June 2019
Navigating Life's Journey With Jerome
It was over 24 years ago that Jerome first stepped into Merrick, Inc., seeking new employment opportunities after leaving his previous job. Much has changed for Jerome since those first days at Merrick as he now no longer works but instead enjoys a more relaxed lifestyle as a retiree. Though Jerome’s life has changed considerably, Merrick’s presence in his life has not.

Looking back on his earlier years at Merrick, Jerome considers his time as a member of the recycling crew particularly meaningful as it was where he made several friendships that still hold true today. Jerome also fondly recalls working on various other work assignments such as sanitizing headsets for Northwest Airlines. But that all changed about 6 years ago when he chose to pursue a new "career"-- retirement.

These days, Jerome spends much of his time in Merrick’s Alternative Services life enrichment program as a happily retired man. Art and music therapy sessions, yoga lessons, and card games are just a few of the things that are part of Jerome’s weekly schedule, but what he really loves are the outings. Whether it’s a shopping trip to the dollar store or a walk in the park, Jerome always finds peace in the simple pleasure of being out and about with friends.

When asked about his life and interests, Jerome will gladly tell you about how much he loves being an uncle to his nieces and nephews or about his early days at Merrick when he worked out of the old Gervais Avenue building. He also adores his girlfriend, Jean, and enjoys going on dates with her.
 
For more than 24 years, Merrick has played a major role in Jerome’s life and, as a result, Jerome has chosen Merrick time and time again to be his navigational companion on his journey through life.

Will you join us in continuing to navigate life's journey with Jerome and others at Merrick by making a program year-end gift? Help us meet our $15,000 fundraising goal by June 30 th with a an online gift today. Donations can also be sent to:

Attn: Karen Herrera
Merrick Inc
3210 Labore Road
Vadnais Heights, MN 55110
Mimi from Lake Area Bank , John, and Melissa soak up the sun at the 24th Annual Charity Golf Scramble.
An Exceptional Day "On the Links": Merrick's 24th Annual Golf Scramble Nets $36,000
Troy Burne's beautifully manicured course welcomed Merrick's supporters for the 24th Annual Charity Golf Scramble on Monday, May 20 th . Presented by Lake Area Bank , the event featured games, contests, opportunities to spend time with clients, and of course golf! Together, we raised more than $36,000 after all expenses were paid. More photos can be viewed on our website at www.merrickinc.org/golf.
Thank you to all of the sponsors, donors, volunteers, and players who made the golf scramble a huge success. We appreciate your support!

Presenting Sponsor
Lake Area Bank

Birdie Sponsors
Hanover Insurance Group
Tom and Mary Jo Holly
Maguire Agency
Warners' Stellian

Par Sponsors
Interstate Companies
The Standard

Hole Sponsors
Blus Sky Vitamin
Jim and Karen Clapper
Ron Dreessen
GDO Law
Great Plains Structures
IPS Cranes
Koch NationaLease
Laura's Home Team
Machining Specialists
MN Gambling Supply
Northview Dental
Peoples Bank Midwest
Redpath and Company
Mark and Debbie Steen
Wilcox Paper
Wolf Motors

Patron Sponsors
Mindy Oosten
U Advisors

Hole-in One Sponsors
Joe Murphy, Independent Agent of
Ohio National Financial Services
Stillwater Motors

In-Kind Donors
Dala Ad Agency
Grannis & Hauge, PA
Hisdahl's
Amanda and Larry Konsterlie
Steve Kjelland Photography
US Business Printing, Inc.
Zubaz/Comet Clothing
Fixing a Myth

A long-standing myth was again part of the 2019 legislative discussions related to increasing Day Training and Habilitation (DT&H) rates. It appears that some decision makers continue to believe that the compensation for the highest paid employee in DT&H programs is excessive and that encumbering (a limitation on the use of funding) any rate increase is needed to ensure new funding goes to Direct Support Professional (DSP) wages.

Join Our Team!

Merrick Is Hiring Direct Support Professionals

Help us spread the word and find the best job candidates to continue the excellent care and support clients at Merrick count on. In addition to working side-by-side with an experienced staff in a comfortable central program building, we provide paid training, medical, dental, PTO, and holiday pay for full-time staff and pro-rated PTO and holiday pay for part-time staff.

With empathy, authenticity, and commitment to clients, Merrick's Direct Support Professionals are difference makers in the lives of the 375 adults with disabilities for whom we provide life enrichment and employment support. Won't you join us in making a difference today?