Merakey

A Tovertafel has recently been installed at Slippery Rock Program Center, and it has been a huge hit. A Tovertafel or "Magic Table" is a games console designed for use in healthcare settings and was developed for people with cognitive challenges in care facilities and schools. Individuals and staff love playing the games on it and interacting with each other while they gather around the table. Whack-a-Mole, Soccer, and the Fish games seem to be the most popular. The best thing about the Tovertafel is that everyone can enjoy time together while having fun and working on their hand-eye coordination. The only problem is finding enough time in the day for everyone to enjoy it!

Slippery Rock Program Instructor Danielle Mitchell threw a Super Lucious Luau Party for Bonnie’s 79th birthday last month. 🎉 Bonnie absolutely loved the party. Her guests played Pin the Coconut on the Palm tree, did the limbo, danced the hula, and made Tiki treat bags. Bonnie was excited to receive gifts from her guests, and everyone loved helping make and eat Hawaiian shaved ice. 🌴

🎆 Happy Fourth of July from Merakey!

Cheyan and Jessica from Malcolm home recently enjoyed Mr. Messado's School of Magic show at Liberty Magic Theater as part of the Children's International Theater Festival. They also received autographs and pictures with Mr. Messado after the show. 🎩

The behavioral health Case Management and Peer Support programs at Merakay Delaware County recently hosted their first Physical Health Awareness Day. The event focused on individuals’ well-being and how they can take proactive measures to protect their health. The team offered a variety of screenings and assessments to include blood pressure, waist circumference, weight, and BMI. All of the individuals left the event knowing their numbers and ways to maintain or improve them. Together the teams are taking control of their physical well-being to live longer and healthier.

Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July and is an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. Why July? It marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark legislation that broke down barriers to inclusion in society. Click here to learn why it is important and how to celebrate Disability Pride Month: https://ow.ly/CGc050St0oj.

Merakey is proud to congratulate the graduating class of 2024! Eight Merakey Education Centers from Children and Family Services in Pennsylvania celebrated the accomplishments of 16 students this month. Their teachers and staff wish all of them the very best of luck as they embark on their next journey. 🎓

Congratulations to Merakey USA Board Member Stephen MacCarthy on his recent appointment to Interim Vice President of Communications at University of Pennsylvania! Having held the position of Vice President of University Communications from 2011 to 2023, Penn is very fortunate to benefit from Stephen’s expertise and experience once again. The Merakey family is thrilled for Stephen as he and his colleagues prepare for a new academic year!  

Individuals from the Food Prep area at Edward J. Zapp Center are caring for tomato plants at the Coraopolis Food Bank Community Garden. They take time to plant, weed, and water the plants regularly. Raising the tomatoes from small seedlings to full sized plants help the individuals see growth in the world around them as well as in themselves. 🍅

Merakey AVS participants Janna and Liz recently visited the Aviary in Pittsburgh to explore one of their animal encounter experiences. Both Janna and Liz held and fed a Rainbow Lorikeet. Both ladies really enjoyed this experience and Janna commented with surprise, “Was the bird really walking on my arm?” She also shared that she could hear how loud the birds were and asked many great questions about the Lorikeet.