Mission Statement

It is the mission of MERCI to provide people
with severe to profound developmental
disabilities the right to an education in life
skills, the opportunity to maximize their
independence and to advocate for their
choices.

MERCI carries out this mission by investing
in highly trained staff to help the people we
serve achieve growth in their day-to-day
lives.

MERCI recognizes that some people may
need support as members of society. MERCI
is a partner with the consumer,their
families and/or care providers to help
provide support, achieve growth,and
advocate for their choices.

Since 1955, MERCI has offered services to the developmentally disabled population of the East Los Angeles/San Gabriel Valley region. To paraphrase California state law, disabilities include mental retardation, cerebral palsy,and autism as well as conditions related to mental retardation. These conditions must originate before the age of 18 and continue, or be expected to continue, indefinitely and constitute a substantial handicap.

MERCI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is composed of representatives from the local business community and service clubs as well as parents of consumers and supporters. As of 2006, MERCI has been in operation continuously for 51 years.

MERCI provides services to over 125 individuals residing in communities across the San Gabriel Valley,including Alhambra, Altadena, Arcadia, Commerce, Downey, El Monte, Glendale, Highland Park, La Puente, Los Angeles, Maywood, Monrovia, Montebello, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Temple City, South Pasadena,and Whittier.