Navigator | Issue 53 | September 2025 | | |
In this issue of Merrick's Navigator ... |
- Meet Mike Greenbaum
- Willow Lake Gets a Kiln
- I-Team Certified in Customized Employment
- Recycling Program Expands
- You're Cordially Invited: Empower! Lunch
- Mark Your Calendars: Online Auction
- WLB Back-to-School Drive
- The Active Retiree | Arlene's Story
Our mission is to empower adults with disabilities through vocational and social opportunities, and to guide them toward realizing their goals and dreams.
|
| | | On July 1, 2025, Mike Greenbaum became the Executive Director of Merrick, Inc. Having previously worked at Merrick, and later at its transportation partner, Newtrax, Mike is a familiar face to many long-time employees, which has helped make the transition a smooth one. To help those who may not know Mike well get to know him better, we asked him a few questions. | | | | When Merrick leased the space that would become the Willow Lake Boulevard (WLB) site in 2022, employees were invited to help reimagine it as a remarkable life enrichment program. From the very beginning, it was always the collective dream to install a ceramic kiln to bring the Pottery and Paint Studio to life. This summer, that long-held dream became reality - thanks to generous funding from the Royal Credit Union Foundation. | | | | As part of our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional employment services, Merrick’s Independent Services team (I-Team) recently completed the Minnesota Customized Employment (MN-CE) training program and is now officially certified in Customized Employment (CE). | | | | In recent months, Merrick’s Off-Site Services launched a second recycling crew, bringing our total number of recycling crews across Enhanced and Off-Site Services to five. Providing meaningful employment for 20 clients, these crews collect plastic and blue wrap from local businesses and hospitals. Working alongside our on-site baling crew, they divert one million pounds of plastic from landfills every year! | | |
Everyone is welcome to join us for Merrick's Empower! Lunch on Thursday, September 18, at Vadnais Heights Commons. This free lunch event will feature Richard Herod III as keynote speaker, who will speak on the topic of "Fractional Happiness" and share his journey of recovery after surviving a horrific car accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury.
To provide an accurate headcount for catering, guests must register online by September 11.
We look forward to seeing you there!
| | |
September 18, 2025
11:30 am-1:00 pm
Vadnais Heights Commons
655 E County Rd F
Vadnais Heights, MN
Free Registration
Donation requested at event
Contact Us
Megan Kuneli
(651) 789-6207
megank@merrickinc.org
| | |
Merrick's Autumn Online Auction returns from Wednesday, November 5, through Thursday, November 13.
From sports tickets and fine jewelry to hotel getaways, wine, and more, you'll find the perfect holiday gifts while supporting our programs for adults with disabilities. With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s a great time to check off your gift list—and feel good doing it.
Stay tuned for more details in upcoming emails, including how to preview items and place your bids starting on November 5.
| | |
Item Donors
• BMO Harris
• Children's Theatre Company
• Drury Hotels
• History Theatre
• Loffler Companies
• Mixed Blood Theatre
• Museum of Russian Art
• Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
• Running Aces Casino, Hotel, & Racetrack
• Science Museum of Minnesota
• and more!
| | | | For the second year in a row, Merrick's Willow Lake Boulevard (WLB) site hosted a Back-to-School Drive, providing clients with an opportunity to support the community in a meaningful way. | | | | After 15 years of working as an assembler at Merrick’s onsite production facility, Arlene retired in December of 2023. Instead of retirement marking the end of her journey with Merrick, Arlene transferred to our Life Enrichment Program on Willow Lake Boulevard just a mile down the street. | | |
"Have you ever had good intentions to give to a non profit but simply forgot? I have and that is why I love the monthly giving program at Merrick. It’s easy and I can adjust my level of giving whenever I wish. I am so grateful to Merrick for the amazing services they provide my daughter and others. I am honored to serve on Merrick’s board and know your contributions will make an impact. Don’t wait, sign up today!" - Diane Kozlak, Merrick Trustee
Did you know that Merrick has a monthly giving program? Merrick’s monthly giving program, Champions’ Club, offers supporters an easy, convenient, flexible, and impactful way to make a difference at Merrick.
-
Easy - It only takes a few minutes to sign up online using a credit card. If you prefer your monthly gift to be charged to your checking account, please call (651) 789-6207.
-
Convenient - Once you sign up, your gift will be automatically charged to your account each month on the same date as your initial pledge, unless otherwise specified. This way, you’ll never have to worry about missing a payment or forgetting to donate.
-
Flexible - You can adjust, pause, or cancel your monthly gift at any time. We understand that your personal circumstances may change, impacting on your ability to contribute monthly.
-
Impactful - In just one year, your monthly gift, no matter the size, will have a meaningful impact. For example, a monthly donation of $15 adds up to $180 annually. Considering that the average daily government reimbursement is $75 per client, while the actual cost of services is $80, your $180 helps close the gap for 36 days of client services.
By becoming a monthly donor and joining Merrick's Champions' Club, you will be supporting Merrick’s mission and championing the rights of individuals with disabilities to live their best lives. Together, we can ensure that clients have ongoing access to the support services they need to reach their full potential as valued members of their community, allowing others to recognize them for the true champions they are.
| |
| How did you like this email? | | | | | | |
