The Arc Mercer Spreads Holiday Joy Across All Programs With Holly Jolly Tour

Each December, the Arc Mercer continues one of its most cherished traditions, the Holly Jolly Holiday Tour. Over the course of four days, the agency’s executive leadership and administrative team visited every program site and all 25 residential group homes, delivering holiday gifts for consumers and bonuses for staff. 

More than a celebration, the tour is a personal commitment from leadership to meet every employee, shake their hand, and thank them for the life-changing work they do each day.

Executive Director Steve Cook once again led this year’s tour, joined by directors, administrators, board members, and, back by popular demand, Santa Claus and the Arc Mercer Elves. As the agency grows, so does the production of the tour. This year, consumers and staff were welcomed not only by Santa and his elves, but also by a lively appearance from Mrs. Claus, who joined the team for interactive skits that brought laughter and magical holiday spirit to every stop.

Celebrating a Season of Excellence

The Holly Jolly Tour is a moment of joy, but it is also a moment of recognition, particularly for the outstanding performance of the Arc Mercer’s Residential Team this past quarter.

From July through September 2025, staff achieved remarkable quality outcomes:

• 0 medication errors across all homes

• 977 recreation activities provided to consumers

• Strong Therap compliance, resulting in every home earning a Gold or Platinum Star

These are not easy benchmarks to meet. They represent precision, consistency, and a deep commitment to ensuring consumers are safe, engaged, and living meaningful, fulfilling lives. As part of the tour, staff received both the annual holiday bonus and additional quality incentive bonuses tied to these achievements, an acknowledgment of the skill and dedication required to maintain such exceptional standards.

Honoring the Heart of the Arc Mercer

With more than 450 staff working across programs, the Holly Jolly Holiday Tour gives leadership a rare opportunity to thank each employee face-to-face. For many at the agency, this moment means more than any incentive, it is a reminder that their work is seen, valued, and essential.

Board members joined the tour throughout the week, reaffirming the board’s shared commitment to frontline staff. With nearly 85% of board members having loved ones enrolled in Arc Mercer programs, their presence reflects a personal investment in ensuring consumers receive the highest level of care.

Bringing Holiday Magic to Consumers

For many Arc Mercer residents, the agency truly is family. Every consumer had the chance to share their holiday wish list, and those wishes were hand-selected and delivered personally, tablets, headphones, art kits, books, and other meaningful gifts chosen just for them.

Staff went above and beyond to transform homes and program sites into festive holiday settings, creating warm, joyful environments where consumers could celebrate the season surrounded by people who genuinely care.

The addition of Mrs. Claus and the expanded holiday skits added an extra layer of magic this year, offering laughter, and connection across every stop of the tour. These moments of shared joy remind us what the holiday season is truly about.

A Tradition Rooted in Mission

The Holly Jolly Holiday Tour showcases the very best of the Arc Mercer: gratitude for staff, deep respect for families, and unwavering dedication to the individuals the agency supports.

It is more than a festive tradition, It is a reflection of the agency’s core values—quality, compassion, and community.

As the Arc Mercer continues to expand its programs and impact across Mercer County, the Holly Jolly Tour remains a beloved symbol of connection and appreciation, inspiring hope and happiness for consumers and staff during the holiday season and beyond.