Posted 7/21/2023
On Tuesday, July 18, Merakey’s Philadelphia IDD Program Center celebrated their new location in Hatboro, PA with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Philadelphia IDD Program Center team was thrilled to welcome individuals back to in-person programming for the first time since March 2020! The event was hosted by many Merakey staff, including Program Director Monica Hall, with special guests CEO Joe Martz and Senior Vice President for IDD Services Elise Tretola. The new facility has the capacity to serve over 100 individuals once fully up and running. Individuals participate in daily programming, which includes learning/education, activities, and support. The site features a custom layout designed by Merakey to meet the needs of program participants and includes a sensory room, classrooms, private suites for medical, clinical, and social services, wheelchair accessible equipment, and a walking trail. It was a wonderful celebration, with several news outlets in attendance to catch the action.
Happy 59th birthday to participant Jimmy from the Robinson Smart Home at Merakey AVS! Jimmy enjoyed a fun celebration complete with a delicious birthday cake.
During the week of July 10, Behavior Support Professional and Master Clinical Trainer Rebecca Mitchell trained staff at Merakey AVS in Pittsburgh on the use of Ukeru. This training facilitates safety during behavioral crises with trauma-informed techniques and conflict resolution. Staff learned to protect themselves and others with the use of pads when other therapeutic strategies are insufficient. Clinical Director Karie Lyons requested the training as part of the Clinical Department's plans to discontinue the use of restraints across Merakey IDD Services. Staff members at Merakey locations in Central Pennsylvania and California are also trained on Ukeru.
Congratulations to Christian Cuspard for receiving the Employee of the Quarter Award! Christian received this award from Administrator Stacey Speer in Western PA. Christian is the Assistant House Manager at the Merakey AVS Wildwood Home, and he does a phenomenal job!
Merakey AVS team members had a fabulous time at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix’s (PVGP) Blacktie & Tailpipes Gala on July 14! Charity Ambassadors Liz, Brandon, Ed, Tony, and Tanya dressed to the nines for the event. The gala was held at the Fox Chapel Golf Club, where guests mingled and dined with many sponsors and supporters of the PVGP. Many members of the Merakey AVS team closed out the evening on the dance floor! Thank you to Brenda Tenison for chairing the event and to all the committee members for hosting an incredible evening. Merakey AVS appreciates the sponsors, supporters, and volunteers for putting their heart and soul into the PVGP events every year.
On Wednesday, July 19, Slippery Rock Program Center at Merakey AVS was transformed into a casino for “Fun Day.” Staff did a phenomenal job decorating the Center to look just like a casino. Many staff even dressed up for the day as dealers or wore special t-shirts designed for the event. Each area offered different games and activities to make the casino theme come alive. Individuals tried their luck at games such as Plinko, roulette, craps, and slot machines. The most popular activity for the day seemed to be the indoor and outdoor horse races. Laughter could be heard throughout the building, and everyone was smiling. Snow cones helped beat the heat and cotton candy sweetened the day. Each area had a different photo booth, and everyone enjoyed visiting them. According to Assistant Program Director Terri Macurak, “This has been one of the best Fun Days we have ever had!”
