Merrick Community Services - News

Report on HOLIDAY SHARE 2011

2011-07-22T19:21:14.467Z

THANK YOU for your wonderful support!

Merrick's Holiday Sharing Program served over 1000 families this past holiday season. A special thank you to all of our donors, business and corporate partners, community organizations, faith communities, families, individuals and volunteers who offered their time and donations of food, clothing, gift baskets, gift certificates, new unwrapped toys, games, check and cash donations in support of our Holiday Sharing Program 2011.

Thank you for making a difference for children, families and seniors

on Saint Paul's East Side!

Merrick Community Services, 1526 East Sixth Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106

Phone: 651-771-9339 or 651-771-8821

Contributions are tax deductable. Thank you for your support!

MERRICK IN THE NEWS!

2011-07-26T18:12:16.892Z

Merrick Selected as a Favorite Local Nonprofit!

Merrick Community Services was selected by KARE 11 as a favorite local nonprofit as part of KARE 11's "11-11-11" Celebration! Viewers were asked to recognize their favorite local non-profit organization by emailing an essay to the news station. Well over received essay s were received. Essays were selected and all day at 11 minutes after the hour on November 11, 2011, KARE 11 awarded $1,100 GiveMN.org giving cards to individuals for their favorite local nonprofit.

Merrick Community Services would like to thank all viewers who summited their essay's describing Merrick's mission and impact in the community, KARE 11 including project funders and partners; GiveMN.org, The Minneapolis Foundation and The St. Paul Foundation, an affiliate of Minnesota Philanthropy Partners and KARE 11's parent company, the Gannett Foundation.

Additional information and video available at: http://www.kare11.com/news/article/946031/391/Celebrate-11-11-11-with-KARE-11

Merrick On The Move: Big changes with a new facility and executive director

East Side Review, Vol 27, Number 39 Lillie Suburban Newspaper

by Kailtlyn Egan, News Editor

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Big changes are ahead of Merrick Community Services after the arrival of a new executive director in January, 2011

and the recent purchase of a new building on Railroad Island on September 2, 2011.

Full article available at:

http://www.eastsidereviewnews.com/main.asp?SectionID=64&SubSectionID=130&ArticleID=5596

Merrick Community Services Announces Move In St. Paul

Pioneer Press

Staff Report

Posted: 09/28/2011 12:01:00 AM CDT

Merrick Community Services, a provider of services to residents of St. Paul's East Side, including families and children, said it has purchased property at 600 Lafayette Road in St. Paul that will become its new home.

Full article available at:

http://www.twincities.com/ci_18995076?IADID=Search-www.twincities.com-www.twincities.com#

A New Face and A New Place:Merrick food shelf on the move

East Side Review, Vol 27, Number 33 Lillie Suburban Newspaper

by Kailtlyn Egan, News Editor

Sunday, September 11, 2011

At a time when local and national attention turns toward the rise in unemployment and chronic joblessness,

Merrick Community Services programs are providing essential services to those in need.

Full article available at:

http://www.eastsidereviewnews.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=5589&SectionID=64&SubSectionID=130&S=1

Merrick's Youth Program 2012

2011-06-27T12:42:11.184Z

Merrick's Youth Program provides area youth an opportunity to have fun while working on their leadership and teambuilding skills! Year-round programming is provided. For more information on current offerings and summer adventures, contact Andrea Jones and/or Dedric Payne, Youth Program Coordinators at 651-771-9339.

MERRICK SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM 2011

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Participants work in the Railroad Island garden, located in the heart of our East Side service area.

Below, participants spend an afternoon at Minnehaha Falls.

Employment at Merrick

2011-07-22T19:28:29.334Z

Immediate Opening! CONTACT WORKERS NEEDED FOR

SENIOR CHORE SERVICES!

Merrick Community Services is in need of contract workers willing to provide Winter seasonal services

such as snow shoveling for seniors on Saint Paul's East Side. If you are interested in applying, please contact

Jennifer Anton, Senior Services at 651-771-9339.

2011-06-15T18:54:12.758Z

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2011-02-02T13:29:59.906Z

GED Classes offered at MCS

2011-02-16T22:17:58.496Z

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2011-04-07T19:14:03.980Z

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2011-04-26T13:25:20.853Z

In early April, the Center to Protect Workers Rights (CPWR) held its annual workshop in Philadelphis, Pennslyvania. CPWR administers Merrick's funding for our Environmental Workers Training Program, (formerly known as the Brownsfield program.) This funding comes from from the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences

There are three environmental and construction training programs in the US. They are located in Palo Alto, CA, Saint Paul, MN and New Orleans, LA.

All training program staff were required to attend this National Conference, which was
held at the Philadelphia Convention Center. A variety of workshops on environmental clean up were held.
The Center to Protect Workers Rights annual began with an overview of all the requirements,
reports and documentation for 2011. On Wednesday the group met with the Environmental Justice Advisory Committee, the advisory committee to CPWR, and presented Powerpoints on the previous year’s training.

Above right, Leo Jackson, MCS employee, giving a brief presentation on the MCS 2010 graduating class of 25 participants.

MCS Executive Director to retire in 2011

2011-01-04T22:38:43.168Z

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A Toast to Merrick

2011-06-11T17:22:25.452Z

10th Annual Wine, Beer, Hors d’oeuvres Tasting
Thursday, September 29, 2011
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Clarence W. Wigington Pavilion on Harriet Island
Across the Mississippi River from downtown Saint Paul

Merrick Community Services invites you to an evening of music, wine, a silent auction, and favorite samplings from area restaurants.
Must be 21 to attend. Details to follow.

2011-06-11T17:32:45.146Z

MCS Celebrates Volunteers and 103 Years of Service

2011-06-02T19:51:06.924Z

June 1, 2011 marked 103 years of Merrick serving the East Side of Saint Paul. Kevin Martineau, Executive Director of American Indian Family Center was the keynote speaker. Board, staff and volunteers were recognized for their loyalty and commitment to the organization. Thanks to everyone who shared in the celebration. To view more photographs, visit us on Facebook.

At left: Award recipients (l-r) Greg Shipp, Jim Mueller, Joell Dixon, Ruth Anderson, Phillip Larkin, Jamie McNamara, Frank Gurney, Clyde Turner, Executive Director-Daniel A. Rodriguez and Board President-Matthew Warzala.

Long time Board member, Mary Cahill and Executive Director-Daniel A. Rodriguez.

Celebrating 103 Years of Service & Recognizing Our Volunteers

2011-05-06T14:46:44.266Z

Merrick will recognize the many volunteers who support this organization along with celebrating 103 years of service at their Annual Meeting on: Wednesday, June 1, 2011. The event takes place at the IBEW Electrician’s Hall – 1330 Conway Street, Saint Paul, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., with a program beginning at 6:15 p.m.
Guest Speaker—Kevin Martineau, Executive Director - American Indian Family Center.

Please RSVP by May 25th to: 651-771-8821. Donations welcome.
To RSVP electronically, contact info@merrickcs.org.

Merrick searches for Director of Development /Marketing

2011-05-16T15:09:29.048Z

With a new Executive Director in place at the beginning of the year, the organization is now directing its efforts towards finding a fundraising professional to add to their experienced leadership team. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a creative, innovative and talented fundraising leader to help shape and grow the organization’s overall development and marketing program. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position will be responsible for driving all aspects of Merrick's fundraising and marketing efforts to support individual major gifts, annual giving campaigns, special gift appeals and events, grants program; they will be accountable for developing and managing key relationships with corporations, foundations and civic organizations. This new role will have five near-term goals. http://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/job-details?id=44120

See full job description: Director of Development/Marketing Job Description

AgriBank FCB exceeds goal

2011-04-04T13:17:39.089Z

AgriBank CEO, Bill York (far left,) serving up ice cream sundaes to employees, at the final company event.

With Merrick's total figures being calculated, we wanted to share the results of one company's efforts. AgriBank FCB, located in downtown Saint Paul, spent the entire month with weekly events that encouraged as well as invited all of their employees to donate. The end result netted over $38,000 contributed directly to Merrick's East Side foodshelves. Thanks to the AgriBank planning committee: Anna Kincannon, Colleen Bresnahan, Crystal Kasmiskie, Frank Marchio, Jennifer Bormann, Jill Parupsky and Mary Pelstring. Thank you AgriBank!

Saint Paul Jaycees Spring Clean-Up @ Edgerton Street Site

2011-05-02T13:23:55.982Z

In pouring rain that seemed never to subside, wind speeds of 20 mph, and a temperature of 43 degrees, the Saint Paul Jaycees did their 10th Annual Spring Clean-Up on April 30th, at the Merrick Community Center on Edgerton Street. Trash was picked up, gardens were cleaned and fresh mulch was placed along the paths.

The Saint Paul Jaycees have made a commitment to Merrick Community Services through their spring and fall clean-up, along with hosting the Les Farrington holiday party for East Side families and children, which benefits Merrick participants.

Thank you Saint Paul Jaycees!

June 1, 2011 - Merrick Celebrates 103 Years of Service to the East Side of Saint Paul

2011-04-07T19:14:13.754Z

Merrick Community Services 103rd Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition takes place on Wednesday evening, June 1st, at the Electrician's Hall on Conway Street, in Saint Paul. The evening festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. Watch our website or visit us on Face Book, for more information.

Environmental Workers Training Program

2011-04-26T13:30:10.906Z

In early April, the Center to Protect Workers Rights (CPWR) held its annual workshop in Philadelphia, Pennslyvania. CPWR administers Merrick's funding for our Environmental Workers Training Program, (formerly known as the Brownsfield program.) This funding comes from from the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences.

There are three environmental and construction training programs in the US. They are located in Palo Alto, CA, Saint Paul, MN and New Orleans, LA.

All training program staff were required to attend this National Conference, which was held at the Philadelphia Convention Center. A variety of workshops on environmental clean up were held. The Center to Protect Workers Rights annual began with an overview of all the requirements, reports and documentation for 2011. On Wednesday the group met with the Environmental Justice Advisory Committee, the advisory committee to CPWR, and presented Powerpoints on the previous year’s training.

Above right, Merrick employee-Leo Jackson, giving a brief presentation on the Merrick, 2010 graduating class of 25 participants.

Bring Your Daughter & Son to Work - April 28th

2011-04-28T18:11:18.450Z

As part of this day long event, Travelers Companies, Inc., located downtown Saint Paul, had activities lined up for parents who brought their son or daughter to work. Amber Sherow, part of the planning committee for Travelers Companies, led the bagging of rice.

350 pounds of rice was purchased by the company with the kids bagging all of it up for Merrick foodshelves. This was an opportunity not only to see exactly what it is their parent does all day, but to get to know a different community than the one thy live in. Thank you Travelers, and thank you to Amber, who coordinated this effort on behalf of Merrick.

Support your local food shelf at Merrick Community Services

2011-03-17T13:03:51.399Z

MERRICK Community Services and MN Foodshare

During the month of March - Raising awareness of hunger issues throughout the state.

If you’ve considered making a contribution to a food shelf, March is the perfect time. The more food and money local shelves raise, the larger their allocation will be from the statewide campaign called MN Foodshare.
Merrick operates two food shelves serving the East Side of Saint Paul:

▪ 1575 Ames Avenue - Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday
▪ 1053 Hudson Road - Open Tuesday and Thursday

Hours at each location are: 9:00 a.m.- Noon and 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Volunteers are needed at both sites.
In 2010 -

▪ Over 6,000 families (20,000 individuals) were served in 2010

▪ 14 Tons of food was distributed
▪ 900 Families were served for the Christmas holiday

For more information on Merrick Community Services Food Shelves and how you can help, please contact us at either location: 651-772-2313 or 651-774-9647.

Dorothy Ann Bakery - Thank You!

2011-03-14T16:36:50.365Z

Dorothy Ann Bakery held their Soup and Bread Fest with a portion of the proceeds going to MCS foodshelves. Throughout the month of March, they will continue collecting food and money for MCS, the charity of choice. Thanks to owners Joan and Steve Conway for their support of MCS. They have a wonderful shop, offering more than the usual sweets. When you pay them a visit, let them know you support MCS, too.

At left, MCS Board member with Dorothy Ann Bakery owner, Joan Conway.

Farewell & Welcome

2011-03-07T16:27:22.006Z

After 14 years serving as Executive Director, MCS said farewell to Francis Ivory at an event held February 24th at the Hiway Federal Credit Union on Westminster street. The evening included Saint Paul Harding High School's ROTC as well as musical performances by their student jazz ensemble . This was also an opportunity to welcome Merrick Community Services new Executive Director, Daniel A. Rodriguez.

As we welcome Mr. Rodriguez, we thank you Mr. Ivory, for your committment and service to Merrick and the East Side community we serve.

Visit us on face book to view photographs from the night.

March is Minnesota Foodshare Month

2011-03-07T17:06:20.662Z

The largest food drive in the state has begun, with the hope of re-stocking 300 food shelves across Minnesota. Merrick Community Services operates two of those foodshelves, and serves the East Side of Saint Paul. We challenge congregations, companies, schools, civic groups and everyone else to run local food and fund drives to aid in this effort.

Here's how the March Campaign impacts our local shelves. Program allocations come through Minnesota Foodshare and are based on the following five areas:

Number of families we serve
Number of individuals we serve
Total poundage received
Total poundage distributed
Monetary donations received

The more we bring in through cash and food donations, the more we gain through allocations. Throughout the month, we hope to raise over 30,000 pounds of food and/or dollars in our East Side locations, while raising awareness of hunger issues thoroughout the entire state. Please join us in this effort by contacting our foodhelf sites at: 651-772-2313 -OR- 651-774-9647.

Upcoming fundraiser for MCS shelves: Soup and Bread Fest 2011 - Dorothy Ann Bakery.

2011-02-20T14:07:47.133Z

Continuity - Looking back with PRIDE. Moving forward with PROMISE.

2011-02-02T13:30:00.435Z

After 14 years of service to the East Side and Merrick Community Services, Francis Ivory is retiring. A celebration will be held in honor and in recognition of his good work.

Please join us as we say farewell to Francis Ivory, honoring and recognizing his 14 years as Executive Director of Merrick Community Services and welcome Daniel A. Rodriguez, MCS' new Executive Director.

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

4:30 p.m.—7:30 p.m.

Hiway Federal Credit Union-840 Westminster Street, St. Paul, MN

A short program will take place from 6:00 p.m.-6:45 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

To R.S.V.P., please visit our facebook site at MERRICK COMMUNITY SERVICES, or call us at 651.771.8821.