The Arc Mercer is known for its innovative approach to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Now, we're taking that innovation to the international stage. In a landmark meeting, Arc Mercer leadership met with John-Charuk Siafa, the Mayor of Monrovia, Liberia, to discuss a groundbreaking partnership that will bring our expertise and compassion to Liberia's IDD community.
Project 601 LiberiArc: A Vision for the Future
The heart of this partnership is Project 601 LiberiArc, an ambitious plan to build 15 schools for $15 million in 15 years. This initiative aims to provide high-quality services and education to individuals with IDD in Liberia, filling a critical need in the community.
Mayor Siafa, who toured our facilities and met with our leadership team, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, "These people (individuals with IDD) receive little to no attention. There is a deep void for services like this, especially quality services."
Sharing Our Expertise: The Arc Mercer Way
A key component of this partnership is the sharing of knowledge and experience. The Arc Mercer plans to temporarily send staff to Liberia to train local staff in our unique approach to care, ensuring that the highest standards of quality and compassion are maintained.
The Arc wants to ensure that the Liberian staff have the tools and knowledge they need to provide the best possible care.By sharing expertise, the Arc can help create a sustainable model of care that will benefit the Liberian IDD community for years to come.
Building on Our Strengths
The Arc Mercer's success is due in no small part to our dedicated staff and their commitment to our mission. This partnership will build on that strength, with the training program serving as a cultural exchange, fostering understanding and collaboration between the two communities.
A large part of the Arc’s success is thanks to their low turnover rate.
Sustainability and Economic Development
The partnership aims to create a self-sustaining culture of care in Liberia, focusing on training, infrastructure, and revenue generation. One innovative idea involves investing in farming to provide food sustainability and generate revenue for the community.
Mayor Siafa sees this project as a major opportunity for economic development, stating, "I'm interested in all of the jobs this project will create in Liberia."
A Shared Commitment
The Arc Mercer is proud of its strong Liberian culture, and we are committed to giving back to the Liberian community. Mayor Siafa shares this commitment, calling the plan "brilliant" and emphasizing the importance of sustainability.
"There's a lot of innovation in this," said Mayor Siafa. "Sustainability is key."
This partnership is a testament to the Arc Mercer's dedication to innovation and its unwavering commitment to serving individuals with IDD. We are excited to embark on this new chapter, working together with the Liberian community to build a brighter future for all.
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