Meet Mike Greenbaum
Published August 29, 2025
On July 1, 2025, Mike Greenbaum became the Executive Director of Merrick, Inc. Having previously worked at Merrick, and later at its transportation partner, Newtrax, Mike is a familiar face to many long-time employees, which has helped make the transition a smooth one. To help those who may not know Mike well get to know him better, we asked him a few questions.
What are you most looking forward to as Executive Director of Merrick, Inc.?
There are two things I’m most excited about in returning to Merrick. First, I’ve truly missed being around our clients on a daily basis. At the heart of why we work here is our shared care and passion for the individuals we serve, and I’ve missed that day-to-day interaction.
Second, I’m energized by the opportunity to work alongside our incredible program staff. Their impact on the lives of our clients is profound, and supporting them in their work is one of my top priorities. It’s inspiring to witness the difference they make on a daily basis.
How do you feel your previous work experience prepared you for this new role?
I feel so fortunate to come into this position with the background I do with Merrick. I had the privilege of learning from many exceptional leaders in my prior time at Merrick including John Wayne Barker and Colleen Timbers, who helped shape my understanding of what truly matters in this work. To have the relationships that I already do with clients, staff, and management is such an advantage. Also, to be able to come into a leadership position for a company that has so many positive things going for it is a rare opportunity. My time at Merrick, combined with the past 13 years as Executive Director of Newtrax, taught me that when we stay focused on helping our clients achieve their goals and dreams, everything else tends to fall into place.
What long-term goals do you have for Merrick?
My long term goal is to continue to strive to make Merrick a better organization tomorrow than it is today. We can only do that one day at a time.
Describe any hobbies, interests, etc.
My greatest joy comes from spending time with my family. I have four kids—the youngest are twins who just started college—and three younger stepchildren. I truly value my time with my wife, kids, and mom.
Outside of family, I also work as a statistician for the Timberwolves and Lynx, which is a fun and rewarding way to stay connected to my love of sports.
Anything else about yourself that you want others to know?
I’m honored and excited to be back at Merrick. I want to extend my thanks to John Wayne Barker for his remarkable leadership over the past 27 years. His legacy is one I hope to build upon as we move forward.

Willow Lake Gets a Kiln
Published August 25, 2025
When Merrick leased the space that would become the Willow Lake Boulevard (WLB) site in 2022, employees were invited to help reimagine it as a remarkable life enrichment program. From the very beginning, it was always the collective dream to install a ceramic kiln to bring the Pottery and Paint Studio to life. This summer, that long-held dream became reality – thanks to generous funding from the Royal Credit Union Foundation.
Before the arrival of the kiln, WLB worked exclusively with air-dry clay. While clients enjoyed the creative process, employees recognized its limitations: it lacked durability, was not food safe, and could not be made waterproof. Plans to acquire a kiln began as early as 2023, but the installation process proved more complex than expected, resulting in a long delay.
Since the kiln was installed at WLB, interest in pottery has surged. Clients who once showed little enthusiasm for the art form are now embracing it, discovering the benefits of having a kiln onsite. Unlike the fragile air-dry creations of the past, the kiln-fired pieces are durable and lasting, now treasured keepsakes that clients proudly share with friends and family. Resident pottery expert, Iris, shared her excitement in witnessing clients explore new levels of creativity, particularly through the creation of more functional pieces. Coffee mugs, cups, and bowls have become popular projects and are often used by clients during meals.
When we first envisioned what WLB could become three years ago, we had big dreams of building five specialized life enrichment studios: an arts and crafts studio, a pottery and paint studio, a music studio, a sewing studio, and a sensory studio. With the recent installation of the kiln, that vision has now been fully realized. This milestone marks not just the completion of a dream, but the beginning of new possibilities—and we’re excited to grow the program in the years ahead.

WLB Back-to-School Drive
Published August 20, 2025
For the second year in a row, Merrick’s Willow Lake Boulevard (WLB) site hosted a Back-to-School Drive, providing clients with an opportunity to support the community in a meaningful way.
Last year’s recipient of donations was Vadnais Heights Elementary School. Following research into lower-income neighborhoods, the WLB team selected Dayton’s Bluff Elementary in St. Paul as the recipient of this year’s donations. In a fitting coincidence, Program Plan Coordinator Donna Tate – who originally launched the Back-to-School Drive – was among the first students to attend Dayton’s Bluff when it opened in 1974.
For clients at WLB, the Back-to-School Drive is a chance to engage in community service. It is an opportunity to build connections, make new friends, and witness the direct impact of their generosity. When delivering donations to Dayton’s Bluff on August 26, clients were thrilled to see the gratitude on the faces of those receiving the supplies. They greeted school staff like old friends and eagerly posed for a group photo. To many clients, these weren’t strangers—they were simply friends they hadn’t met yet. And in many ways, they were right.
It’s efforts like the Back-to-School Drive that spark new partnerships—some of which grow into lasting relationships. A great example is Merrick’s Self-Advocacy program, which has proudly supported the Vadnais Heights Lions Club’s Holiday Toy and Food Drive for many years.
At Merrick, launching charitable initiatives is nothing new – civic responsibility has long been one of our core values, guiding how we connect with and contribute to our community. As the home of Merrick’s Life Enrichment Program, WLB is always looking for new ways to put this value into action. Whether through community service, charitable drives or participation in local events, WLB remains committed to deepening community engagement and making a positive impact.

I-Team Certified in Customized Employment
Published August 18, 2025
As part of our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional employment services, Merrick’s Independent Services team (I-Team) recently completed the Minnesota Customized Employment (MN-CE) training program and is now officially certified in Customized Employment (CE).
First, what is CE? CE is a person-centered approach that aligns job opportunities with the unique skills, interests, and needs of individuals with disabilities, as well as the specific needs of the employers. The CE process consists of three primary steps: discovery, job development, and employment support. The discovery phase acts as the foundation of the entire CE process.
The MN-CE training program consists of 40 hours of classroom instruction plus additional time outside of class for homework. A key requirement of the program is for each participant to develop a CE plan for a job seeker. This process involves interviewing members of the job seeker’s support team and observing the individual in their home, at work, and in other frequented settings. Participants then compile their findings to identify the job seeker’s needs, skills, strengths, and interests.
When asked about their biggest takeaways from the training, the I-Team emphasized how the CE process challenges them to look beyond surface-level information. It encourages deeper engagement with the job seeker and promotes creative thinking when identifying meaningful employment opportunities.
For example, as a part of her homework, Merrick’s Career Exploration Counselor, Sandy Olson, chose to work with Kate, a client from one of our off-site work crews – a person she has worked with previously. Before the training, Sandy believed she knew Kate quite well. But by applying the CE process, she gained a completely new perspective and a deeper understanding of Kate’s abilities and potential.
For an organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities find and maintain meaningful employment, this level of insight is invaluable. We’re excited to see how the CE process will further enhance our ability to support clients in finding not just any job—but the job they truly want and deserve.

Recycling Program Expands
Published August 14, 2025
In recent months, Merrick’s Off-Site Services launched a second recycling crew, bringing our total number of recycling crews across Enhanced and Off-Site Services to five. Providing meaningful employment for 20 clients, these crews collect plastic and blue wrap from local businesses and hospitals. Working alongside our on-site baling crew, they divert one million pounds of plastic from landfills every year!
At Merrick, we offer diverse work options tailored to clients’ unique strengths and preferred work styles. Hence, the launch of a new crew represents more than just a program expansion – it opens doors for more clients to discover meaningful work. For instance, working on a recycling crew is an excellent opportunity for those who thrive in physically active roles, enabling them to work in a way that aligns with their interests and abilities.
Like many of our initiatives, Merrick’s Plastic Recycling Program is a true team effort – made possible through the collaboration of our production team, program team and crews, and valued community business partners. Currently, 190 customers utilize Merrick’s Plastic Recycling Services on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or on-call basis. As the program grows, we are always seeking new partners to help expand this important initiative and open the door to even more employment opportunities for clients. If you are interested in utilizing Merrick’s Plastic Recycling Services, contact Marissa Jenson at marissaj@merrickinc.org or (651) 789-6218.

Appointment of Merrick’s Next Executive Director
Published April 25, 2025
Dear Friends of Merrick, Inc.,
The Board of Trustees is delighted to announce that, after an extensive and thorough search process, we have appointed Mike Greenbaum as our organization’s next Executive Director. This decision marks a pivotal moment in our journey, and we are enthusiastic about the future that lies ahead.
Mike began his career in the disability services field in 2000, when he joined Merrick, Inc., in a fundraising and CFO role. He left in 2014 to be the Executive Director of Newtrax, Inc., which is a nonprofit that provides transportation services to adults with disabilities, including many of our clients. Recognized as a leader in disability transportation services, and with his longstanding connection to Merrick, Mike brings with him a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to our mission, and a record of success and achievement that we believe will drive our organization forward. We are confident that under his leadership, we will continue to make a profound impact in our community and in the disability sector.

The process to select our new Executive Director was conducted with the utmost diligence and care to identify the best candidate to lead our organization into the future. To ensure a thorough, objective, and thoughtful selection process, the Board formed a search committee that included trustees as well as family members. They then enlisted Brad Ballinger from Cincinnatus, an experienced nonprofit recruitment consultant, to assist. A detailed job profile was created with input from key stakeholders to attract strong, diverse candidates. A broad search was conducted, followed by a rigorous evaluation and interview process, and after reviewing top candidates, the Board unanimously approved the appointment of Mike as the new Executive Director.
Mike will begin transitioning to Merrick on May 19th and will be in his position as Executive Director on Monday, June 16th. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to this nearly 12-month process. Special thanks go to the Executive Director Search Committee as well as Brad Ballinger.
Transitions are rarely easy, but we are excited about the journey ahead. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our organization. Together, we will continue to fulfill our mission to empower adults with disabilities through vocational and social opportunities and to guide them toward realizing their goals and dreams.
Respectfully,
The Board of Trustees
Merrick, Inc.
Merrick Employees Spread Holiday Cheer
Published March 3, 2025
In 2021, Lynn Lomen took the lead on Merrick’s Vadnais Heights (VH) Holiday Adopt-A-Family Initiative, where employees adopt families from Vadnais Heights Elementary School during the holiday season and provide gifts to help brighten their celebrations. Here’s what Lynn had to say when asked a few questions about the initiative and its importance.
What prompted you to take the lead on this initiative?
I started working at Merrick in 2015. The VH Holiday Adopt-A Family Initiative, lead by Judy Vollbrecht, had been going on for quite some time by then (I believe that it started in 2009). The core group that helped her each year brought such dedication to making the holidays wonderful for the VH families that were entrusted to them from the VH Elementary School. I was eager to get involved and excited to participate with them. When Judy retired in 2021, Ruth Barrett and I wanted to make sure that the initiative continued.

Why is it important to you that this initiative continue?
I think it is important to continue to sponsor the families every year because we are blessed with so much, and we want to share that with families that may not have as much as we do. It also gives employees of Merrick the opportunity to work together and build meaningful relationships. This initiative gives anyone the chance to donate money if they choose, spend time doing something for someone in need and share the joy of the season with their co-workers.
What is the best part about your role as the lead on this initiative?
The best part about my role is that I get to share in the laughter, shopping, music, treats and excitement with my co-workers. When the shoppers go out to fulfill the wishes of the families, they come back so happy to show other shoppers their bargains. Then, when we get together to wrap all the treasures, everyone is so excited and amazed at how beautiful the packages look. Many shoppers and/or wrappers have said that they wish they could be a fly on the wall when the families get their gifts, that just to see their faces would be amazing.
How has Merrick/Merrick employees supported you in your role as the lead?
Merrick and employees have supported this initiative by generously donating their own money to be able to purchase the gifts. Merrick has a match of up to $400.00 to help make it possible to fill out the wish lists of each family member. Charitable Gambling employees also get involved in donating for the presents, and Wendy Busch (CG) always contributes a check to each family for their Holiday meal or whatever is needed. We are also supported by those that come to help with the wrapping and making such beautiful “Towers” for each member of the families. Last year, we had so many helpers that it only took about an hour to get the wrapping done; that was amazing.
Why do you believe that it is important for Merrick to take action that contributes to the common good?
We have a core belief at Merrick about Civic Responsibility. Many of the employees have such compassion for not only our clients and each other, but they care a great deal for the families that VH Elementary sends us. The holiday season can be hard not only financially but also emotionally; I notice that so many of our employees want to participate in making the holidays wonderful for others. I believe that they want to participate in making the lives of complete strangers better and this makes their holiday season better. We have amazing people that work for Merrick; their hearts are so giving to other staff as well as to our clients. I feel so lucky to be part of a company that has such beautiful people working for it.
Alternative Services Reopens
Published January 30, 2025
When Merrick’s Willow Lake Boulevard site opened in November 2022, clients receiving life enrichment services were relocated to the new building, leaving the Alternative Services (AS) area at 3210 Labore Road vacant. Without an immediate plan for the vacant space, it was primarily used for recreational purposes over the next two years as a new purpose for AS was explored.
Renovations to the space would begin in August 2024, and were completed in November, at which point, Alternative Services reopened with an updated design and focus. Today, Alternative Services provides support to clients with a lower staffing ratio (1:4) who are seeking opportunities for both employment and leisure activities. Capable of serving up to 32 clients, the newly renovated space is well-suited for those who thrive in a smaller, quieter working environment.
