Merakey Allegheny Valley School

Merakey Allegheny Valley School (Merakey AVS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive services and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Established in 1960, the organization operates across nine counties in Pennsylvania: Allegheny, Beaver, Bucks, Butler, Dauphin, Lebanon, Mercer, Montgomery, and Philadelphia.

Mission and Services

Merakey AVS provides a wide range of services, including campus living where individuals can reside with peers while receiving 24-hour nursing care and respiratory services. These residential settings offer a home-like atmosphere, allowing individuals to personalize their living spaces. The organization also offers various auxiliary support services, such as:

• Behavioral Supports
• Communication Training
• Community Activities
• Day Program Services
• Health Services
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Respiratory Therapy
• Leisure Activities
• Psychological Services
• Recreational Programs
• Social Services
• Therapeutic Activities
• Transportation
• Vocational Training

Individuals supported by Merakey AVS are encouraged to participate in community outings, which include visits to museums, athletic events, and parks, as well as volunteering with local organizations.

Programs

Merakey AVS operates over 120 programs and facilities, including campuses, community group homes, and day program centers. These programs are designed to cater to the unique needs of individuals with IDD, featuring specialized services such as memory care, communication technology, sensory and technology homes.

The Adult Training Program focuses on enhancing cognitive, communication, and physical development through therapeutic programs, pre-vocational, vocational, and independent living skills. This program is tailored to each individual's needs, promoting overall growth and self-sufficiency.

History and Affiliation

In 2008, Allegheny Valley School became an affiliate of Merakey, a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation that serves as the parent organization for various affiliated nonprofits and for-profit entities. Merakey AVS was formerly known as NHS Allegheny Valley School.

The name "Merakey" is inspired by the modern Greek word "Meraki," meaning to work with soul, creativity, or love, and reflects the organization's commitment to innovative care and educational solutions.

Funding

Merakey AVS receives primary funding from Medicaid, which covers operating costs such as housing, food, utilities, medications, program services, and staff salaries. Additional support for non-reimbursable expenditures like equipment and program expansion comes from private donations, which are crucial for maintaining high-quality care.

Community Engagement

Merakey AVS fosters community engagement through various activities and events, including annual fundraising events like the Friends of Merakey AVS Golf Open, which raises significant funds for its programs. The organization continuously seeks to enhance the lives of those it supports by providing opportunities for growth, independence, and community integration.

[1] https://avs.merakey.org/about.html [2] https://avs.merakey.org [3] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/25-1094911 [4] https://avs.merakey.org/attachments/merakeyavs-newsletter-2018.pdf [5] https://www.merakey.org