Take the Virtual Tour
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Our Sponsor for Bowl-A-Thon 2012
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Did you know?
In 2011, Merrick's recycling program and crew of 25 clients processed 696,000 pounds of plastic bags and film. This is the equivalent of diverting 30 million standard plastic grocery sacks from the landfills!
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Feedback
We value your feedback. Please let us know how we can improve this newsletter, or if you have suggestions for future articles or content, contact our communications specialist at EmberlyHJ@MerrickInc.org or by phone at 651-789-6216.
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We partner with: Kowalski's Markets
An ongoing partnership with local family-owned gourmet grocer, Kowalski's Markets, supports clients with work crews in four of their stores and a generous matching grant for the 2011 Give to the Max Day campaign. Please support the businesses that support our mission. Learn more at www.kowalskis.com
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Thank You!
Thank you for your continued support of Merrick, Inc., and our mission to empower adults with disabilities through vocational and social opportunities, and to guide them toward realizing their goals and dreams.
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 Welcome to our newsletter! |
Greetings!
We are pleased to kick off 2012 with the addition of this e-newsletter, Navigator, that we will publish around the middle of each month to keep you informed on things happening at Merrick. We hope you will come along as we navigate our way through the stories of our organization and the amazing clients and dedicated staff that strive daily to make our mission come to life.
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Virtual Tour unveiled on Merrick's website
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Horticulture Therapy is one area highlighted in the Virtual Tour
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The Virtual Tour element, now live on Merrick's website, is the latest addition to the communications toolbox supporting our company's goal to maximize the visibility, outreach, and contributions of Merrick in the community.
The Virtual Tour is exactly what it sounds like a "virtual tour" of Merrick's facilities and programs. The tour takes visitors through 14 different areas within Merrick. Each area or "pin drop" is part of our larger story and illustrated with bullet points and a combination of video, still images, and/or website links.
Merrick's Board of Trustees member Jamey Austad of Dala Ad Agency worked on the technology and programming behind the interactive element. Jamey's efforts alongside project manager Kristi Hamilton, Merrick's communications consultant, make it possible for prospective clients, family members, business partners, and/or donors to get a feel for who we are and what we are about through the wonder of technology.
Clients and staff are heavily featured in the videos and photo galleries that make up the 14 pin drops. Plans are in the works to add additional areas covering information on the Commons and Newtrax.
Experience the Virtual Tour at this link: www.merrickinc.org/virtual-tour.html
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Bowl-A-Thon 2012 rolls closer
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Trebor, a client of Merrick, at last year's Bowl-A-Thon
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The annual fundraising event that brings joy to all involved is less than two weeks away.
"This event is two-hours of non-stop smiling for me," relates Merrick, Inc.'s Executive Director John Wayne Barker, "Watching clients of Merrick having a great time bowling side by side with other participants and sponsors, our donors and cheerleaders perusing the silent auction, and getting to socialize with staff and their families, while we are raising money to support our mission makes for an incredible morning. It is easily one of my favorite days of the entire year."
Client participation packets have been distributed and pledges are coming in. Scholarships for clients are always appreciated! $100 secures your participation in the event.
For registration and/or donation, contact Jo Ann Lizakowski at JoAnnL@MerrickInc.org or by phone at 651-789-6207.
For more information visit: www.merrickinc.org/bowl Let the good times roll at Bowl-A-Thon 2012!
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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT | Nick M. | Kowalski's Work Crew
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Nick M. has a wide grin on his face as he talks about his new found independence. "I can go to bed when I want", he reports "I also haven't missed any scheduled days of work." Nick who is part of the work crew at the Eagan location of Kowalski's Market is thankful for his recent transition to a more
independent living arrangement. In an agreement with local
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Nick at work
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social service organization, MTF, Nick and his roommate are enjoying life and activities such as bowling, basketball, grocery shopping, and going to the library to use the Internet. "It is pretty cool" says Nick.
Nick's coworkers at Kowalski's heard about the big move from his mom's home to his new apartment for many weeks in advance of the big day and because they treasure Nick, decided to pool funds together on housewarming gifts for him. A group of employees from the Starbuck's Coffee Shop within the Eagan location of Kowalski's presented Nick with a card, photo frame and lamp for his new digs. Nick likes working at Kowalski's because the job provides him with "a lot of variety". He is going on his fourth year with the local grocer and recently received a raise. He plans to save for a home computer and other living expenses at his new place. Nick's story helps illustrate that when the right supports are in place, fabulous outcomes can be achieved!
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