FROM THE SETTLEMENT HOUSE MOVEMENT TO TODAY, MERRICK HOUSE HAS KEPT PACE WITH OUR COMMUNITIES’ NEEDS

When East Central European immigrants first came to the west side of Cleveland, they found a welcome at Merrick House. In the early 1900’s, families who lived in this congested area struggled with poverty and isolation. Merrick House brought them hope and desperately needed services during this progressive era that spurred America’s “settlement house” movement.

Founded under the auspices of the National Catholic War Council in 1919 as part of their post-war reconstruction work, Merrick House began in a simple storefront building on Starkweather Avenue in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood. Immigrants flocked here for English classes, reliable child care, recreation and neighborhood clubs.

The name “Merrick House” was chosen to honor Mary Merrick, the founder of the Christ Child Society, who was a supporter of this new settlement house. With the help of Catholic Charities, the original building was rebuilt at the same site in 1949. In the 1950s, Hispanics began moving into the neighborhood so Merrick House adapted its programming to meet the needs of these new bilingual neighbors. Beginning in the 1960s, Merrick House began adding additional programs at sites to the west of Tremont.

As the needs of our communities have changed, Merrick House has evolved the programming provided, always keeping our mission at heart. Current core service areas of the organization include Early Childhood Education, Youth Leadership and Development, Adult Learning and Career Readiness, Recreation, and our MomsFirst program for at-risk pregnant women.

As we look to the future, we continue to assess the challenges and opportunities presented to our communities and are always exploring new ways to engage, educate and empower people who we are proud to call our neighbors.