Merrick House

Merrick House is a "home" for hundreds of people each year, from infants 6 months old to seniors in their nineties. 
Through the years, Merrick House has opened its doors and welcomed all people.  Whether it be by teaching English to immigrants,
providing child care to working parents or organizing a block club, Merrick House continues to provide the support, encouragement and guidance
people need to function more independently through life. 

For a history of Merrick House, see: http://www.tremonthistory.com/2007/06/25/merrick-house-history

Locations:

Merrick House
1050 Starkweather Avenue
Cleveland, OH  44113
771-5077

Clark-Fulton Community Center
3619 Walton Avenue
Cleveland, OH  44113
281-4212

Merrick Senior Services Center
(Brooklyn Memorial United Methodist)
2607 Archwood Avenue
Cleveland, OH  44109
661-4700

Merrick Teen Education Center
(Gilbert Center)
3288 West 58th Street
Cleveland, OH  44102
281-0066

Merrick House is a Settlement House neighborhood center located in Tremont and serving the Clark-Fulton-Denison and Tremont neighborhoods. Founded in 1919 by the Christ Child Society and the Catholic Charities, their mission is to respect cultural diversity while encouraging community harmony. Their purpose is to enable and empower residents to utilize the democratic process to promote social justice by:

• Providing educational, social, and recreational programs;
• Advocating for the individual, the family, and the community; and
• Supporting other community and governmental programs and services that are consistent with these ideas.

Merrick House is funded by United Way Services; the City of Cleveland; Catholic Charities Services Corporation; Cuyahoga County; the State of Ohio; foundations; individual and corporate donors; and program service fees.

The center provides the following services:

Child Day Care Services

Hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The Mary W. Butler Day Care Center provides children ages six months to six years with a social climate where warmth, friendliness, helpfulness, cooperation, respect for differences, and acceptance of people as they are is the standard. Teachers encourage each child’s development as an individual through self-expression. Children receive two nutritious meals per day, as well as an afternoon snack. Health screening and referral services are also available.

Hours: Monday-Friday 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. (Hours vary during the summer months)

The youth services program provides children from eight to 18 years old an opportunity to participate in activities focused on growth and development. Youth can take part in cooking classes, arts and crafts, tutoring, sports, and service projects. They are also encouraged to participate in discussions on issues affecting them today such as AIDS, sexuality, teen pregnancy, and drug and alcohol abuse. Sessions emphasize building self-esteem; improving communication skills; learning to cope; making responsible decisions; and learning to develop and maintain positive relationships with family and peers. Staff also provides individual and family counseling.

Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Merrick House provides a full array of programs for senior citizens whether they are well or impaired. The program assists individuals so that they can maintain their independence within the community and outside of a nursing home facility. The strength of the program is the volunteer program where senior participants help their peers and receive services for themselves. Services include transportation to and from Merrick House, the doctor’s office, or the grocery store; home-delivered hot lunches; assistance with housing or financial matters; therapeutic, recreational, and educational activities; visiting and telephone reassurance; and individual and family counseling. Merrick House also serves as the advocate and organizer for senior citizens in the Tremont and Clark-Fulton-Denison neighborhoods.

Community Organization & Planning

Merrick House staff work with residents to take control of their lives and improve the neighborhoods. This is accomplished by working with parents to improve the quality of public education; working with residents to guarantee affordable, accessible, quality health care; working with senior citizens and day care parents to assure government funding for programs; working with neighbors to assess community needs and solve local problems, and working with low-income residents and their advocates to obtain fairness in public assistance programs. The common thread is that people working together on issues are more effective that people working alone.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. – 12 noon

Monday-Thursday 12 noon – 3 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday 6 – 8 p.m.

Merrick Institute offers adults the opportunity to prepare themselves for their high school equivalency test through the General Educational Development (GED) Program. The Skills Improvement Program provides classes for adults who want to improve their English, math, and reading skills. Students may also be eligible for career counseling, transportation, child care, and a daily stipend. The Cuyahoga County Learning Earning and Parenting (LEAP) program serves teens mothers by providing educational and outreach services.

Hours: September - May
Monday-Friday 3 – 6 p.m. (ages 8-14)

Monday-Friday 6 – 9 p.m. (ages 15-18)

Saturday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (ages 15-18)

Merrick House’s gymnasium allows youth to participate in organized recreation such as basketball or physical conditioning. It serves as a healthy alternative to the streets.