Our mission is “To empower adults with disabilities through vocational and social opportunities, and to guide them toward realizing their goals and dreams”; and is grounded in the core beliefs of self-determination, economic fairness, and civic responsibility.

We are a human services organization that began in 1964 and now supports over 350 clients, employs over 140 staff, and coordinates services throughout the twin cities metropolitan area from our wonderful building in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota.

The following are examples of how donations will benefit clients in our program:

• Resources to discover each individual’s preferred work capabilities;
• Support for client self-advocacy groups, conferences, and political activities;
• Additional staff to procure work, train clients, and provide intermittent support;
• Specialized equipment to enhance programs and improve transportation safety; and
• Therapeutic programs like horticulture, pet, art, music, & assistive technology, etc.

Recent results include:

• Discovery process has already connected 11 clients to people in their community not paid to support them;
• 37 self-advocates served on Committees/Boards, 79 voted (48 first time), and 46 were active in legislative activities;
• 88% of the survey responses indicated that clients were satisfied with the amount of money they earned;
• 99% of the survey responses indicated that clients felt services were received at a place that was clean and safe; and
• 99% of the survey responses indicated that clients would recommend Merrick to someone seeking similar services.