A BRIEF HISTORY OF MERCI

     In 2005, MERCI celebrated its 50th Anniversary of service to the community. The agency has come a long way from its humble beginnings in borrowed spaces to managing several sites in the Monterey Park area. The dedication and passion exhibited by its employees continues to manifest itself in the achievements of our consumers, who make frequent progress in their individual goals. Their goals range from the most basic self-care skills to more complex tasks such as enrolling for college, either way MERCI provides the support to ensure that every consumer works to his or her potential as a member of the community. This is accomplished by an ongoing dialogue with careproviders and parents, as well as frequent trips into the community to acclimate consumers to everyday life. MERCI will continue to provide these services and work towards the empowerment of the developmentally disabled population of the East Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley area.

     In 1955, the need for a school in which developmentally disabled children could thrive was identified by the Monterey Park Exchange Club. Up until that point, developmentally disabled children were not eligible for public school. MERCI was formed out of this need and incorporated as a nonprofit in 1959. In 1960, MERCI purchased its first property on Chandler Avenue in Monterey Park. This purchase was partially realized by a generous donation from the Monterey Park Firemen’s Association. The facility was quickly brought to the standards set forth by city and state school building regulations with assistance from volunteers. MERCI was granted tax-exempt status in 1961 by the federal government, making all contributions to the agency tax deductible.

     In 1967, MERCI received its license to begin day training and was vendored by the State Health and Welfare Agency, now known as the Regional Centers of California, to serve persons diagnosed with developmental disabilities. Also that year, the Monterey Park Women’s Club spearheaded a campaign to raise the necessary funds to expand MERCI’s facilities as the agency was rapidly growing and in need of additional classroom space. The money was eventually raised, and with the increase in classroom space, MERCI’s enrollment grew from 26 to 75.

     The children’s program eventually expanded to include a Work Activity Center for teenagers and young adults, as well as a state-funded program for preschoolers. As public schools changed, MERCI sought to prepare children for enrollment in special education classes. As part of the Work Activity Center, consumers continued to make progress in their goals to develop social skills, familiarize themselves with their nation’s history, and involve themselves in recreational activities. Interest in MERCI’s program increased as evidenced by its growing waiting list. In 1970, seeking to establish a steady source of revenue to cover the expense of its expanding programs, MERCI partnered with a local thrift store to sell salvageable goods. This relationship continues today and provides the agency with much-needed income.

     The 70’s also saw the passing of two laws that would have a direct impact on MERCI and its programs. In 1975, the federal government passed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, guaranteeing all handicapped children the right to an education. The responsibility lay with the school district, stating that each child was entitled to an education regardless of their level of disability. In 1976, the state of California passed the Lanterman Act, outlining specific rights and services for people with developmental disabilities. These laws had a catalytic effect on MERCI. As young people with developmental disabilities entered the public school system, MERCI shifted its focus to the needs of its older clients.

     In 1976, MERCI’s Board of Directors purchased the adjoining property on Chandler Avenue for $50,000. However, plans to build on the property had to be put on hold as the funds were needed elsewhere. MERCI later gained the use of the Fremont Youth Center on Palm Avenue in Alhambra. Even with the addition of these properties, MERCI was still challenged to meet the demands of an ever increasing waiting list. After much deliberation and planning, the second classroom building at the Chandler Avenue site was started. It was completed in 1983, due in no small part to the cooperation between the community and the Board.

     In our ongoing commitment to the community, MERCI recently opened two exciting programs designed to reach an even larger number of consumers. The DISCOVERY Program was implemented in 1995, and allows MERCI staff to travel to the homes of medically fragile consumers to work with them on a one-to-one basis. In this manner, even those who are not able to attend day programs at the MERCI sites are still able to set and achieve goals. The program currently services 37 consumers in the San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles area. In 2003, MERCI opened its first group home, Ernie’s Place, not far from the original Chandler Site. Ernie’s Place is named after Ernestine Giacoletto, whose generous donation helped bridge the gap in funding to make the group home a reality. The group home offers 24 hour supervised care for up to 6 consumers and is currently at capacity.

     Recently, MERCI consolidated its two day programs to the Chandler Ave site. The Fremont site will be leased to the Behavior Education Learning Institute (BELI), another organization providing services to the developmentally disabled. In addition, they will be leasing a classroom at the Chandler Site to house their children’s program. The revenue from these transactions will supplement MERCI’s budget and enable us to continue our work.

     The support of the community has played a pivotal role in MERCI’s history as it continues to flourish and expand to meet the needs of those with developmental disabilities. MERCI has had its share of challenges, but the agency continues to thrive. Although the climate of human services continues to evolve, MERCI persists in its adherence to its mission statement to provide services to those diagnosed with developmental disabilities and to assist them in reaching their maximum potential. MERCI believes that despite their disabilities, they are capable of becoming productive members of their community.