Posting 8/14/2026
Linesville Spillway
A small gang from the Slippery Rock Program Center went to the Linesville Spillway. They enjoyed watching the fish and ducks scramble around for each morsel of bread that was tossed to them. There were so many fish swimming that the water was frothing with their movement. After feeding the ducks and fish, everyone enjoyed a picnic lunch in the beautiful sunshine. It was a nice little getaway for the group.
Getting Fit
Slippery Rock Program Instructor Danielle Mitchell held an exercise class in the sensory garden at the Program Center. It was too nice of a day to stay cooped up inside. To add a bit of fun, Danielle created a game. Each individual took a turn rolling a giant die. A chart showed the type of exercise each number on the die represented. Everyone had a good time playing and doing each exercise to the best of their abilities.
Diva Day
Confidence, beauty, and joy were on full display during the recent Diva Day celebration. Residents enjoyed a morning of pampering with hair styling, manicures, and makeup, followed by an uplifting affirmation workshop focused on self-love and empowerment. In the afternoon, everyone stepped into the spotlight with a special photoshoot and a glamorous red-carpet walk through the sensory garden. To make the day even more memorable, the gentlemen of PHMC lined the red carpet, cheering on and celebrating each of our amazing divas every step of the way. It was a beautiful reminder that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
Atlantic City Day
Staff and SMC/Lehigh individuals recently went on a day trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey. The group enjoyed food, games, music, playing slots in the casinos, dipping their feet in the ocean, spending time with each other, and walking the boardwalk. Everyone had such a great time they are already planning next year's trip to another beach to explore and make memories.
Meeting WWE Star
Merakey individual John was thrilled to meet a former WWE Superstar Gene Snitsky and get his autograph.
Portersville Steam Show
Matt, Louis, John, Eric, and Roger, along with staff members Jackie and Lexi from Branchton Road, had an amazing day at the Portersville Steam Show! They enjoyed watching massive operational steam engines, traction engines, and vintage gas engines in action. They also stepped back in time as they explored a vintage village depicting 1920s agriculture, complete with a blacksmith shop, sawmill, cider press, and much more. While there was plenty to see, experience, and enjoy, the tractor pulls were everyone’s favorite attraction.
Snack Easy Store Launch
The soft launch of Snack Easy, a mobile snack store at the County Line Road Program Center, was a success. What began as a goal planning activity incorporating math, shopping, inventory, and reconciliation quickly turned into a creative business opportunity. The individuals realized they could provide staff and others with a greater variety of snacks at affordable prices. With support from Rashida and Monica, Snack Easy officially launched, and Katie had LOTS of happy customers!
Day at Kennywood
Ted D. from the Kiester 2 Home near Slippery Rock and Matt A. from the Branchton home met up with James and Kenton who receive Family Living Services through Merakey to go to Kennywood together. These four friends had a blast riding the rides, meeting the Kennywood mascots Jeeters and Kangaroo, and enjoying all the good food. No one could resist the Potato Patch fries. They all stayed until the park closed. They were tired, but all agreed they had a great time.
State Park
Kregg, Kaler, James, Jonathan, and Keith from Wildwood enjoyed a fun day together at Maurice K. Goddard State Park. The group enjoyed the cookout, time outdoors, and some fishing. Congratulations to Kregg and Jonathan, who both caught fish.
Kamin Science Center
A group from Pittsburgh Campus enjoyed a day of exploration at Pittsburgh’s Kamin Science Center.
Clearview Activities
The ladies from Clearview have been keeping busy. They enjoyed a wonderful lunch in the park, got creative during a fun craft day at home, and celebrated Vicki’s birthday with her friend Janna.
Butler Farm Show
The Butler Farm Show generously donated free admission passes to Merakey folks. Several areas took individuals to the Farm Show on different days to see the animals, displays, and farm equipment. Everyone enjoyed the homemade milkshakes and some of the other fair style foods. It was a wonderful way to spend a summer day.
