center
A small group from the Slippery Rock Program Center celebrated Earth Day by going to Jennings Environmental Center. While there, they participated in interactive learning activities, learned about the environment around them, and went on a nature hike. It was a beautiful day to spend outdoors enjoying our amazing planet.
Grows on Main
Individuals from Slippery Rock Program Center recently went to Grows on Main in Butler, PA. While they were there, the individuals created small terrariums for air plants. Air plants are unique as they do not need soil to grow – they just need to be misted with a spray bottle to stay hydrated. The attendees enjoyed picking out the containers, different rocks, and adornments for their plants. Everyone was super excited to take their plants home so they could take care of them.
TRY Prom
Slippery Rock Program Instructor Danielle Mitchell accompanied Emily to the TRY Prom at the Hampton Banquet Center in Gibsonia, PA. Emily was excited to don her beautiful gown and meet up with her date Clint. Emily and Clint have been together for over 20 years. The happy couple enjoyed a wonderful dinner before an evening of dancing.
Pirates Game
Charie from the Butler County Community Living Arrangement and Michael from the Route 108 SFR in Slippery Rock recently met up for dinner and a Pirates Game. The guys had a great time cheering on their favorite team and were super happy that they won.
Pirates vs. Nationals
It was a great day at the ballpark for the Pirates vs. Nationals game! Kregg, Kaler, James, Jonathan, and Keith, along with staff members John Demacio, Wendy Pander, and Christian Cuspard happily cheered on the Bucs. Fun, teamwork, and plenty of baseball excitement made it a memorable day.
Congrats Dawn
Congratulations to Dawn Schibner on an incredible 30-year anniversary at Merakey! Dawn began her journey at Pittsburgh Campus, later worked in food prep at Zapp, and has spent the past 20 years in Staff Development making a lasting impact. Thank you Dawn for your dedication and commitment over the years.
Family Association Meeting
The 2026 Spring meeting of the Merakey AVS Western PA Family Association was held on April 19, bringing together more than 65 attendees to share their experiences, connect with other families, and receive important updates.
The meeting featured guest speakers, including Representative Valerie Goydos, who addressed concerns related to Medicaid, staffing challenges, and wages. She encouraged families to continue reaching out to their local representatives to elevate key issues and share their personal stories. Updates were also provided by Family Association officers, Senior Vice President of IDD Lynn Kovich, Senior Executive Director of C/W ICF Roni Erath, Director of Waiver Programs Amanda Thomas, and other Merakey AVS leaders. It was an informative gathering for all.
Ice Cream Outings
The warm spring weather has inspired some fun outings. The guys from Pine Hollow I stopped by Cookie Cookie Ice Cream for a sweet treat, while Tess enjoyed attending On the Town the musical. Janna went to the Pirates game for some baseball fun. Jerome snapped a photo with a Cybertruck while out and about in Robinson Township, where he also enjoyed a milkshake at Dairy Queen and spent time shopping at Five Below and Pittsburgh Rally House. Summer promises to bring even more trips out and about for this crew.
World Music Therapy Week
Patricia Hillman Miller Campus took part in a celebration recognized around the globe: World Music Therapy Week. This week‑long observance highlights the meaningful work of music therapists and the individuals they support. To celebrate at PHMC, the campus decorated its door with musical symbols painted by individuals and engaged in the most important activity of the week—making music. Creating, hearing, and playing music can lift spirits, calm nerves, and even change the atmosphere of a room. Individuals at PHMC always enjoy their time in music therapy, and this week was no exception.
