August 7, 2023

Merrick Community Services
1669 Arcade Street, Suite #4
St. Paul, MN 55106

RE:  Press Release-Learn & Earn Human Services Program (UPDATED)

Merrick Community Services, in cooperation with our partners at Hired and the Karen Organization of Minnesota (KOM), are proud to announce our Learn & Earn Human Services Program.  This program will provide Ramsey County participants, ages 18-30, the opportunity to participate in a 14-week, credentialed class in Human Services.

The first 8 weeks includes the following:

• Introduction to the role of a Community Support Specialist in Human Services.
• Digital Skills, MS Office, Northstar Digital Literacy Certificates.
• Mental Health First Aid Certification.
• Customer Service and Terminology.
• Job Skills-Resume, Interviewing, Group Projects, and Presentations.
• Business Professionalism and Leading in Human Services.
• Coaching, Counseling, and Navigating Resources.

A 6-week internship will follow the completion of the course (120 hours).

Participants will be compensated for both the time they are learning within the program, as well as the time they spend in internships.

Next Steps:

1. Select an agency (Merrick Community Services, Hired or KOM). You only need to apply with 1 agency.
2. Complete an Agency Application and Submit it by 8/2/24 for Cohort 4.
3. Attend an Agency Intake Appointment which will be scheduled.
4. You will receive notification of class selection on or before 8/9/24.

Training Location:  Hired (800 Minnehaha Ave. E., Suite 200, St. Paul, MN 55106)

Important Dates:  Recruiting for Cohort 4 closes 8/2/24.

Class Start Date: 8/20/24 (Tuesday)

Contact Any of the Following (You only need to contact 1 agency) for more information:

Merrick Community Services
Alison Hruby
Email:    ahruby@merrickcs.org
Phone:  651-243-6725 (Please leave voicemail message)

Hired
Caitlin Osell (Senior Trainer Human Services Career Pathways)
Email:  caitlin.osell@hired.org
Phone:  612-433-9328

KOM
Lisa Khang
Email:  Lkhang@mnkaren.org
Phone:  651-253-3894

Program Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act

Effective Monday, July 17,2023

Merrick will begin a 4-day work week schedule for the months of July thru September

8 AM – 5:30 PM.

Food Shelf Hours will remain in place and Meals on Wheels programming has been adjusted.

For more information regarding Meals on Wheels contact Maria Molina at 651-219-5531 or email mmolina@merrickcs.org

Today marks the tragic anniversary of George Floyd’s murder across the River in Minneapolis.  As we all recall, the eyes of the nation and world became focused on this tragedy, which led to an outpouring of outrage, despair, and disbelief.  Three years later, the African American community (in particular) and others of us who aspire to be good allies and change agents continue our journey toward healing and justice.

So, as we remember George Floyd, a man who literally changed the world, we wanted you to be aware of the George Floyd Global Memorial that is hosting a three-day festival in celebration of George’s life and his legacy.

The Rise & Remember festivities start today and continue through Saturday.  All are welcome to “inspire people to rise to the occasion, come together in community, and build racial equity.”

A candlelight vigil, a gala fundraiser, and a free community festival open to anyone who wants to celebrate the life of George Floyd are just a few of the items occurring during the 3-day event.

For information on the festival, visit:

riseandremember.org