The Easter Bunny, assisted by Team Supervisor, Julia Kenzevich, made rounds to all of the IDD homes at Merakey Allegheny Valley School in Pittsburgh this past Easter Sunday! The individuals supported received a friendly wave and a goody bag from the Easter Bunny, all while practicing positive social distancing.
We hope everyone had a “hoppy” time.
Merakey employees, family members and friends have been busy helping to get homemade masks to our frontline workers. We are grateful to all who are helping by sewing, donating material and supplies, and collecting and distributing masks!
In Western PA, more than 500 masks have been donated or are in the process of being made! We received donations of materials from many individuals and companies including Joann Fabrics and Crafts, which has been providing FREE precut mask kits. Other companies supporting the effort include: Schreiber Auto & Marine Upholstery, Pins & Needles and R. Hanauer Fine Accessories.
Huge thanks to the COVID-19 Pittsburgh and Allegheny County masks for people Facebook group that has contributed so many masks to Merakey. The group’s originators - Tracy Baton & Lu Randall - and their crew of sewers have worked tirelessly to get as many masks to as many people as possible throughout the region.
THANKS TO ALL!
The ladies at Wiltshire have been busy doing some of their favorite activities while maintaining social distancing guidelines. Carol has been bird watching; Deborah made beautiful drawings on the windows; Susan has been listening and dancing along to her favorite music; and Nancy has enjoyed building with magnets. They also dyed eggs and made beautiful crafts for Easter. Great job, ladies!
Many of the houses enjoyed baking and dying eggs for Easter! Pictured below are the gentleman from Great Oaks and the ladies from Oregon. Thanks to the staff members who helped to make the Easter holiday a special time for everyone in spite of current circumstances!
The guys at Wildwood are spending time outdoors around their house by having some bowling fun. Thanks to staff member Ariaus Yoho for setting up this fun activity for Jimmy, Brandon, Eric and Jonathan! Jonathan is also getting some extra fresh air while helping to clean up the yard at Wildwood. He’s known as the “branch manager,” pictured below with the house manager’s dog, Mocha.
Spring has sprung at Ohioview! The ladies enjoyed time in their sensory room with a beach ball. They also made beautiful butterfly crafts to brighten up the house while keeping safe indoors.
The ladies at Merakey’s Galey Home are having fun with endless activities! They’re playing games like Sorry and Bingo, going on short walks, making Easter baskets and decorations, and having exercise dance parties. They celebrated Tricia’s birthday this past weekend with a party. Happy Birthday Tricia!
Samuel at Merakey’s Philadelphia Campus and his mom Jean are happy to stay connected during the COVID-19 crisis. With help from staff members, Sam is learning to use technology to Skype with his mom each week. The opportunity to see his mom’s familiar face and listen to her voice are notable highlights to his day. Sam will continue to Skype with his mom weekly as long as social and physical distancing remain in place.
The guys at Windy Ghoul are taking advantage of the beautiful spring weather! They’re enjoying outdoor activities like cornhole, going on a bear hunt, and looking for bears painted on windows. They are also getting ready for Easter by crafting decorations for the house, and making cards to send to loved ones.
The folks living in Merakey AVS residences are making the most of their time at home! The gentleman at Merakey’s Countryview home are getting ready for Easter by making delicious cookies. Thanks to the Countryview staff members for helping to organize this fun and delicious activity!
The ladies at Merakey’s Nolte home are staying very busy! They’ve been making lots of crafts, playing games, taking walks, watching movies, enjoying their own in-house spa services and more!
