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Client Spotlight | Chris

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In January 2021, Merrick, Inc.'s Board of Trustees (BOT) said farewell to Jackie O'Connell and welcomed back John Marzitelli.

Congratulations to Merrick, Inc., Direct Support Professional Jenn Wold for joining Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation's 2021 Northeast Metro Young Professionals (NMYP) group. This year-long cohort provides individual and team leadership coaching to individuals living and/or working in the NE Metro area who aspire for personal growth, career advancement, and civic engagement. Jenn's enrollment in this program continues Merrick's tradition of sponsoring employees who seek professional success and advancement. Many of the previous employees who have participated in this program have received job promotions giving Jenn some excellent role models.

Are you looking for a new job? Join our team of Direct Support Professionals (DSP) at Merrick, Inc., where every day is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone else’s life. Starting at $15.09/hour, DSPs hired by June 30 will have the opportunity to earn a $1,000 new hire signing bonus in their first year. The signing bonus pays new DSPs $250 upon successful completion of their 90-day orientation, $250 upon completing 6-months of employment, and $500 upon completing 1-year of employment. To learn more, visit us at www.MerrickInc.org/Careers. If you know someone who is looking for work, please share this information with them to help us spread the word.

On Monday, May 24, 2021, we will host our 26^th Annual Charity Golf Scramble at the beautiful Troy Burne Golf Club in Hudson, Wisconsin. All proceeds will benefit Merrick, Inc., in its mission to empower adults with disabilities by providing employment and life enrichment services. We hope you will consider joining us for a day of contests, games, raffles, and more. Registration can be completed at www.merrickinc.org/golf/.

Date: Monday, May 24, 2021

Time: 12:30 p.m. shot-gun start

Location: Troy Burne Golf Club, Hudson, WI

Registration Cost: $175.00 per golfer

Team Game Package Cost: $120 if pre-purchased

For more information, please contact Megan Kuneli at (651) 789-6207 or megank@merrickinc.org.

Registration closes when all available golfer slots are filled.

When was the last time you had to fight for a loved one to be allowed to make an informed choice that would affect all of their being? Adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD), their parents, guardians, and families, find themselves in a perpetual fight for the right to make employment decisions that are in their own best interests.

Current Minnesota State policy per M.S. 256B.4905 says that “all working-age Minnesotans with disabilities can work, want to work, and can achieve competitive integrated employment and that each disabled person be offered to work and earn competitive wage before offered supports and services.”

The Minnesota Arc (ARC) and MN Disability Law Center - Legal Aid (MDLC) are among advocates for this current law. They are advocates for proposals before the MN Legislature and U.S. Congress that will eliminate center-based employment services paying a special minimum wage (referred to as 14(c). Those organizations give lawmakers the impression they are advocates that speak on behalf of all people with disabilities and their families.

I read written testimony they submitted to a recent MN House Labor Committee hearing on HF439 that would eliminate the 14(c) option for all people with I/DD. They are also advocating for HF1347 that amends M.S. 256B.4905. This bill would create yet another process for informed choice decision-making. The MS 256B.4905 policy statement already limits choices. If 14(c) is eliminated, what remains from which to choose?

ARC and MDLC are not advocating for all people with disabilities They are not advocating for people with I/DD and who have more than a cognitive disability. They fail to acknowledge the complexity and range of I/DD. They fail to acknowledge the choices people with I/DD make with their parents, family members, and legal guardians to work in center-based programs.

It is evident to me that ARC and MDLC do not base their position on experiential research related to 14(c), developmental psychology, and the psychology of learning principles. It appears to me they don’t recognize the education system from which people with I/DD receive individualized learning from birth up to age 21. They seem to assume that after that much education, the disability or disabilities have improved and makes it possible for all people with I/DD to work in a competitive integrated work environment alongside nondisabled people making a minimum wage. In their world, people with I/DD have to prove they cannot work in competitive integrated employment before they can receive any support to work in any employment setting. How is this helpful to a person with I/DD?

In other words: A person with I/DD must first fail at working in a competitive integrated job before any supports and services are provided. Why must they be set up to fail before they can get supports like they relied upon in school? All of the many years of documented PK-12+ education through individualized education plans, developmental assessments, vocational assessment/experiences, learning opportunities seem to have no value in determining employment services.

Minnesota Families and Advocates Coalition (MNFAC) opposes the current state policy and proposals to eliminate center-based employment. MNFAC Parents testified in opposition to elimination of 14(c) presenting personal stories about their son or daughter with a disability and told of how center-based is a choice and one that best serves their loved ones. MNFAC submitted a position statement that included the following statements.

I have two sons, ages 47 and 42, with severe I/DD and multiple disabilities who both attend Merrick, Inc. Both received education services birth – age 21 and had opportunities to try work in supported settings. Even with supports, they are unable to work. They enjoy the day activities in their program. They are safe, supported and doing the kinds of things they like to do.

I encourage anyone who supports the continuation of center-based employment programs for people with I/DD and who oppose efforts to eliminate 14(c) forcing all people with I/DD into a competitive integrated job in order to experience failures before being given other choices to contact your legislators. Tell legislators what you do and do not support and why. They must hear from the individuals and families this legislation would impact most and not just organizations that are claiming to represent the interests of all adults with I/DD.

If you need help finding contact information for your legislator, go to www.leg.mn.gov or google their name.

To learn more about 14(c) go to www.mnfac.org and read the white paper on the topic of 14(c).

Sue Hankner,

Parent, Retired Professional and MNFAC Steering Committee member.

An expert in onsite services, Chris has been part of our center-based workforce since 2018 and spends most of his workdays performing various light assembly and kitting tasks. From assembling greeting cards to bundling x-ray cassette covers, to packaging COVID-19 tests, Chris has done it all.

Prior to enrolling at Merrick, Chris worked several jobs including jobs at Goodwill, Episcopal Homes of Minnesota, and a local golf course. But none of it seemed to stick. When Chris learned that he could receive solid support services by enrolling at Merrick, he was all in. After over two years of receiving services, it is safe to say that he made a good decision. He is proud of the money he makes and the sense of freedom that comes with a steady paycheck. Though often described as a sweet and shy young man, Chris doesn’t hold back on calling attention to new clothes or shoes that he purchased with his own money!

Apart from the joy of having his own spending money, Chris enjoys the chance to occasionally go on “field trips” and enjoys engaging with his peers. But most days, he is content to put his best effort forward on whatever work order he is asked to do. As long as he has his headphones and John Legend singing sweet tunes into his ears, Chris is ready to give his all to the task at hand.

Though he dreams of being a millionaire, for the present Chris is content with life as it is. In his spare time, he can most often be found playing video games in the comfort of his home. Like many young adults, Chris doesn’t know what the future holds, but can say with certainty Merrick’s part in his journey is far from over.

Did you know that you can support Merrick, Inc., through our monthly giving program "Champions Club?"

On average, Merrick receives $75 in government reimbursements per day of services provided. However, the cost of services averages to $80, creating a $5 gap that when multiplied by 375 clients over 261 work days a year creates a $450,000 annual gap. Your monthly gift can help close this gap.

In one year's time, a monthly gift of just $10 closes the gap for 1 month of services for 1 client. During any given month, clients at Merrick experience a plethora of services: life enrichment activities that range from music therapy to arts and crafts; meaningful job opportunities that ensure a steady paycheck; and community outings with friends. And you can help make that possible for the price of going out to eat at a fast food restaurant.

It takes a champion standing alongside adults with disabilities to realize Merrick's mission. You can be a champion starting right now by making a monthly pledge that will make a lasting difference in someone else's life. All you have to do is say "yes."

Questions about Merrick's Champions Club?

Contact Megan Kuneli at megank@merrickinc.org or (651) 789-6207.

Not ready to become a monthly giver? Consider making a one-time gift to Merrick. Whether you give $10, $25, or $100, your gift makes a difference. Your gift can help us fill the gap.

(651) 789-6200 | Info@merrickInc.org | www.MerrickInc.org