Client Wages Relief Fund Tops Goal
As Merrick suspended services on March 18, we were aware that clients who were not independently employed by a business partner would not be eligible to receive unemployment benefits due to MN State Statute 268.035(Subd 20)(9). We launched the Client Wages Relief Fund with the goal of raising $51,000.00 to replace a portion of clients' lost wages. With the help of many individuals, businesses, and grants, we topped our goal at the end of May. Clients did not know the supplemental funds would be coming their way and were pleasantly surprised and very appreciative.
Your Support of Merrick is Needed at Fiscal Year-End
We recognize there are many organizations that need immediate help providing food, housing, and transportation to community members who suddenly have lost access to these essential services. For clients at Merrick, the services we provide are also essential in their quality of life. Remember how “cooped up” we all felt while we were staying at home? We have learned that many people with disabilities had limited opportunities to leave their homes and many struggled to find creative ways to pass their days. Now that we are able to support clients once again, we need to be sure we CAN support them with access to qualified and caring direct support professionals, reliable transportation to their jobs, meaningful work, and high quality life enrichment experiences.
The average cost for a client to attend Merrick is $80 per day, which includes program costs and transportation.
Our spring funding campaign has the
goal of raising $15,000
to help us provide services for people who are seeking work opportunities or those wanting to enhance their quality of life.
Note: The
CARES Act provides a new charitable deduction of up
to $300.00 per taxpayer ($600.00 for a married couple) in annual charitable contributions. Check with your tax preparer for more details.