3/26/2020 – Updated Program Information
In response to the growing concern over COVID-19, Merrick suspended our services on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. This was done to follow the MN Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control’s guidance on social distancing in an effort to “flatten the curve.”
In advance of suspending services, we prepared to support group homes and business partners with their immediate needs. Thankfully, Governor Walz’s Emergency Executive Order streamlined the process for us to provide staffing support to the group homes where many clients in our program live. We are currently supporting several group homes and business partners to address their increased staffing and distribution needs.
Some Merrick staff are working remotely; many others are not working while they care for family members or children that are suddenly distance learning, and many others are on temporary furlough and applying for unemployment. Although we have remained busy, it is just not the same—and everyone is very much looking forwarding to reestablishing our regular routines and welcoming the clients back to Merrick!
As you know, the situation is changing rapidly, and on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, Governor Walz issued a “Stay at Home” order for Minnesota, beginning March 27, 2020 through April 10, 2020. Therefore, Merrick’s temporary service suspension will continue through April 10, 2020. We will be continue to monitor guidance from state and federal leadership during this time and resume services when our leadership team deems it is appropriate under the guidance available at that time.
We thank you for your support and encouragement during this nationwide event. Many have reached out to state and federal leaders to make sure that people with disabilities and the organizations that support them are not left behind. We appreciate your advocacy. Please check back here and our social media channels for the latest calls for legislative advocacy and program updates. In the meantime, there are many important ways that you can support Merrick during the COVID-19 crisis.
Welcome to Merrick, Inc.!
Merrick, Inc., has proudly provided life enrichment activities and meaningful work to adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) in the Northeastern Twin Cities since 1964. We are wayfinders, connecting clients to businesses and our local communities.
