Honoring Heritage and Paying It Forward: Arc Mercer Celebrates Liberia's 179th Independence Day
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
The Arc Mercer proudly celebrated Liberia's 179th Independence Day with its annual flag raising ceremony, bringing together employees, board members, community leaders, and members of the Liberian community to recognize a culture that has become an essential part of the organization's identity.
The event opened with a prayer from Employee Experience Manager Lionel Awode, followed by remarks from Executive Director Steve Cook, who reflected on the lasting impact Liberian employees have made across the agency.
"Our team is our strength," Cook said. "The diversity of our team, coming together as a unified team, creates the strength of The Arc Mercer."
Cook explained that the values of family, compassion, and service found throughout Liberian culture are reflected every day in the way employees care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Board President Maria Fischer thanked Liberian employees for the heart they bring to their work.
"This is not just a job. It is a calling," Fischer said. "The love, respect, and dignity you show our consumers is extraordinary."
Past Board President Rick Koreyva echoed those sentiments, describing the compassion and sense of family Liberian employees bring to the agency each day.
The ceremony also featured remarks from Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, Director of Public Works Hector Weah, and keynote speaker Albert Giple, President of the Liberia Community Association of Central New Jersey. Giple spoke about the meaning of Liberia's independence and praised The Arc Mercer's decades-long commitment to serving people with dignity.
Project 601: Extending Our Mission
A highlight of the ceremony was the continued celebration of Project 601, The Arc Mercer's Pay It Forward initiative created through the Team Atmosphere Committee (TAC).
TAC's mission is to strengthen workplace culture by celebrating employees and embracing the many cultures represented throughout the organization. Project 601 expands that mission by partnering with organizations in Liberia to improve services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Cook shared that The Arc Mercer has committed approximately $150,000 annually toward building sustainable support systems in Liberia while also helping provide vehicles and equipment to nonprofit partners.
Giple announced that the Liberian Community Association fully embraces Project 601 as a shared mission.
"This is not simply The Arc Mercer's project," he said. "It belongs to everyone who believes every person deserves dignity, support, and opportunity."
A highlight of the ceremony was the raising of the Liberian flag, accompanied by a moving performance of the Liberian National Anthem by Alberta Kennedy, a Direct Support Professional and member of TAC's Liberia Cultural Connection. The moment served as a powerful tribute to Liberia's history, heritage, and the many Liberian employees who help make The Arc Mercer stronger every day.
The celebration concluded with an authentic Liberian lunch, giving attendees an opportunity to share traditional cuisine and continue celebrating together.
More than a celebration of independence, the annual flag raising serves as an opportunity to recognize the tremendous contributions of The Arc Mercer's Liberian employees and reaffirm the organization's commitment to giving back. Through Project 601, the compassion and dedication shown by employees every day continues to create opportunities not only for consumers here in New Jersey, but also for individuals and families in Liberia.
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