Bark's Bytes | Being BOLD

2021 Client Service Awards

You're Invited | Empower! Lunch

Online Auction Arrives October 25

Client Spotlight | David

Ways to Give

To manage the daily challenges of the pandemic it became necessary to have an expectation of how we were going to work towards resuming typical operations. To unify our management team of 18 professionals I offered the mantra of being BOLD which meant ~ Believe It, Own it, Lead it, and Do it and I will explain how this was used in our journey.

Believe it. Was the professional confidence that with a clear intention, sufficient resources, and a little good luck it was possible that each of us could contribute to a shared objective – in this case resuming typical services by 7/1/21.

Own it. With the intention known, each of us had to understand how the Covid-19 restrictions imposed on day programs by MDH and DHS could be met while maximizing the number of clients served. This required split shifts, using common space for workstations, and more frequent cleanings to name just a few adjustments.

Lead it. Perhaps the most difficult aspect was handling the frequent changes and obstacles with an attitude of “we can overcome” rather than “we are at the mercy of others.”

Do it. Can’t say it any better than we all had to step up and get busy doing what we could to serve more clients. It helped that every time a client returned to our program, it was cause for a celebration.

I am pleased to report that on 7/12/21 we resumed typical operations serving 85% of the clients enrolled pre-pandemic and have had only one case of Covid-19 traced back to our program. We are working with a few business partners to bring our crews back to their operations and find new jobs for direct-hire clients that were displaced by the pandemic and should be back to full census in the near future.

I do not claim to be management guru and have no desire to go on a speaking circuit or write a book. Still, the BOLD mantra can be useful in coordinating a team’s intention for most challenges, securing each manager’s commitment, reinforcing that one can control their actions, and that any well-intended action is better than no action. Give it a try and I would be interested in any success stories.

On September 16^th and September 23^rd, 27 and 37 clients, respectively, were honored for their years of service at Merrick, Inc., at our Annual Client Service Award Ceremonies. Tears of joy were shed by both clients and their loved ones (not to mention staff) as they celebrated this momentous occasion together and reflected on the years of hard work that got them to this point. With 50 years of service at Merrick, William Kelly from our North St. Paul (NSP) program was the longest tenured client to receive an award at this year's event. You may view the moment when William receives his 50-year award at https://youtu.be/jdZoXlTqapc.

As much as it was a day of celebration, it was also a day of remembrance for those who previously passed away. Former clients Joe Foldenauer, Marissa Perlinger, Jeff Meyer, Janet Parrish, and David Steeves all received posthumous awards for their years of service at Merrick. Brief tributes were read about each to commemorate their lasting impact in the hearts of their family and friends in the community and at Merrick. Jeff's wife Diane was present to receive his 5-year award and a short video of his award presentation may be viewed at https://youtu.be/Ey99mLup6m4.

Special thanks to the many volunteers who helped make this event possible. Thanks to your efforts, clients and their families will be able to reflect back on this day with fondness for many years to come.

Caption: Shade Busari from Alternative Services receives a 10-year award.

Caption: Darlene Lam from Independent Services receives a 20-year award.

(1) William Kelly from our North St. Paul program receives a 50-year award. (2) Peggy Monn from Enhanced Services receives a 30-year award.

(3) Eric Anderson from Utility Services receives a 35-year award.

655 East County Road F

Vadnais Heights, Minnesota

Free Guest Registration (Donation requested at the event)

In-Person Attendance Only

Register as a guest at https://www.merrickinc.org/empower

Join us for this free event highlighting why our community is better because of the services provided by Merrick, Inc., and inspiring guests to financially support our mission to empower adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities and guide them toward realizing their goals and dreams. If you are unable to attend the event consider making a donation instead. All funds raised benefit our employment and life enrichment programs for adults with disabilities.

One of the most impactful ways you can make a difference at Merrick's Empower! Lunch is as a table host. As a table host, you are asked to identify and invite guests to sit at your table set for 8 (including yourself). Your guests may include friends, co-workers, family members, neighbors, and people whose business you patronize. If you're interested in hosting a table and have not already confirmed your intent to host with Merrick, please contact Megan Kuneli at (651) 789-6207 or megank@merrickinc.org.

Sponsorships are available for purchase at https://www.merrickinc.org/empower starting at $100.

Additional Questions? Please contact Megan Kuneli at (651) 789-6207 or megank@merrickinc.org.

Starting on Monday, October 25, you're invited to place bids at Merrick, Inc.'s 4th Annual Online Auction for the chance to come out on top when bidding closes on Thursday, November 4. With the holiday season just around the corner, this is a perfect opportunity for you to find a unique gift for a loved one while also supporting a worthy cause.

Bidding will take place at https://www.32auctions.com/MerrickInc* and everyone 18 years of age and older is invited. All you will need to participate is an email address so that in the case that you wish to place a bid you can create an account.

Here's a sneak peak at some of items being auctioned off this year.

Skin Care Gift Basket Donated By Advanced Dermatology Care

Minnesota Timberwolves Tickets Donated By Larry & Amanda Konsterlie

2020 MN Lynx Autographed Basketball Donated By Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx

Surly Brewing Swag Bag Donated By Surly Brewing Co.

Golf Foursome with Carts Donated By Troy Burne Golf Club

*Auction items for the 2021 event have not been added to the auction website yet.

After staying safe at home for a whole year due to COVID-19, David was overjoyed to finally be allowed to leave the sanctuary of his house. He was excited by the prospect of meeting new people, volunteering in the community, and just getting out and about again, but he also knew he couldn’t do these things alone. After hearing about Merrick, Inc., from his housemate, David decided to enroll at our Day Services program in North St. Paul.

In just a few short months at Merrick, David proved himself a great learner, a competitive spirit, and an excellent self-advocate. As one who is always up for a good challenge, he quickly mastered the art of sewing face masks and established himself as a worthy opponent for anyone interested in a game of Bingo or Uno. David’s daring and independent nature constantly pushes him to try new things and seek new ways of being involved.

His Direct Support Professional (DSP) staff quickly noted how David always makes a concerted effort to focus on his strengths rather than his weaknesses and yet at the same time never hesitates to ask for assistance when a task proves too difficult. According to David, his life’s mantra is, “When you focus on the good, the good gets better,” and he embodies that message wholeheartedly as those who know him best will often use words like “positive,” “friendly,” and “upbeat” to describe him.

Though he dreams of becoming a professional chef, David most enjoys listening to music, latch hooking, golfing, and going to the movies.

Since joining our NSP program, the staff at David's home have noticed a palpable shift in his mood as he returns from Merrick each day feeling ecstatic. Similarly, staff at Merrick have commented how working with him doesn’t feel like work at all. Supporting David is a bright spot in their day.

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 $80 per day, creating a $5 gap that when multiplied by 375 clients over 261 program 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 a whole month of services for one client. During any given month, clients at Merrick experience a variety of services: life enrichment activities that range from music therapy to art and horticulture; 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 that champion starting right now by making a monthly pledge that will have a lasting impact 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