Anna( middle person) and her team at her employer New Perspective Senior Living.
just recipients of services.
Looking ahead, TSE is implementing its 2025 – 2028 Strategic Plan, focused on financial stability, infrastructure improvements, workforce engagement and expanded opportunities for the people it serves.
TSE was also selected to participate in a three-year initiative with the Minnesota Department of Human Services and the University of Minnesota’ s Institute on Community Integration, advancing person-centered Positive Behavior Support practices organization-wide.
Transportation expansion remains a priority in 2026, with vehicles added and additional accessible minivans approved through the federal 5310 program. These investments will increase access that enrich lives throughout the Twin Cities Metro.
A Legacy of Leadership and a New Chapter for Merrick, Inc.
After more than a quarter century at the helm of Merrick, Inc., Executive Director John Wayne Barker has retired, concluding an impactful 27-year tenure with the organization. His leadership expanded opportunities for clients, protected a full array of employment choice and reinforced Merrick’ s longstanding commitment to centering the goals and interests of adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Succeeding him is a familiar leader: Mike Greenbaum. Greenbaum previously served as Merrick’ s Development and Finance Director from 2000 to 2013, playing a key role in strengthening its financial position and expanding community partnerships.
He later led Newtrax, Merrick’ s transportation partner, and built it into a strong provider of transportation services for people with disabilities, seniors and others experiencing transportation gaps in the northeast metro. Greenbaum’ s return to Merrick marks a thoughtful transition as he works to build on Merrick’ s excellent reputation and legacy.
Greenbaum hopes to continue to build on Merrick’ s strong partnerships in Vadnais Heights and surrounding communities. Now in its 62nd year,
Merrick continues to serve as a cornerstone of support for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities aged 21 and older in the northeastern Twin Cities.
At its Labore Road location in Vadnais Heights, it provides employment opportunities tailored to each client’ s individual strengths, interests and goals. Through a wide variety of partnerships with local businesses, Merrick’ s employment program offers three pathways for clients seeking meaningful work:
1) In-house assembly work at Merrick’ s employment support building.
2) Supported work crews at business partner locations, guided by a Merrick job coach.
3) Independent community employment, with regular job coaching support.
When employment is not part of clients’ goals, Merrick’ s life enrichment program steps in to provide a wide
ANNUAL EVENTS
ANNUAL BOWL-A-THON
at Flaherty’ s Arden Bowl
PLANT SALE
3210 Labore Road, Vadnais Heights
Jim Freeman: Chief Business Development Officer( right) Ron W., person served by TSE,( left), during St. Paul Lions volunteer opportunity.
to employment and community participation.
As TSE prepares to celebrate its 65th anniversary in 2026, the organization remains committed to inclusive employment, strong community partnerships and innovative approaches
GOLF SCRAMBLE
Troy Burne Golf Club
EMPOWER! LUNCH
Vadnais Heights Commons
For more information, go to Merrickinc. org vhedc. com 37