Fairport proudly announces Merrick House as our 9th annual Community Beacon recipient. In keeping with our core purpose of Inspiring Families, we will provide meaningful resources to raise awareness and further the organization’s mission of helping individuals and families improve their lives. Merrick House offers programs and interconnected community support through its vibrant neighborhood center in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood.
“We are honored to be Fairport’s Community Beacon Recipient,” said Merrick House Executive Director Michelle Curry. “It is my esteemed pleasure to lead this illustrious organization in its Centennial year. I am fortunate to work in partnership with leadership and employees who are committed to uplifting and enriching the lives of others. In the Settlement House tradition, we honor our legacy of providing a continuum of programs to educate and empower individuals and families.”
Enriching the Lives of Children
The organization’s Five-Star Quality Rated, Universal Pre-Kindergarten designated Early Childhood Education Program encompasses full-day child care with a play-based curriculum to promote development and kindergarten readiness for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. A focus on leadership, entrepreneurship and post-secondary readiness frame Merrick House’s After-School Youth Program where children ages 6 through 18 experience social and emotional support, educational enrichment and learn healthy decision making skills.
Throughout 2019, the Fairport team will volunteer onsite to provide mentorship, one-on-one interactions and engage with youth programs.
Empowering Adults
In addition to impacting children and youth, Merrick House’s services include the MomsFirst Program for Pregnant Women with the goal of reducing infant mortality in the city of Cleveland. Participants are partnered with a Community Health Worker who performs in-home visits while offering educational and support services with the goal of helping women deliver and raise healthy babies.
Ohio’s ASPIRE Program prepares those who understand that completing high school equivalency can provide more opportunities in life. Adults wishing to prepare for the General Education Diploma (GED), High School Equivalency Test (HISET) or Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) can access Merrick House’s trained educational professionals for tutoring and test preparation.
As part of its commitment to Merrick House, Fairport will conduct workshops designed to help adults increase their own financial skills and increase their abilities to raise financially responsible children.
Engaging the Community
Merrick House is the neighborhood center for recreational activities for youth and adults. Participants enjoy supervised activities including martial arts, summer camps, basketball leagues, music therapy and adult exercise classes, all designed to support the community and inspire its residents to lead active healthy lives.
“As a ten-year board member of Merrick House, I have witnessed amazing transformations as individuals and families grow and learn through the organizations’s many programs and services,” said Fairport Partner Peter DeVito. “It is a privilege and an honor to be associated with such a passionate organization that inspires all of us to help others succeed in life.”
In 2019, to raise awareness, celebrate success and look to the future, Fairport will serve as the title sponsor for Merrick House’s 100th Anniversary Celebration, Merrick Rocks the House. This gala event, planned for May 18, 2019, will bring together community leaders, donors and Merrick House participants to showcase the organization’s success in every aspect of community life.
Fairport stands firmly committed to Merrick House and we look forward to being a visible presence as the organization moves into their next 100 years.
