The Merakey Foundation
The mission of the Merakey Foundation is to raise awareness and financial support for the children and adults supported by Merakey and to provide staff with the tools and resources necessary to better serve and maximize the potential of all individuals in Merakey programs.
Message from Mike Mitchell, Chairman of the Merakey Foundation Board of Directors
On behalf of the Merakey Foundation Board of Directors and the programs that benefit from the generous support of our contributors, I want to say thank you! As a contributor to the Foundation, you have displayed your commitment to the mission, vision, and core values that represent Merakey. Your contributions continue to allow the Foundation to be the safety net for many programs where funding falls short.
This year, the Merakey Foundation welcomed a Junior Board of Directors to broaden our fundraising efforts with new and innovative ideas. The members come from a variety of backgrounds and professions; each possessing the critical leadership skills and business acumen along with a deep compassion and desire to give back. We are grateful to have them on our team to help promote the work of the Merakey Foundation. Click here to learn more about the Junior Board of Directors. We continue to be encouraged by your dedication, compassion and partnership to help over 50,000 consumers and their families throughout the Merakey continuum of care, all of whom have been invaluably affected by your selflessness. As Merakey expands their footprint across the nation, there is a lot more to be done. Your support is vital for us to provide exceptional services to some of the most vulnerable individuals in our communities.
To learn more about the Foundation’s initiatives, projects the Foundation supports, and additional giving opportunities, please visit the Foundation page on the Merakey website, or contact the Foundation office at 610-260-4675 or Foundation@merakey.org. Thank you for putting your heart and soul into everything you do to support the Foundation and the individuals in Merakey’s care!
Sincerely,
Mike
Merakey Foundation Highlights
In 2018, our generous contributors helped to fund projects, equipment, and events across the company.
Honoring Veterans
Honoring Veterans at the Annual Red, White, and Blue BBQ
Sponsored by the Foundation, Veterans in our Fresh Start Programs are treated to a “Red, White, and Blue Barbeque” celebration to recognize their service and their bravery. Members of the Merakey leadership team roll up their sleeves to serve more than 160 delicious meals.
Expanding in Michigan
Expanding in Michigan
CEO Joe Martz visits with students and teachers at the Merakey Autism Center in Flint, MI. Foundation funds help purchase sensory equipment for this Center, and other Merakey sites. Sensory equipment and play helps children with autism to be calm, stimulate their senses, and develop important skills.
Laughter and Love
Laughter and Love: A Funny Fundraiser
The Merakey Foundation Junior Board presents their first fundraising event, a Night of Laughter and Love at the Helium Comedy Club in Philadelphia. The Merakey Foundation Junior Board presents their first fundraising event, a Night of Laughter and Love at the Helium Comedy Club in Philadelphia. Benefitting recovery scholarships for our Fresh Start program, the event raises over $18,000. The recovery scholarships help provide housing and supportive service programs for adults with a history of homelessness, chemical dependency, and varying degrees of behavioral health issues.
Health Fair
Merakey DE County Community Health Fair
Merakey Delaware County hosts their annual Community Health Fair, sponsored by the Foundation. The fair is an opportunity for individuals in the community to receive free health screenings, eat healthy foods, and visit with more than 45 vendors that provide literature on positive lifestyle tips and resources.
Foundation Grants
Merakey Foundation Receives Grants
Grants received this year by the Merakey Foundation provide important improvements to several programs and locations.
The Merakey Autism Center in Scranton, PA received a grant from Autism Speaks to acquire multi-sensory equipment. The grant was used to purchase sensory tools that will provide alternative and powerful forms of sensory stimulation for the students, The equipment is expected to encourage learning and creativity, as well as improve social relations and communications.
A grant from Partnership for Better Health went towards a new playground at the Merakey Autism Center in Carlisle, PA. The Partnership’s generous support helped to make a wish for a new playground a reality, not only for the students served by Merakey but also the community.
TD Charitable Foundation’s support is making it possible for Merakey Parkside Recovery in Philadelphia to establish a GED program and a computer lab to help members in recovery gain a high school degree, learn important employability skills, and search for employment. The goal is to provide members of the program with credentials and skills that will help them to be productive members of society.