Liberia Independence Day Celebration: Arc Mercer, Trenton, and Liberia Unite Through Project 601

In a powerful display of cultural pride, The Arc Mercer hosted its annual Liberian Flag Raising Celebration in honor of Liberia’s 178th Independence Day.

This year’s event marked more than a symbolic gesture, it delivered news of real, tangible impact in the form of a collaborative effort between The Arc Mercer and the City of Trenton: the donation of a firetruck to the city of Monrovia, Liberia.

The ceremony began with welcoming remarks from Arc Mercer Executive Director Steven Cook, who spoke to the importance of cultural diversity within the agency.

“The Arc Mercer has taken the opportunity to recognize that its team is comprised of incredible cultures… The different cultures that make up our team are the cultures that make up the incredible service that supports the people with special needs we serve every day.”

Throughout the event, speakers acknowledged the strength of the Liberian community and its long-standing connection to The Arc Mercer. The agency's Workforce Development Manager Bishop Lionel F. Awode and President of Council of Churches Reverend Dr. Eric Whisnant, Sr. offered blessings and prayers, while Board representation and community leaders echoed the values that unite cultures across the organization.

Former Board President Rick Koreyva emphasized those shared values, including “a strong work ethic, strong sense of family, and a strong spiritual foundation.” Koreyva also shared a personal connection, stating:

“I have a younger sister who’s been part of the Arc Mercer ecosystem for over 30 years… she lives a great life, a joyful life, and that’s because of all the hard work of not only the Liberian culture, but also other cultures that are part of the Arc.”

A central theme of the event was the growing momentum behind Project 601, Arc Mercer’s groundbreaking initiative designed to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Liberia. The agency has committed nearly $150,000 to the project, which is nearing implementation overseas.

“In a matter of several weeks, we expect to see that really come into fruition through two special entities overseas,” Cook noted.

Those two special entities are My Hearts Appeal and the Antoinette Tubman Cheshire Home, two organizations located in Liberia that provide support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These organizations will be foundational and integral parts of Project 601.

This project, launched through Arc Mercer’s Team Atmosphere Committee (TAC) and led by the Liberian Cultural Connection Group, represents a cultural initiative that empowers Liberian staff to give back to their home country. Their leadership and energy towards Project 601 has been critical to driving the effort forward.

Sekou Kamara, Arc Mercer’s Financial Controller and a member of the Liberian Cultural Connection Group, acknowledged and emphasized the important role played by all Liberian associations and organization members in attendance, thanking each of them for their contributions. 

Mayor Reed Gusciora then delivered a major announcement.

“Trenton is decommissioning one of our firetrucks and we’re going to donate it to Monrovia… A critical partner in all of that is Arc Mercer. Arc Mercer is actually shipping the firetruck over to Liberia."

For a city like Monrovia, where reliable emergency response vehicles are scarce and public infrastructure is underfunded, this donation will make an immediate and life-saving impact. In many parts of Liberia, roads are unpaved or impassable during rainy seasons, and entire communities may be left without access to fire protection or emergency services. Even basic transportation remains a daily challenge for many, especially for individuals with disabilities or health concerns.

As the Liberian national anthem concluded, a City of Trenton firetruck pulled up in front of the flag-raising site, signifying the powerful partnership in motion. Trenton Fire Director Kenneth Douglas added,

“We will make sure that the Liberian people will have exactly what they need to put the fires out in town… In addition to this truck, there’s going to be some supplemental fire safety equipment that goes along with it.”

The event’s keynote address came from Hon. D. Zeogar Wilson, Chairman of the Board at the Antoinette Tubman Cheshire Home in Liberia and a former Arc Mercer staff member. He offered heartfelt praise for the agency’s Liberian employees and their dedication to both the individuals they serve and their homeland:

“I dedicate this day to you all, for your hard work, commitment and dedication not just to the administration of Arc Mercer, but in particular, to the individuals served.”

He reflected on Project 601 as a vital step toward changing the national perception of IDD and mental health in Liberia:

“This selfless venture… will allow us to walk the walk and translate our commitment to tangible action… We believe that with collective efforts and widespread participation, this initiative can truly make a significant and positive impact in Liberia.”

Project 601 aims not only to deliver resources but also to help build infrastructure and sustainable support systems for individuals with disabilities in Liberia. This includes providing access to transportation, healthcare, vocational training, and emergency response tools—all areas where support is urgently needed.

Wilson also shared a moving story from the 2019 Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi, where Liberian athletes with IDD faced stigma from their own families before ultimately winning five gold medals and a silver. The story underscored the need to change how people with disabilities are viewed in Liberia—a goal at the heart of Project 601.

Wilson closed his remarks by reflecting on his own time as a group home manager with Arc Mercer:

“I had a wonderful time here… I was never disrespected or treated unfairly… After over two decades, every time I came here, I felt at home, and today is no different.”

Executive Director Steve Cook followed, noting:

“That says volumes about why this project is moving forward… Today is not only a celebration of the independence of Liberia, but of our relationship with each other… The spirit of the Liberian people benefits Arc Mercer, benefits Trenton, benefits Liberia and it benefits the world.”

After the ceremonial raising of the American and Liberian flags and the playing of both national anthems, attendees were invited indoors to enjoy authentic Liberian cuisine and continue the celebration of independence.

As Project 601 edges closer to real-world implementation and the firetruck shipment to Monrovia nears completion, the bond between The Arc Mercer, the City of Trenton, and the Liberian community stands stronger than ever—a testament to what can happen when cultures unite with purpose.