The Arc Mercer News

After 27 years of dedicated service to The Arc Mercer, Cheryl Smith, DSP in the Arc Mercer's Residential Program, is beginning a well-earned retirement. For nearly three decades, Cheryl has been a familiar and caring presence in the Arc Mercer's group homes and supervised apartments, dedicating her career to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Throughout those years, she has helped consumers grow more independent, celebrate accomplishments

Arc Mercer consumers and staff joined the Hamilton Township community for National Night Out, an annual event that brings residents and local law enforcement together to build stronger, safer communities. Several consumers from our residential programs attended alongside staff and met up with Residential Director Paul Lagana for an evening of community activities and connection. While there, the group also had the opportunity to snap a photo with Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff

The Arc Mercer is proud to recognize two outstanding consumers as our latest Rising Star of the Month honorees. This award celebrates individuals who demonstrate personal growth, determination, and a commitment to reaching their goals. Each recipient receives a signed and framed certificate from the Office of the Executive Director along with a $100 gift card, and both will be eligible for consideration as Rising Star of the Year. May Rising Star: Da'Zion Thompson Occupationa

At the Arc Mercer, innovation isn't just about technology or new programs, it's about finding better ways to support both employees and the individuals they serve. Over the past year, the Arc Mercer has been piloting an innovative overnight staffing model at one of its residential homes that allows overnight Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to rest during their shift while maintaining continuous supervision and support for residents. Under the program, two overnight staff

Every recreation outing represents more than a day on the calendar. It represents an opportunity for someone to build confidence, strengthen friendships, experience something new, and become more connected to their community. That commitment to meaningful engagement continues to be a priority throughout Arc Mercer's Residential Services. During the first six months of 2026, residential staff organized 1,889 community recreation outings for the individuals who live in the agen

As the music played across Miracle League Field and kickballs flew through the warm spring air, something special was happening. Consumers, residential staff, and officers from the Hamilton Police Department gathered together for what was supposed to be a community kickball game. By the end of the day, it had become something much more, a celebration of friendship, inclusion, and the relationships that make The Arc Mercer feel like family. For many of the individuals we suppo