The Arc Mercer recently hosted a vibrant and educational celebration in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, led by the agency’s Hispanic Culture Group—a vital part of the Team Atmosphere Committee (TAC). The group, one of the largest and most active culture groups within TAC, put together one of the most memorable cultural events of the year, showcasing the richness and diversity of Hispanic heritage within the agency.
Milovan Segura, Arc Mercer’s West Trenton Senior Site Supervisor, did a fantastic job hosting the event, as the celebration was spearheaded by Marllury Diaz, Employment Specialist, with assistance from the Team Atmosphere Committee (TAC). The celebration began with an uplifting prayer led by Nancy Batz, a representative of the Assembly of Christ Church, before welcoming a special guest speaker from the New Jersey State Police. Major Domingo De Los Santos delivered a powerful testimonial about the Arc Mercer’s janitorial team, which is predominantly Hispanic, emphasizing the crucial role they play in maintaining safety and cleanliness at their facilities.
“I always say when somebody asks them, ‘What do you do?’ You could tell them, ‘I’m keeping the citizens in the state of New Jersey safe,’” said Major De Los Santos. “The work they do, I’m telling you, it doesn’t go unnoticed. We really need their help.”
His speech perfectly aligned with the Arc Mercer’s organizational culture, which refers to its frontline employees as “Mission Critical Staff.” This term, coined by Executive Director Steve Cook, reflects the agency's appreciation for those staff members who work directly with consumers and play an essential role in the agency’s mission to serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Following this inspiring address, members of the Hispanic Culture Group delivered an educational presentation highlighting the diverse cultural backgrounds within the Arc Mercer community. Led by Marllury Diaz, Linette Gonzalez-Rivera (janitorial staff member), and Nancy Batz, the presentation focused on the history and significance of Hispanic culture. They provided insight into the countries that many of the agency's staff call home, such as Puerto Rico, Panama, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The presenters also explained the distinction between the terms “Hispanic” and “Latino,” broadening understanding and fostering an inclusive environment.
The Arc Mercer is proud of its longstanding tradition of celebrating cultural diversity, recognizing the invaluable contributions of its Hispanic staff. The Hispanic Cultural Group, through outreach efforts, continues to engage with frontline staff, connecting them with their communities, churches, and diaspora organizations. These connections foster sustainable projects that uplift not only the employees but the entire Arc Mercer community.
As the premier provider of services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Arc Mercer is committed to honoring the diverse backgrounds of its workforce while continuing to expand.
Join the Arc Mercer Team
As the Arc Mercer grows, we are always seeking passionate individuals to join our team. Our dedicated staff members play a critical role in delivering exceptional care and services to the individuals we support. If you are looking to make a difference in the lives of others and become part of an organization that values cultural diversity and community engagement, we encourage you to apply today!
For more information about career opportunities at the Arc Mercer, visit our careers page.
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