[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE STAFF OF MERRICK, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the staff of 
Merrick Incorporated, past and present, on the occasion of its 50th 
anniversary. Since this private, non-profit organization was founded in 
1964, it has served as a shining example of leadership and progressive 
commitment to advancing the quality of life of those with intellectual 
or developmental disabilities.
  Merrick Community Center first opened to serve fifteen young adults 
with intellectual and developmental disabilities to supplement the 
services provided by public schools. As the center grew in size, the 
volunteers and staff members recognized that these young adults had an 
interest in working and many skills to offer employers. Merrick 
Community Center began working tirelessly to partner with businesses 
and clients to provide valuable employment opportunities for these 
young adults.
  Since it was founded, Merrick Community Center and Daytime Activity 
Center has grown into a non-profit charitable corporation with two 
program sites. More than one hundred professional staff are dedicated 
to providing necessary support for over 375 adults with developmental 
and intellectual disabilities. As Merrick, Inc. has expanded, the 
community around them has also seen great advances and growth. Through 
day training and habilitation, adult day services and the Ticket-to-
Work program, young adults at Merrick, Inc. build personal and 
professional relationships, actively engage in their communities, and 
lead more self-determined lives.
  Mr. Speaker, during the last 50 years, Merrick, Inc. has worked 
towards improving the quality of life for every person who passes 
through their doors. The families and communities of Minnesota have 
been empowered and advanced as a result of this remarkable 
organization. In honor of the 50th anniversary of Merrick, it is a 
privilege to recognize the great work of the many dedicated employees, 
as well as those whose lives have been enriched through job skills and 
career training.

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