Merrick Community Services

MISSION

The mission of Merrick Community Services is to improve the lives of the residents of the East Side of St. Paul by empowering individuals, strengthening families, and promoting their independence.

CORE VALUES

Individuality

We recognize each person’s unique needs and abilities.

Community

We capitalize on the organization’s talents, skills, and resources to adapt to changing needs in the community.

Empowerment

We encourage individuals and groups to act responsibly on behalf of themselves and our community.

Transparency

We value open and honest communication.

Integrity

We act with sincerity to honor the values of Merrick Community Services.

SERVICES & PROGRAMS

East Side Heritage Project enhances the academic and personal success of those children in our community who are impacted by racial disparities, particularly African American males. The East Side Heritage Project uses a multifaceted approach which addresses the emotional, physical and intellectual needs of African American youth ages 5-14 and their families. To provide effective and relevant services, MCS collaborates and partners with the African American Academy for Accelerated Learning, Network for the Development of Children of African Descent, Past Athletes Concerned about Education and Dr. Lucas Wanga. The core elements are life skills, mentoring, tutoring and cultural awareness. Critical to the success of participants is the engagement of parents in ESHP and their child’s education. Parent involvement includes parenting groups, workshops and leadership training.

Emergency Services MCS operates two food shelves that address the basic need for emergency food for families and individuals living on the East Side and parts of the East Metro.

Employment Services provides the following programs to support economic stability by enabling low income residents to get and keep jobs

• Job Bank MCS staff assists participants in resume building, job retention and job search. Training is offered in soft skills, interview skills, interpersonal communication and resolving conflict. A walk-in Resource Room is available daily for job search activities.
• Construction Training Program For the unemployed and under employed MCS offers a ten-week construction and environmental training program. MCS staff recruits, trains, places and tracks forty students a year. Additional instruction includes life skills, which address the common barriers to success and long-term employment. MCS staff works with local contractors to place graduates in construction jobs.

Family Services offers a variety of programs to strengthen and promote healthy families.

• Family Support uses a strength-based approach that includes teaching, coaching, modeling and advocacy. Through home-based services the Family Worker and family collaborate to develop a case plan by setting goals that support and strengthen family relationships. Workers connect families to resources in the community that will address their immediate needs and assist them in working towards their short and long term goals.
• Parenting Education and Groups MCS offering a variety of classes, workshops and support groups dealing with parenting, child development, domestic violence, and other issues.
• Family Gatherings MCS believes that one of the keys to healthy families is having fun together. To provide families with this opportunity, we offer Family Fun Nights.
• Merrick Parents in Action is a community leadership group training for parents.

Senior Services is a program dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults. Services are designed to help seniors maintain independence, stretch their finances, learn new skills, make new friends and enjoy life. Programming includes:

• Three food programs: Meals on Wheels, Brown Bag, Food for Life
• Chore Service includes light housekeeping, snow shovelling and yard work.
• Social groups and special events to reduce isolation

Youth Services provides after-school and summer programming for youth ages 5-14 and includes academic enrichment, leadership and life skills, arts and crafts and field trips. During the school year children receive an after school snack and an evening meal through Kids Cafe. Summer lunch is provided to community youth in partnership Saint Paul Public Schools.

Annual Agency Events

• Holiday Sharing assists families with food and toys during the holiday season.
• Community Picnics and Events MCS holds two community picnics for Eastside residents and cultural celebrations.
• A Toast to MERRICK MCS' annual wine tasting with hors d'oeuvres and silent auction, benefitting all programs and services.