Celebrating 27 Years of Service: Cheryl Smith Retires from The Arc Mercer

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, navigate challenges, and, most importantly, feel at home.

Cheryl was recognized during the Arc Mercer's latest TAC Awards Luncheon, where she reflected on what her 27 years at The Arc Mercer have meant to her.

“I wanted to make a difference, but I never imagined how much this work would change my own life. Working our group homes and supervised apartments has been the honor of my lifetime. Together, we didn't just provide care. We built true homes.”

She also spoke about the relationships and memories that made her career so meaningful.

“We celebrated the small victories and laughed through the hard days and helped our residents find independence and joy.”

Twenty-seven years of service is an incredible milestone, particularly in a field where consistency and long-term relationships can have such a meaningful impact.

Cheryl's commitment represents the very best of what it means to be a Direct Support Professional: showing up, building trust, forming relationships, and helping the people we serve live fuller and more independent lives.

As she addressed her coworkers and leaders one final time, Cheryl shared a message that speaks to everyone who has chosen this work as a career:

“This work takes a special kind of heart and I am so proud to have stood alongside you all. As I step down, I leave with a heart full of beautiful memories.”

Cheryl, thank you for 27 wonderful years with The Arc Mercer. Thank you for the loyalty, the compassion, and the countless hours you have dedicated to the Arc Mercer's consumers and Residential Program. The homes, coworkers, and individuals you have supported throughout your career are all part of the legacy you leave behind.

Congratulations on your retirement, Cheryl. We wish you nothing but happiness as you begin this next chapter!