Culture in Action: How Arc Mercer Staff Turned Connection Into Compassion

At The Arc Mercer, diversity is more than something we celebrate, it’s a strength that actively shapes how we serve, support, and give back. That commitment was powerfully demonstrated when the agency’s Team Atmosphere Committee (TAC) Jamaican Cultural Connection Group stepped forward to support victims of Hurricane Melissa.

In response to the devastation caused by the storm, the Jamaican Cultural Connection Group organized a clothing drive and fundraising effort to provide direct relief to impacted communities in Jamaica. Staff from across the agency rallied behind the initiative, contributing donations and supplies to support families facing loss and displacement.

Thanks to this collective effort, more than 300 individuals were provided with meals, and over 60 care packages were distributed to community members in need. Each package included essential hygiene items such as soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and washcloths, small but vital resources during the recovery process.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the initiative was its personal connection. Pauline Maxwell, a nurse practitioner at the Arc Mercer Healthcare Center and a proud member of the Jamaican community, traveled to Jamaica to personally deliver supplies and assist with on-the-ground relief efforts in Saint Elizabeth, one of the areas hardest hit by the hurricane. Her involvement helped ensure that donations reached those who needed them most, reinforcing the authenticity and care behind the effort.

A Broader Commitment to Paying It Forward

This initiative reflects the larger mission of the Team Atmosphere Committee, which includes multiple Cultural Connection Groups made up of Arc Mercer staff. Each group represents a unique cultural background and leads its own Pay It Forward projects, partnering with the agency to give back to communities, often with a focus on supporting individuals with disabilities and other underserved populations.

These projects are a reflection of Arc Mercer’s belief that when staff feel seen, valued, and empowered, their impact extends far beyond the workplace. By supporting employees in honoring their cultures and causes, the agency is able to help “pay back” the dedication staff show every day to the people it supports, by investing in the communities that shaped them.

Diversity That Strengthens Community

Arc Mercer is proud to be a diverse and inclusive place to work, where employees are encouraged not only to bring their whole selves to the job, but also to lead meaningful change together. The work of the Jamaican Cultural Connection Group, and all TAC Cultural Connection Groups, demonstrates how shared purpose can transform compassion into action, both locally and globally.

Through these efforts, Arc Mercer continues to strengthen its culture, uplift its workforce, and extend its mission of care well beyond its walls.